Under the Spotlight with Lou Kiwanuka, owner and founder of EventShaper


Posted on Thu 12th Sep 2019 at 5:29pm

What was your first job in the industry?

My first job was temping as an Operations Assistant at Blenheim Exhibitions in Chiswick. It was a real induction into the world of events and I threw myself in at the deep end and never looked back!

What has been your biggest challenge?

There are so many challenges which is why so many of us love what we do. There is always the potential to make things better, the challenge is figuring out what to tackle next and how you can make a difference.

Who’s inspired you?

My parents … my mum has been my constant inspiration, she has sacrificed, supported and uplifted. Without her, life as a single parent would be impossible. My dad inspires me in a different way – getting me to reach out of my world and see what my value is. If we’re talking about the industry – Jane Risby, I had the privilege of looking up to her from my very first job and haven’t stopped looking up to her since.

How has the industry changed?

In so many ways it hasn’t, there are still processes we use now that we used 20 years ago. The things that have changed that have made a difference to me are the rise of ineffective communication; the loss of a decent Event Administrator in most organising companies; increased pressure on the system; the increase in sub-contracted companies resulting in the reduction in welfare down the line.

The good things are the likes of ESSA, AEV & AEO having a mutual conversation via the EIA. New advances in tech have already started shifting things up a notch. What we really need is for technology to start working on parts of the business where the ROI might be less clear. Our customer service is looking somewhat archaic these days and intuitive exhibiting seems a long way off!

What’s your criteria when selecting a supplier for your events?

Reputation, being right for the event, more and more often it’s about capacity and ability to achieve it in the times given. This is more important than some may think. As things get tighter and more pressured, there is value in a contractor who is a constant and safe pair of hands.

 

Lou Kiwanuka is the owner and founder of EventShaper Ltd. She has over 20 years in the industry and has overseen some of the largest and technically challenging events during that time.

Always wanting to ensure her team and company are at the heart of industry discussions and developments, Lou is a regular contributor to working groups, covering topics such as Health & Safety and forward- thinking working practices. This desire coupled with her broad knowledge and experience has led her to be voted in to the position of Vice-Chair of ESSA.

Find out more about Event Shaper at http://www.eventshaper.uk/

 

 

Our Services

“The onsite team is always happy to co-operate with the inevitable last minute changes.”
Natasha Messer, Events Operations Manager, Prospects Events
“Showlite deliver exceptionally high levels of personal service. I know that I can rely on them to deliver throughout all aspects of the pre-planning, build and onsite work”
Mark Mayo, Director, Motorcycle Expo
“I have no hesitation in recommending Showlite as a professional and reliable supplier of contractor services. They are totally trustworthy and in touch with the latest regulations and requirements”
Mirabelle Chatterjee, Head of Operations, Nineteen Events
“We had the pleasure of having Showlite as part of our event team. The staff took the time, care and attention required to make sure that our exhibitors and us as organisers felt valued and looked after”
Diane Sheppard, Event Operations Manager, Quartz Business Media
“Over 1,200 exhibitors, almost 4 miles of aisle carpet plus enough shell scheme to cover two football pitches and it was the easiest get in we have ever had. Quite exceptional”
Andrew Reed, Managing Director, William Reed Business Media
“Showlite worked diligently with great speed to complete the build in the allocated time. We look forward to working with them at our next show”
Karen Harris, Operations Manager, Idex Media
“Showlite have worked hand in hand with us, investing in design, stock and materials developing an innovative product for our customers”
Bill Hammond, Managing Director, 3rd Street Group
“It has been a pleasure to work with Showlite who provided a seamless delivery both presite and onsite.”
Paul Clarke, Organiser, Installer Live
“My sincerest thanks go out to all Showlite staff who played an invaluable part in what seemed the impossible task. It goes without saying that I would not hesitate in recommending their services to others.”
Phil Valentine, Managing Director, ETES, Southern Manufacturing & Electronics
“I can honestly say one of the smoothest builds I have ever experienced on an event in over 17 years”
Nicola Greenaway, Managing Director, Nineteen Events
“We have a longstanding relationship with Showlite. They demonstrate a real professionalism and dedication and I look forward to working with the team again!”
Hannah Webb, Head of Operations, Hemming Group
“A massive thank you for helping us make this year’s Hearth & Home Exhibition a success. ”
Claire Cox, Hearth & Home, Fireplace Marketing Company
“Thanks to everyone at Showlite for a job very well done at The Mayfair Antiques & Fine Art Fair! The event went beyond expectation and there were hardly any glitches at all.”
Ingrid Nilson, Director, The Antiques Dealers Fair Limited
“I really appreciated the positive attitude of your team and the willingness to support unexpected problem situations onsite. It has been a great pleasure working with you both!”
Joy-Fleur Brettschneider, Marketing & Operations Director, Solar Media Limited
“Thank you so much for all your support on PATS this year. Showlite were absolutely brilliant. ”
Jo Scotting, Head of Operations, Impact Exhibitions
“We always know we’re in a safe pair of hands with Showlite. They deliver professional results with attention to detail and focus on service.”
Jo Foreman, Operations Manager, Brintex
“I would recommend Showlite completely from the level of personal service, quality of work and positive work attitude to keep on going until the job is done.”
Emma Barratt, Managing Director, Broadway Events
“Thank you for all your help and support for the NFE show. We had a lot of last minute changes, and Showlite were very accommodating and professional.”
Angela Long, Sales and Marketing Executive, Wesley Media
“Many thanks to Showlite. Everything went really smoothly and the show looked absolutely fantastic.”
Mandie Lavin, CEO, NAFD
“Phex has never looked as good and the build-up and breakdown went really smoothly. Thanks to everyone. I look forward to be working with you again in the future.”
Julie Pollet, Operations Manager, Brintex
“Showlite are the ultimate in prior planning and preparation. We never have any problem and if we do have an issue we resolve it there and then. We love working with Showlite.”
Andrew Reed, MD, William Reed Events & Exhibitions
“Big thank you to Showlite … once again it was a pleasure working with you all again and look forward to 2018!”
Sam Hunt, NMBS Events Manager
“Many thanks for the brilliant job you did on this year’s UKIVA which was a great success. The team pulled out all the stops to make sure everything was ready in time and ran smoothly throughout the day.”
Christine Valdes, Event Organiser, UKIVA, PPMA Group
“We would like to thank you and the team for an excellent build and all your help in the move to Mall Galleries after 25 years. ”
Gay Hutson, Founder and organiser, 20/21 British Art Fair
“The event looked great and the help and advice from Showlite throughout was invaluable. ”
Toby Merigan, Founder, European Sport Fishing Show
“Thank you for being a magnificent partner to Highways UK. Love the Showlite can do attitude and the smiles and personality that come with it.”
Andrew Dowding, Managing Director, Essential Infrastructure Events
“We have had excellent feedback from exhibitors and visitors and this is testament to the excellent partnership we have with Showlite.”
Justine Devereux, Operations & Project Manager, Xmark Media Ltd
“It was great to have Jenni onsite as it really makes a difference having her help to co-ordinate all aspects of the project.”
Joel Swarc, Associate Director, Promotor Events Ltd
“I would like to highlight the outstanding performance of Ross Isolda during the build up of the recent Foodex show at the NEC. I would like to thank him - and the boys on the tools also, for making the whole process as smooth as it was considering the challenge. ”
Phil Birch, Team leader, NEC mains services, NEC

This site uses cookies as described in our Cookie Policy. To view cookies served on this website please review our Cookie Policy. Please continue to use the Showlite website if you agree to our use of cookies.