Then and now... Adam Stanley

In the latest instalment of Bdaily’s Then and now series, Adam Stanley, managing director of London and New York-based business events and brand experience firm Event Concept, reflects on his career, from his first role to the present day, highlighting the lessons he has learned from his personal and professional evolution.

You’re managing director of Event Concept. What does your role entail?

My job is a blend of leadership and creativity; steering the company’s direction while staying closely connected to the industry itself. 

It’s about balancing vision with hands-on involvement, and I love the creativity and energy that comes with my role. 

I’m surrounded by incredibly talented people, which makes it a joy to come to work every day.

Did you always want to work in events? Or did you have other ambitions when you were growing up?

I was fascinated by theatre from an early age, particularly the technical side of how things work. 

I was the geeky kid who cared more about lighting rigs and stage tech than being on stage. 

The idea of using technical knowledge to create experiences that wow people always appealed to me.

What was your first job – and did you enjoy it?

My first job was on a fish farm when I was about 12. 

It involved long hours, tough work and it absolutely stank! 

It was far from glamorous, but it taught me valuable lessons about perseverance, resilience and the importance of hard work.

Were there any mentors or individuals that helped shape your career? And are you still applying lessons you learned then to your workforce of today?

I have a close relationship with Event Concept’s founder Mark Beaver, and have learnt so much from him. 

I’ve also been inspired by business leaders I’ve met along the way, each shaping my approach in different ways. 

Those lessons of collaboration, making tough decisions and staying grounded still guide how I lead today.

What attracted you to the events sector?

I’ve always been a bit of an adrenaline junkie, so the fast-paced, high-energy nature of the industry drew me in. 

I love that we get to create incredible experiences that take people’s breath away.

The buzz of seeing ideas transformed into reality is truly unbeatable.

How do you feel you’ve changed as a person over the years? Have career roles brought new dimensions to your personality? 

I’ve learned the importance of slowing down when possible, and stepping back and focusing on the longer term. 

I’m more conscious now about balancing immediacy with strategy, making space for both pace and perspective.

You’ve seen many changes to the employment world across your career – how do you see the workplace evolving in years to come?

It’s tempting to predict trends, but the workplace – at its core – is always about people. 

Whatever shifts we see, whether it’s technology, hybrid working or new pressures, success will always depend on the culture we create and how well we look after our teams.

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