Meet the Team - Lydia Coote
Getting to Know Lydia Coote, Operations Manager at Portsmouth Guildhall
This month, we’re pulling back the curtain to introduce you to a key player behind the scenes, ensuring every event at Portsmouth Guildhall runs like a well-oiled machine: Lydia Coote, our talented Operations Manager.
Lydia connects our sales, catering, technical, and facilities teams, making sure we deliver on every promise for your conference, gala dinner, or exhibition.
Q: What is your role within Portsmouth Guildhall, and what are your main responsibilities?
A: Operations Manager, ensuring smooth and efficient running of all shows, conferences and events.
Q: How long have you been working at Portsmouth Guildhall?
A: Since October 2013
Q: What initially attracted you to working in the conferences and events industry?
A: Dynamic industry that always requires problem solving and customer service skills.
Q: What do you enjoy most about being part of the team at Portsmouth Guildhall?
A: It’s never boring … as a venue it continues to adapt and evolve so always new projects to work on.
Q: What has been your most memorable moment or achievement in your career?
A: Introducing the volunteering scheme to the guildhall is my biggest and most fulfilling achievement at the GH.
Q: How do you handle the logistical and creative challenges of organising events in such an iconic venue as Portsmouth Guildhall?
A: This is something I enjoy, problem solving and balancing different demands, and writing lots and lots of list lol.
Q: Considering that we are already close to starting our new Christmas Party season at Portsmouth Guildhall, let’s share one of the most fun moments you’ve had during the past events?
A: I think my highlight is watching the customer reaction, and gasps as they see the Christmas displays, acts and food we have spent months planning, especially with Cirque de Guildhall.
Q: Would you rather have unlimited free passes to every concert or festival in the world or have unlimited free flights to anywhere in the world?
A: Flights, I enjoy travelling and seeing the world. Sadly, concert and festivals are now to similar to the guildhall, so always looking with a work mind what other venues do well.