15 June
Meet the Team: Louise Watson, Senior Sales Manager, National Associations
Tell us a bit about your background
Conferences and business events have been a constant in my life for 18+ years. Prior to joining the SEC I worked as a PCO delivering international and UK association conferences Before that, I held a project director role with MCI Group, working on large-scale conferences including British Society of Gastroenterology’s 2000-delegate meeting.
My career also took me to New Zealand for several years where I managed events, so I’ve had the privilege of working with many different clients, delivering conferences across the world
What does your role at the SEC involve?
I work alongside national association clients to help bring their conferences to the SEC. Having been a PCO, I have a real appreciation for the challenges organisers face – the deadlines, long hours, the pressure, and the complexity behind the scenes. It means I can anticipate what clients need and support them in a way that’s practical and empathetic. Because of that, I focus on being as supportive and solutions-focused as possible, making the whole process feel straightforward and as seamless as it can be.
What led you into events?
I’ve always been interested in looking after people and helping them experience something special, I actually started out wanting to be a travel agent. Events felt like a natural progression from that – and I’ve never looked back.
What do you enjoy most about working at the SEC?
The people, without a doubt. Even when I was organising conferences here, the feedback was always about how supportive and friendly the team is – and that’s absolutely been my experience since joining.
There’s a real shared focus on delivering great experiences, which makes a huge difference. It’s also been lovely to be reunited with former colleagues like Lori Cobley – we worked closely together earlier in our careers, so it’s a bit of a full circle moment.
You’ve recently been elected to the ABPCO Executive Committee – congratulations! What does that mean to you?
Thank you! I’ve been part of ABPCO for many years, so it’s something I’m really proud of.
I’m particularly passionate about the education side – making sure members have access to practical, relevant learning they can apply in their day-to-day roles. It feels like an exciting time to be involved, and I’m looking forward to contributing.
What are some of the key trends or challenges in the national associations market?
There’s an increased focus on compliance, particularly with ABPI guidelines. We’re working closely with clients to understand how the SEC can adapt to support them as they navigate these challenges.
From a trends perspective, we’re seeing significant variations in lead time, which can make planning more complex, but we will always work closely with clients to make their path to the event as smooth as possible.
And finally… what’s kept you in this industry for so long?
I genuinely love it. It’s challenging, it’s fast-paced, and no two events are ever the same. Even after nearly two decades, there’s always something new to learn.
Interested in hosting your event at the SEC?
Get in touch with our team today.
