Meet... Katherine West, MICE Sales Manager

What are you responsible for within your role?

My role is promoting the The Ageas Bowl, including Hotel and Stadium facilities, within the local and national market place. My activities concentrate on meetings and events, researching into competitive property and rate intelligence, key account sourcing and agent visits. My role also includes engaging with potential new clients, proactive sales and research, managing the local/national agent accounts and maintaining and developing relationships with clients.

Typically, what are your day-to-day activities?

Not every day is the same: it may be showing a client round the unqiue hotel and stadium we have, or attending a networking event with key potential or existing clients, appointments with agents, roadshows, exhibitions, workshops, industry event showcases, making sure the venue websites are monitored and updated with the most relevant information. Researching new potential clients locally and nationally who would benefit from the property.

What inspired you to get into your current role?

Being an agent for five years in the event industry, I was responsible for building relationships with venue suppliers and sourcing the right venues for our clients events, nationally and internationally. It was a natural progression to then go on to work at a venue. I was drawn to the The Ageas Bowl and Hilton Southampton – The Ageas Bowl as it is such a unique property on the South Coast and offers so much as a venue for all types of events.

Away from the The Ageas Bowl, what do you like to do in your spare time?

I'm a competitive gig rower and a key member of the Langstone Cutters Gig Club, I also go to CrossFit during the week and love socialising with friends.

Name an interesting fact about yourself...

I will be competing in my fourth World Gig Championships in the Scilly Isles next May.