The Barbican, a world-leading arts and conference venue, has appointed Jenny Waller as head of sales, managing its growing sales team, which includes a renewed focus on international and association markets. Waller will be supported in her role by Charlie Smith, the newly appointed deputy head of sales.
Waller has been promoted from the role of senior account manager within the Barbican team, where she has already achieved a number of significant wins including major corporate and association events due to take place over the coming 24 months. Prior to working at the Barbican, she spent four years developing industry knowledge and expertise at Park Plaza Hotels.
Smith returns to the Barbican, where he worked as an account manager for two years between 2016 and 2018. He also worked in sales at both Dreamland and HMS President.
“The Barbican is going from strength to strength,” says Jackie Boughton, head of business events at the Barbican. “Last year we opened and showcased our new cinema offering, comprised of two cinemas and supporting food and beverage, as well as exhibition or networking space capable of seating up to 150 for conferences, meetings and private screenings. When added to our wider offering it makes the Barbican one of Europe’s most comprehensive venues. This in turn has led to an increase in both association and international bookings. Jenny has been instrumental in that success over the last year and was therefore the perfect choice to take on the demanding role leading our sales team. It is also a real pleasure to welcome Charlie back to the team—his in-depth knowledge of the venue is already having a significant impact on new business development.”
Waller says, “This is a new and exciting challenge for me. Over the course of the next year I am particularly looking forward to working alongside our association specialists as we develop that market, whilst supporting our work with a strong presence at major international tradeshows and events. The U.K. of course remains our core market and we are delighted by the ongoing support we receive from domestic clients booking direct or via our agency partners. However, there is still significant opportunity for us to develop internationally—particularly given our ability to partner with the Barbican International Enterprises team to deliver truly inspiring content and theming. The addition of Charlie to the team ensures we have the ongoing experience and depth of knowledge needed to deliver to the highest standards for our clients.”
A world-class arts and conference venue, the Barbican pushes the boundaries of all major art forms including dance, film, music, theater and visual arts. Its creative learning program further underpins everything it does. More than 1.1 million people attend events annually, hundreds of artists and performers are featured, and 300+ staff work onsite. The architecturally renowned center opened in 1982 and comprises the Barbican Hall, the Barbican Theatre, The Pit, Cinemas One, Two and Three, Barbican Art Gallery, a second gallery, The Curve, foyers and public spaces, a library, Lakeside Terrace, a glasshouse conservatory, conference facilities and three restaurants. The City of London Corporation is the founder and principal funder of the Barbican Centre. For more info, visit www.barbican.org.uk/
For more info, visit businessevents@barbican.org.uk or call the Business Events Team at +44 (0)20 7382 7043
