Delivering world-class hospitality at the London 2012 Olympics 03/11/2011
Name: Alan Gilpin
Company: Prestige Ticketing Limited (Official London 2012 Hospitalty)
Position: Chief Operating Officer
University/ degree: Exeter University – LLB (Hons) Law; Kings College London – Post Graduate Certificate in Sports Law
Current home town: Epsom
CAREER
Q. Who/what inspired you to make the move into the sports industry
A. As a young lawyer, I realised that it was possible to combine what I was doing day to day with my passion for sport. I was lucky enough to join IMG and get a great grounding in the business of sport.
Q. What has been the highlight of your career so far?
A. I have been fortunate to work on many big events – Rugby World Cup in 2003 in Australia was a particularly special time.
Q. What does your typical day at Prestige Ticketing involve?
A. No two days are really the same, which is part of the excitement of the job. The hospitality programme for London 2012 is a huge undertaking and I spend a lot of time with LOCOG dealing with various aspects of the programme we will deliver. Within Prestige I have direct reports for Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Finance and Ticketing. The variety is incredible.
Q. What are the most challenging aspects of your job?
A. The challenges are also varied and constantly evolving. At present, we face a number of challenges around the construction of world class hospitality venues at the Olympic Park and other Olympic venues. Unlike the normal hospitality delivery in a temporary structure, we are building hospitality venues that are more like permanent buildings and this has created significant complexities in the delivery side of the project.
Q. What are the most enjoyable aspects of your job?
A. We have been able to recruit an absolutely fantastic team of people within Prestige, and the most enjoyable aspect of the job is working with that team to constantly refine and build towards the achievement of our objectives.
Q. What tips would you give to students wanting to break into the sports industry?
A. Be flexible – get out and meet the people who work in the sports business and be prepared to work very hard!
Q. What are the most common mistakes you’ve seen candidates making?
A. Not being flexible enough in their approach to the industry – it is not an industry which easily embraces those with a rigid view of what a role should entail.
Q. How has elite sport changed since you first entered the industry?
A. Elite sport seems to be ever evolving – the various fights against corruption and doping seem to be endless but I think the level of professionalism (both on and off the field of play) is increasing all the time. A sport like rugby encapsulates this, where the athletes look very different to those competing 15 or 20 years ago.
SPORT/ LIFE
A. Favourite sports to participate in:
Q. These days, it is less about being on the rugby pitch and more just kicking a ball around with my kids!
Q. Favourite sports to watch:
A. Rugby (Gloucester) – often more torture than enjoyment!
Q. What in your opinion has been the sporting highlight of the past 12 months?
A. Mark Cavendish winning 5 stages at the Tour de France – a truly incredible achievement and much undervalued by the British sporting public.
Q. What will be the sporting highlight of the next 12 months?
A. The likes of Usain Bolt, Sir Chris Hoy, Jessica Ennis and others competing in an Olympic Games in our capital city.
Q. Non-sport hobbies:
A. Spending time with my family and, frighteningly, gardening.
Q. Where did you go for your last holiday?
A. Portugal
Q. What piece of technology would you be lost without?
A. Sky+
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