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Introducing Jo Lester
26 November 2024

At the heart of Olympia Events, where sensational events come to life, is Jo Lester, our Deputy Head of Conferences & Events. With 38 years in the industry - 21 of them at Olympia Events - Jo has mastered the art of turning ambitious ideas into reality. Join us as we dive into her journey, uncover her secrets to success, and get an exciting glimpse into the future of events!

 

So, to begin, can you tell us a little about your journey into the events industry and what sparked your passion? 

I first stepped into the world of exhibitions at the age of 17, starting on the catering side, and experiencing the vibrant diversity of events week after week quickly captivated me. When I transitioned into venue management and began working directly with our event organisers, playing a vital role in their success stories, it became clear to me - this was the career I was meant to pursue!
 

After being with us for 21 years (38 years since first walking into your catering job!), what do you find most rewarding about being Deputy Head of Conferences & Events?

The most rewarding part of my role is meeting new clients and collaborating to create something truly special. There’s nothing quite like witnessing the “wow” moment on their faces for the first time - it never fails to inspire me. As event managers, we are natural problem solvers, often challenged to achieve what seems impossible, and I’m proud to say we almost always find a way! Being part of the incredible team at Olympia Events and hearing clients sincerely say, “This is my favourite venue to work in,” makes it all the more meaningful.
 

What do you enjoy most about working at Olympia Events?

For me, it always comes down to the people. Our team culture shines through in everything we do, and the strong, collaborative relationships we build with our clients are truly unmatched. Playing a key role in their events is incredibly fulfilling, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of helping them bring their visions to life. This job also offers a unique sense of purpose, allowing us to collaborate with clients to create experiences that leave a lasting impact on our industry and their audiences. 


Can you give us a sneak peek into what a typical event day looks like for you?

As event day approaches, you’ll usually find me at the venue typically morning, noon, and night, making sure everything is in place for a seamless opening. On the morning of the event, my focus is on ensuring the halls are safe and ready for visitors, coordinating closely with the organiser, floor management team, and key partners, including fire safety, security, cleaning, traffic, and catering teams. And then - it’s showtime! Throughout the day, I serve as the go-to contact for resolving any logistical challenges, from misplaced items to technical support. Once the doors close, I review the day’s performance and identify areas for improvement to ensure an even richer experience for day two.
 

From blockbuster takeovers to industry-shaping tradeshows, what would you say is your most memorable event at Olympia Events and why?

One of the most challenging yet rewarding events I’ve worked on was ‘100% Design’, a show that pushed boundaries at its peak. Our halls proved to be a beautiful setting for this innovative showcase. From a 3D carpeted central gangway to a temporary staircase dressed in Formica, design elements rarely, if ever, seen before. It also marked the return of the Pillar and Upper Pillar Halls as event spaces after many years (I remember the Pillar Hall as the contractor's canteen, showing my age there…). 
 

With every event that comes alive under our roof, we aim to create a unique experience, all year round. What’s your secret to ensuring that each event we host leaves a lasting impression?

Behind the scenes, I work diligently to ensure every logistical aspect of the event runs seamlessly. Drawing on my experience, I proactively anticipate potential challenges and implement clear plans for everything, from catering to scheduling. When operations flow smoothly on the venue side, it allows organisers and visitors to fully focus on the event itself, free from the distractions of any operational hiccups.


As we embark on our new chapter of being part of London’s newest creative landmark, what are you most excited about our future and this new era of events?

Olympia Events has always been a leading venue for global events, but this new era will offer an inspired opportunity to reimagine both longstanding and emerging events. With a modernised space, innovative design and state-of-the-art technology, we can lead the way in redefining how people experience events and shine as the best in the business.

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