Who We Are
Our mission is to create outstanding events for global technology brands and associations. Our talented team take care of the details, so you don’t have to.
We bring vast experience, creativity and vision to your team, supporting you in achieving your goals. We love what we do, and we know you will too.
We are an award-winning, passionate, and progressive full service event management company, based in London, working across the globe. We serve the IT, commercial, associations, and not-for-profit sectors. At Outsourced Events it's our job to turn your ideas into a reality. We listen to our clients and collaborate to deliver successful events that stick in the mind and delight attendees.
Our Story
Outsourced Events was created by Denise Sharpe and Alexandra Sibley in 2001, then operating out of a small office in Chiswick, West London. By 2007 the company had firmly established itself as a major player in the technology and associations events sectors with some of the world's most well-known technology and association brands amongst its clients.
Having both worked in the event industry since the 1990s, Denise and Alexandra's goal was to create an event agency that could integrate so seamlessly with the client's own business needs and processes that they became an extension of their own team. This philosophy set the company apart from the competition back in those early days and continues to do so today.
Our Culture
We are dedicated to fostering a positive work culture that encourages diversity and inclusivity.
We believe that a supportive work environment allows our team to perform at their best and deliver outstanding results for our clients. By promoting positivity, valuing diversity, and embracing inclusivity, we create an environment that welcomes everyone's unique perspectives and experiences.
Our commitment to these values enables us to adapt to changing circumstances and deliver exceptional events that meet our clients' diverse needs.
Our Team
Over the years, we've built up a fantastic team of seasoned event managers and executives that our clients have come to know personally and depend upon professionally.
We'd go so far as to say that we are an extension of our clients' team, with each staff member bringing their own specialism and knowledge to the table. We can't wait to meet and start working with you.
Denise Sharpe
Co-Founder/Chief Executive Officer
Denise has over 20 years’ experience in the events industry. Before joining Outsourced Events as a founding partner, Denise sat on the Board of Directors at the Phillips Group – a leading IT & Telecoms publishing, research, training, and conference supplier – where she headed up the conference division. Denise is managing director of Outsourced Events.
Read Denise’s Employee Spotlight.
Denise recently appeared on our podcasts Outsourced Explores: Account Based Marketing and Outsourced Explores: Inclusivity & Diversity. To listen to the series, click here.
Alexandra Sibley
Co-Founder/Chief Customer Officer
Alexandra has worked in the IT & Telecoms event industry for over 15 years, developing particular expertise in sponsorship and exhibition sales and management. Before joining Outsourced Events, Alexandra headed up an international sales team selling sponsorship and exhibition packages to IT & Telecoms companies around the globe. She now works on behalf of clients to hit sponsorship revenue targets, while also ensuring that all sponsors have a successful experience.
Hear Alexandra's thoughts on our recent podcast episode: Outsourced Explores: The Future of the Workspace
Employee Spotlight
Meet Rebecca Henderson, Senior Event Manager
Rebecca joined the team in April 2018, she excels in end-to-end event management, leading successful events for Dell, Citrix and other key clients. With virtual and in-person event experience.
Her exceptional project management skills earned her a spot on C&IT's A-List 2021 'Top 35 UK Agency Planners under 35'.
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Mat Bhagrath
Chief Financial Officer
In 2020, Mat joined Outsourced Events, bringing over 30 years of exceptional experience as a chartered accountant and former corporate finance partner at Grant Thornton. As head of our finance team, Mat ensures budgets are continuously updated and reconciled.
His extroverted and fun-loving personality brings a steady hand to the financial helm of our company.
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Sue Frye
Director of Associations
With over 25 years of professional association experience across Europe, Scandinavia, China, Africa, and the Caspian, Sue oversees our smooth operations and equips event teams to meet clients' needs. Sue also led the largest biennial oil exploration and production conference in Europe with 35,000 attendees.
In her free time, Sue enjoys travelling, watching films, and socialising.
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Catherine Poulton
Account Director
Cat brings over 12 years of Hotel and Venue industry experience. Having worked in Sales, Planning, and Operation Management roles, she enjoys collaborating with people to achieve their goals. Cat joined the team in January 2020 with a wealth of experience in event management. Cat has exceptional interpersonal skills and excels in developing lasting relationships with clients.
In her free time, she loves sports, reading, crocheting, and caring for her cats.
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Dr. Anne Cooke
Head of Learning and Development
Anne’s background lies in neuroscience, having completed a PhD and then postdoctoral research at the University of Cambridge. On leaving the lab, she took a position at the University of Bristol to set up ‘Bristol Neuroscience’, the first of what became a network of ‘city neuroscience’ schemes across the UK, which foster collaboration and engagement across researchers, clinicians and wider society. Her career has continued largely in research management, science administration, and public engagement.
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Elizabeth Coles
Head of People & Culture
Elizabeth joined Outsourced Events in September 2023. She holds a CIPD qualification and spent five years working in HR within the tech sector, primarily with startups. She seamlessly combines her HR skills with her love for the events industry, making her a versatile and valuable team member at Outsourced Events.
Outside of work, Elizabeth enjoys ice skating and she has completed three counselling courses.
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Farah Mulla
Head of Marketing
Farah has over 20 years of experience in direct marketing, working with notable names in UK publishing and events. She collaborates with senior directors to strategise and execute plans that generate new business and revenue. With profound knowledge of marketing fundamentals and a passion for the brand and organisation, Farah drives impactful marketing initiatives.
In her spare time Farah is a keen cook, letting her creative flair shine. She also serves as a Governor in a local school.
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Jahid Tarin
Finance Manager
With over 10 years’ of experience in multiple industries as an Assistant Accountant as well as being fluent in Persian, English, Urdu, and Hindi, Jahid is a great asset to our company. Working in similar roles before joining, Management Accounting, Project Reconciliations, Sales Ledger, Purchase Ledger, and Expenses are amongst his many tasks here.
Jahid takes a keen interest in football, cricket, and table tennis and of course travelling in his downtime.
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Rebecca Henderson
Senior Event Manager
Rebecca joined the team in April 2018, she excels in end-to-end event management, leading successful events for Dell, Citrix and other key clients. With virtual and in-person event experience.
Her exceptional project management skills earned her a spot on C&IT's A-List 2021 'Top 35 UK Agency Planners under 35'.
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Catherine Lawson
Senior Event Manager
Catherine joined Outsourced Events in May 2023, bringing more than 20 years’ experience in agency, in-house, and consulting roles in the UK and US. She has planned complex, prestige events in partnership with bodies including UK and Commonwealth governments, Royal Households, global membership associations, and FTSE 100 companies. Catherine works with our Association and Not for Profit clients to create innovative, outstanding events.
Outside work, Catherine enjoys spending time with her family and volunteering with a heritage charity.
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Deb Jowett
Event & Sponsorship Manager
Deb's diverse background in sales, customer service, and business development is a great asset at Outsourced Events. She supports clients in securing event sponsorships and expanding their networks. Her natural curiosity and people skills enhance her role.
In her free time, Deb enjoys singing and organising TarpFest, an annual arts event in her village.
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Alice Paines
Senior Event Manager
Alice is an experienced Event Manager with over 7 years of experience who joined Outsourced Events in August 2022. She specialises in creating engaging environments and bringing diverse groups of people together. Alice previously managed various events, including music festivals and takeovers of Brighton's iconic Pier.
Alice enjoys attending gigs, winning pub quizzes, and dim sum.
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Andrea Montes
Event Manager
Andrea joined the team in May 2022. She has extensive experience coordinating events for a Youth Hostel Chain, and previously worked as a Senior Marketing Executive at Mintel and a Social Media & Events Manager at Astor Hostels.
In her free time, Andrea enjoys music, dancing, and spending time with her cats.
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Abbie Rollings
Event Manager
Abbie joined Outsourced Events in April 2024, following a strong background in events management. After studying Events Management at university, she worked as a wedding coordinator and later as a conference and events planner at Twickenham Events. Abbie thrives on the variety that the events industry offers, she loves working with people and takes pride in helping them bring their visions to life.
Outside of work, Abbie is passionate about fitness and enjoys spending time at the gym.
Ryan McPartlin
Event Manager
Ryan re-joined Outsourced Events full-time in January 2024, after initially starting with us in September 2019. He holds a BA in Environment & Business and has a strong passion for sustainability.
Outside of work, he loves to travel, and he is an avid rugby player and fan.
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Maria Lacey
Marketing Manager
Maria, who joined our team in June 2024, brings with her over a decade of invaluable experience in direct marketing. Throughout her career, she has had the opportunity to work with some of the most well-known brands in the UK, particularly in the publishing and travel/transport sectors. Her expertise and insights have consistently driven successful marketing campaigns and strengthened brand presence.
Outside of her professional life, Maria is a passionate theatre-goer and an avid traveller.
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Emma Jackson
Digital Platform Manager
Emma, a former teacher, joined Outsourced Events in November 2021. Her event planning experience and wedding planning business make her a creative problem solver with a customer focus.
Emma enjoys Formula 1, social history, and spending time with her family and two golden retrievers.
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Jenny Riggs
Digital Platform Manager
Jenny has been with us since 2011, she excels at event registration, website building, e-Comms, and registration data management using various software systems. Her background in sales and customer service is invaluable.
Her passions include her gin collection, pets, and family - in that order.
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Paul Ajanlekoko
Project Accountant
Paul Ajanlekoko joined outsourced events in June 2024 as a project accountant. His degree in Business accounting and finance and vast experience as a project manager from his previous roles complement one another perfectly for his role. Paul’s CIMA qualification and proficient skills in data analysis, scenario analysis reporting, budgeting and forecasting make him a very valuable member of OE’s accounting team.
Outside of work, Paul enjoys exercising at the gym as he is passionate about fitness.
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Sophie Dyson
Campaigns Manager
Working with Outsourced Engagement since February 2023, Sophie's career began with a Digital Marketing Apprenticeship, evolving into an end-to-end Campaign Manager.
Sophie's expertise lies in paid media strategy and Account Based Marketing, focusing on audience user-journeys and conversions. Her diverse skill set includes project management, graphic design, and website experience.
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Simon Morrison
Warehouse Manager
Simon joined Outsourced Events in November 2021 via recommendations from an old work friend and colleague. Having nearly a decade of warehouse experience in retail with the likes of John Lewis and more, he has worked to bring high stockroom and logistic standards to our warehouse, and has helped expand our capacity into Europe.
In his spare time Simon enjoys art, music, sports, running, and spending time with his family.
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Emily Price
Senior Event Executive
Emily joined Outsourced Events as an Events Executive in November 2021.
In 2020 Emily completed her degree in International Event Management at Sheffield Hallam University. During her time at university she had the chance to expand her knowledge and understanding for aspects of the events industry. She built upon her passion for events which started after working in the hospitality industry at the age of 16.
In her spare time Emily enjoys baking and watching Netflix.
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Jessica Froud
Senior Event Executive
Jessica joined the Outsourced Events team in 2022 with more than six years' experience in the industry. Her experience includes working in both the corporate hospitality sector and most recently a Conference, Meetings and Events venue.
Jessica is a planner at heart and strives to create unforgettable experiences for her clients and guests.
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James Porter
Senior Account Executive
James joined the team in July 2019. He has worked across all aspects of the company from event management, sponsorship liaison, warehouse and inventory management, and is now part of our sales team. His charismatic and friendly approach means he’s the perfect person to tell you exactly how Outsourced Events might be able to support you.
In his free time James enjoys the rugby, attending theatre, and meeting up with friends.
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Natalie Chadwick-Dodd
Senior Event Executive
Natalie joined the Outsourced team in June 2023. She has extensive experience in the hospitality industry with a particular focus on planning weddings and celebrations.
In her free time she enjoys playing with her young family and dog, cycling, going for walks and crafting!
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Rachel Katuruza
Senior Event Executive
Rachel joined Outsourced Events in August 2023, bringing a background in venue-based events and sales. Rachel is passionate about the people aspect of events, enjoying the communication and creativity involved in turning ideas into reality.
Outside of work, Rachel has taken up golf and enjoys surrounding herself with plants and greenery. She also participates in spin classes and Pilates.
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Ciarán Reilly
Senior Event Executive
Ciarán is an accomplished graduate in Business and Management with a masters degree in Marketing. He joined OE in April 2023 as an Event Executive and was promoted in August 2024 to Senior Event Executive. Ciaran is a valued team member whose enthusiasm and positivity radiates throughout the team.
Outside of work, Ciaran enjoys socialising, exploring new destinations, hitting the slopes for skiing adventures and embracing the camaraderie of rugby matches.
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Amandeep Dhillon
Finance Assistant
Amandeep joined Outsourced Events in 2018. After studying Psychology at University, he chose to pursue a career in finance and has been in the industry for more than three years. He brings a wealth of expertise to the role and was drawn to OE's exciting working environment. He is currently working towards his accountancy award.
Outside of work, Amandeep enjoys travelling, basketball, and discovering new restaurants.
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Vincent Crolla
Warehouse Operative
Vincent joined Outsourced events in November 2022. He has over 30 years’ experience in warehousing and Logistics. Since he started at OE, he has helped bring a high level of order and efficiency to the warehouse. Vincent has passed his logistics industry courses in Manual Handling Training, Risk Assessing and Accident Investigation.
In his spare time, Vincent enjoys playing golf, attending football, cricket, and horse racing. He also enjoys reading, watching films, and spending time with his family.
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Gemma Cummings
Senior Event Administrator
Gemma joined Outsourced Events as an Administrator in January 2022. Having worked in the meetings and events industry for more than 20 years, Gemma has a wide range of experience in the meetings, venue finding, and events sector. She loves variety, problem solving, thinking outside the box and attention to detail.
Outside of work, she is kept busy with two primary school-aged children and her fox red Labrador, Indi. She loves visiting new places with her family in their VW camper van and can often be found at the beach or river paddle boarding.
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Carla Costa
Event Administrator
After working for Outsourced Events for 11 years, Carla embarked on a sabbatical. When in September 2021 she approached our CEO Denise for a reference, Denise promptly invited her back to the OE family to be a part of the newly established Administration Team. Carla brings her event management and life experience to the role, as well as one or two foreign languages!
In her spare time, Carla loves spending time with her family and friends, travelling, reading, visiting art galleries, movies, and walking.
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Naomi Large
Senior Event Executive
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Elina Panamarova
Senior Event Executive
Elina joined Outsourced Events in May 2024, bringing a wealth of experience from her previous roles in Germany. She began her career at an IT company as an Assistant Event Manager and later worked as an Assistant Project Manager for trade shows and exhibitions. Elina holds a background in intercultural communications, which enhances her ability to connect with diverse audiences.
Outside of work, she enjoys learning languages and is a member of a Spanish language club.
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Yuan Xie
Event Executive
Yuan joined Outsourced Events in June 2024 while studying International Events Management. Yuan’s journey into the events industry began with her role at a recruitment agency that focused on events, where she developed a passion for bringing people together to share moments of success.
Outside of work, Yuan loves reading books, bouldering, and swimming.
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Emily Branston
Event Coordinator
Emily joined Outsourced Events in July 2024 as a placement student following her first two years studying Marketing and PR at Leeds Beckett University. Previously, Emily worked as a waitress but aspired to transition into corporate life. She has always been drawn to people-centric roles and enjoys engaging with others.
Outside of work, Emily has a passion for dance and she has dedicated a lot of time to improving her skills.
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"They always come armed with buckets of great ideas, insanely good attention to detail, and are just the easiest people in the world to work with."
From humble beginnings, we have grown to count some of the world's biggest companies among our closest client relationships
Tech and Commercial Clients
Associations and Not-for-Profit Clients
Our Knowledge & Insights
Outsourced Events Highly Commended at the 2024 Business Culture Awards
Outsourced Events (OE) has been awarded ‘highly commended’ at the Business Culture Awards 2024 for ‘Best Learning Initiative for Business Culture (under 3.5k employees)’. This recognition highlights the success of the new Event Executives’ training programme.
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C&IT 2024: Celebrating Award Success for Outsourced Events
Outsourced Events is proud to announce that we are the 2024 winners of the ‘Pharma & Healthcare Event of the Year' at the C&IT Awards.
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The Lasting Impact of Event Legacy
Event legacy is increasingly recognised as a crucial measure of success in event planning, focusing on the long-term benefits that extend beyond the immediate impact of an event. This concept encompasses economic growth, social cohesion, environmental sustainability, professional development, and cultural enrichment. The article explores strategies for creating meaningful event legacies, such as setting clear goals, engaging local stakeholders, and integrating sustainability practices.
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