The Gather community is all about making connections. So we thought we’d introduce you to Laureece, the person you’ll most likely connect with first if you’re attending a Gather event or programme. She’s the Project Manager that makes sure everything we do runs like clockwork. Let’s find out a bit more about her…

Where has life taken you before you joined the Gather team?

Before I joined Gather, I worked at a large retailer on the strategic marketing team focusing on customer campaigns. My degree is in Marketing, but I discovered a love for events and project management while a marketing intern for the 2017/18 Good Business Festival which was then called the 2018 Business festival.

What’s an average day like for you at Gather?

It’s fantastic because I get to work on a broad range of projects, so it’s really varied! Everything from co-ordinating the Gather one-to-one service to project managing Beyond our bespoke growth programme.

As well as project managing the latest Shift Programme, I’ve been co-hosting it with one of our Director’s Katie and it’s been great to connect with some new and familiar faces across the sector.

Any highlights of your time with Gather so far?

It’s been a pretty big year for Gather and I planned and delivered two of our largest events. The Beyond Leadership gathering at Calderstones Park in the summer and our event last month that focused on harnessing top talent. It was great to see so many people in the community coming together to share and learn.

I consider myself an introvert really, but I’ve really enjoyed making connections with the fantastic leaders and partners across the Gather ecosystem. Building connections with the community is so key and it’s definitely been a highlight for me.

What’s coming up in 2023?

There’s lots of exciting plans in the pipeline for next year but you’ll have to watch this space… expect new amazing locations, stellar speakers, and lots of chances to connect with fellow leaders. We’d love to see some new faces as well, so I’m hoping 2023 brings a chance to meet more of the ever-growing creative and tech community in the city region.

What challenges do you think the tech, creative and digital communities are facing at the moment?

After chatting to a few folks at the event last month, the challenges of ‘talent’ and ‘people’ really seemed to resonate with everyone across the community. There were some great takeaways from the sessions that offered tangible and practical ways to navigate the challenge. You check them out on our blog.

What do you like to do outside of work?

Well we recently got a new puppy, so we’ve had our hands pretty full recently. We’re regular visitors to puppy school… and he’s making good progress!

Have you got any personal goals for 2023?

I really want to start reading and listening to a wider range of content. I’m always up for recommendations! If anyone has any great reads, please drop me a line on LinkedIn.