Darren Neal
Head of Events @Liverpool Experience Campus
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WORK HISTORY
Head of Events @Liverpool Experience Campus
Liverpool, GB
As Head of Events at ACC Liverpool, I lead the strategic and operational delivery of events across our integrated campus including ACC, Exhibition Centre Liverpool and M&S Bank Arena, covering conferences, exhibitions, entertainment and sport. I am a core member of the Senior Management Team, shaping business direction, supporting organisational strategy, and driving operational excellence.Key Responsibilities:Strategic leadership of a diverse Events team of 17+ staff, including an Assistant Head of Events, Senior Event Manager, 10 Event Managers, 2 Front of House Managers, an Assistant Event Manager, and administrative support. I focus on empowering the team, fostering professional growth, and ensuring seamless delivery of high-profile events while maintaining operational excellence and a positive, collaborative culture.Active contributor to business planning, cross-departmental strategy meetings and long-term organisational direction.Lead contract management for catering, signage/graphics and first aid — overseeing KPIs, service quality, and compliance.Manage the venue’s catering contract, working with internal and external stakeholders to optimise delivery and capitalise on revenue opportunities.Develop and present business cases and reports to Directors and the Board.Sign off all event-specific risk assessments and layouts, ensuring legal compliance and guest safety.Champion internal client delivery standards and consistent service excellence.Own the department budget, including headcount and staff costs, ensuring resource optimisation.Drive a positive, supportive and accountable team culture focused on growth and continuous improvement.Lead the client feedback process to inform service enhancements.Represent ACC Liverpool at regional and national forums.Partner with colleges and universities to support skills development and industry awareness.
SKILLS
ABOUT DARREN NEAL
I\'m a senior event and hospitality professional with over 20 years\' experience delivering, managing and developing a wide-ranging portfolio of high-profile events across the conference, exhibition, entertainment and sports sectors.As Head of Events at ACC Liverpool, I lead the strategic planning and operational delivery of events across our award-winning campus, encompassing the ACC, Exhibition Centre Liverpool and M&S Bank Arena. My remit spans everything from large-scale international conferences and trade exhibitions to major live entertainment and sporting events.I am a key member of the venue’s senior management team, contributing to long-term business planning, commercial strategy, and the overall success of the organisation. Alongside leading the Events team, I also manage the venue’s catering contract, overseeing supplier performance, quality, customer experience and profitability.I play an active role in business development, working closely with clients and partners to shape event delivery, maximise commercial outcomes, and ensure repeat business. I’m highly experienced in developing trusted relationships with a broad range of stakeholders — from industry associations and production teams to public bodies and international clients.I’m passionate about delivering outstanding live experiences and believe success comes from a combination of clear leadership, strong processes, creativity and adaptability. I take pride in nurturing high-performing teams, driving continuous improvement, and remaining calm, solutions-focused and client-driven in even the most complex operational environments.Key areas of expertise include:Strategic and operational event deliveryBusiness development and client engagementLeadership and team developmentContract and supplier managementBudget control and commercial deliveryHealth & safety, licensing and complianceCross-sector stakeholder collaborationI’m known for my energy, approachability and results-focused mindset — with a reputation for combining strategic thinking with day-to-day operational excellence.
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