Emily Thornton

Bringing several years of experience in event coordination and live operations, I am currently transitioning into production through a dedicated contract role supporting the UCI World Mountain Bike Series, delivering across multiple international events.

• Lead complex, high-volume travel operations for up to 100 cast and crew, ensuring seamless international movement across concurrent broadcasts.
• Own and continuously manage dynamic travel grids and live operational documents, bringing structure to fast-changing, multi-source information.
• Design and deliver multi-country ground transportation and shuttle strategies, solving intricate logistical challenges involving staggered arrivals, varied team needs, and specialist equipment.
• Act as a key connector between production, events, finance, and external suppliers, ensuring alignment and delivery within high-pressure, fast-paced environments.
• Build and manage end-to-end itineraries, schedules, and event agendas, drawing on a strong background in event planning to support smooth on-site execution.
• Track and manage project budgets, identifying opportunities to drive efficiencies and reduce costs without compromising delivery.
• Apply lateral solutions-focused approach to complex logistical 'puzzles', maintaining accuracy, control, and accountability across all planning.

• I am leading and developing a direct report with task management while overseeing the delivery and strategic direction of global communications, PR, and events for one of the UK’s fastest-growing FMCG exporters.
• I have built a strategic, insight-led framework for the events function, aligning activity with commercial objectives and overseeing international exhibitions, partnerships, and high-profile company events, with full ownership of delivery and ROI analysis.
• Key Achievements (2024 - 2026)
• Delivered multiple large-scale company events for 200+ from conception to completion
• Developed and implemented a five-tier event strategy for the growing events team, providing a clear framework to plan, deliver, and measure events aligned with business growth
• Generated new leads through the delivery of international exhibitions, managing all aspects from concept to execution
• Delivered customer-facing event training for the sales team, improving brand consistency and commercial effectiveness
• Introduced structured feedback analysis, enhancing the impact and morale of internal events
• Led the company’s first partnership with Lumiere Light Festival

• In this role I delivered events for a children’s party company that I have worked with previously over the years and have a strong professional relationship with.
• Managed stakeholder relationships
• Conducted risk assessments to ensure health and safety compliance
• Developed and implemented party briefing concepts
• Oversaw end-to-end event delivery

• After 3+ years developing as an events coordinator, I took on a fixed-term role at start-up Space+ to expand my marketing expertise and explore how strategy and concept could be brought into my events work. I continued to manage the operational delivery of events while overseeing marketing campaigns.
• Conducted in-depth research to shape event content strategies for senior property, investment, and ESG audiences
• Created and managed content across social media, email campaigns, and website to support sponsorship and marketing objectives
• Led the development and delivery of event apps, ensuring clarity, engagement, and alignment with business and user requirements

• Within this role, I delivered high-profile event management and marketing for cross-sector clients including Expert Investor, NHS, DiversityQ, and Portfolio Adviser. Oversaw a range of events, including breakfast briefings, half-day and full-day events, and multi-day congresses, with Portfolio Adviser Dublin as a primary project. Managed all aspects from planning and logistics to on-site delivery, ensuring seamless execution and exceptional attendee experiences.
• Key Achievements
• Owned and delivered Portfolio Adviser Dublin, managing flights, hotels, breakfasts, and full on-site coordination
• Planned and executed three day congress events with responsibility for logistics, delegate management, and staffing
• Managed breakfast briefings, half-day and full-day events, and gala dinners for up to 150 guests
• Served as lead for marketing materials within the events team, including content, slides, and visual assets
• Directed content and marketing for DiversityQ Women in Tech, producing all slides and visual materials
• Saved hundreds of pounds in budget through effective negotiations with suppliers

• Within this role I was promoted to department head within 6 months; led all creative programming and event delivery across assisted living and dementia care.
• Managed a team of three, conducting regular appraisals, providing training, and supporting professional development to enhance team performance and resident experience.
• Designed and delivered two tailored weekly events timetables one for assisted living and one for dementia care ensuring both were person-centered, engaging, and brand-aligned.
• Produced marketing materials including flyers, posters, and social content to promote events and partnerships (e.g. Mind Charity).
• Successfully led the team to achieve the Signature Bronze Award for excellence in activities and engagement.