What was your first job in the industry?

I got some work experience at the age of 13 working on a large conference and exhibition in Brighton. I went back every year for 10 years (skiving school to go work) met some people I still know to this day and fell in love with the industry.  

What has been your biggest challenge?

There isn’t an event I have done that hasn’t had a challenge and that's why we enjoy it! Every time I encounter a new challenge I am surprised, You can never be lulled into a false sense of security as there is always something round the corner to keep you sharp; from fireworks to animals pooing on stands, to managing a major incident - it's what keeps it interesting! 

Who’s inspired you?

I think this industry as a whole is inspirational. What it can achieve in a small amount of time, the people who support you in work and in a crisis and the banter that keeps us all going makes it all worthwhile! 

How has the industry changed?

I was explaining to the team the other day how I would sit and literally cut and paste new floorplans, literally cut with scissors and paste with pritt sticks ….. the sheer horror on their faces. I didn’t go on to explain the fax machine to them! 

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

We are strong believers in partnering with our contractors, service is as important to us as price and we want our contractors to be as invested in making the show work as we do. It a win for everyone!

About Miriam

With more than twenty years experience working in events management, Miriam Sigler has seen it all.  As Founding Director of Ways & Means Events, Miriam brings her vast breadth of industry knowledge to projects large and small.  Miriam’s long list of attributes include her uncompromising work ethic, attention to detail and ‘work hard – play hard’ attitude.  Coupled with her love of teamwork and head on attitude to problem solving, she has become a well-respected people member of the industry.  Her wealth of knowledge in all facets of events management has seen her direct countless successful projects including launches and rebrands as well as long standing successful event portfolios.  With her deep understanding of what stakeholders require from each event, she is truly an asset to every event.  Any project Miriam undertakes is creative, well-planned, detailed and colourful…very colourful!