Meet Leah Markham – our Senior Events Coordinator.
Clients who have worked with Leah will know that her calm demeanor is something to behold. Completely unflappable, Leah is the epitome of calmness and poise – no matter what happens. She is a solution-finder and a Human Swiss Army Knife sporting a diverse range of skills for creative events and inspired thinking.
With current event enquiry levels rivaling pre-pandemic levels, Leah has been working flat-out over the last couple of months but fortunately, we were able to grab five minutes with her over a cup of tea recently for this fascinating interview.
- How long have you been at Church House?
10 years. I started as an administrator for a year and then moved on to an events coordinator role.
- What does your job involve? Take us through from when you arrive until you leave at the end of the day.
My job involves talking to clients for their events and showcasing what our venue can offer to them either on the phone or by sending personalised proposals. I look after the live events at the venue on the day and coordinate the logistics with the organiser. My days can involve site visits, menu tastings, planning meetings or just a general catch-up with clients old and new.
- What do you love most about your job?
Every day is different which I enjoy and it offers so much variety not just planning conferences, but also working on the production of feature films or welcoming important public figures for special events.
- It’s Black History Month. What does it mean to you, and why shouldn’t it be limited to one month?
BHM to me means a chance for us to celebrate and promote the achievements of the black community and tell the stories that had been largely forgotten of those who have impacted not just a country but the world.
- What advice would you give your younger self?
I have always been known to be a shy person growing up but the advice I would give to my younger self is if you tend to be shy, try your best to overcome it. Take it a step at a time but work at it. It is a gift to get to know new people, especially those who are different from you in some way, culturally, ethnically, religiously. Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone may be painful for a time, but the benefits are everlasting.
- Most memorable/proudest moment of your career here at Church House?
When I organised the production of the Christopher Robin movie and they had used the main street outside the venue to do one of the scenes from the movie and to get the chance to be on set was amazing. From the set design to the costumes and the amount of work that goes into the production was breathtaking. To experience such a unique moment in my career was one of the most memorable yet.
- What advice would you give to someone who is considering a career in the events industry?
Get your foot in the door and be willing to work in different types of events to get an understanding and find out you’ll enjoy something you never thought you would.
- What song would you sing at Karaoke night?
Spice Girls – Spice up your life!
- Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without?
My hairbands. I have thick curly hair that always needs a strong hairband to keep it tamed.
- What is your favourite childhood memory?
Going to Orlando, Florida with my primary school. I attended an independent primary school and in Year 6, you get to go on a school trip abroad with your class. We choose to go to Florida for 5 nights and visited all the theme park attractions every day from Universal Studios, SeaWorld and Walt Disney.
- Famous guests you have welcomed at Church House?
Prince Charles and Camilla, Princess Anne, Jon Snow (the newsreader, not GOT), loads of MPs, Emma Thompson.
- Tell us about your evening at the M&IT Awards 2021?
The most exciting, and definitely a night to remember as we scooped gold in the category ‘Best UK Unusual Venue’.
For more information please get in touch with us via our contact form or give us a call on 020 7390 1590 to discuss your event.