Olivia Falkner-Lee is junior project manager at Smart Live, a full-service creative events agency. “Before life at Smart, I had a variety of event experiences, but a highlight was working for a festival travel company – it was a great insight into operational side of some of the UK’s and Europe’s largest festivals.” she says. Olivia will be attending inVOYAGE 2019 in Monaco this October as a buyer…

Brand promise…
Smart Live is a creative and passionate events agency that produces and delivers incredible events. We get right to the heart of our client’s brands, designing event experiences which bring it to life with passion and creativity. We have a fun, passionate and personable approach and our flexible and dynamic in the way we work. As a team, we enjoy going above and beyond for our clients to provide an unforgettable event experience from the start to the finish.

What’s trending in 2019?
All-inclusive deals have a reputation of being in tacky, cheap hotels, but there has been a rise in luxury hotels offering all-inclusive packages. I recently went to an event showcasing a variety of all-inclusive luxury hotels and was surprised by everything on offer from the hotels – their packages included sports, restaurants and bars, all within the luxury resorts. Having everything under one roof can be a great option for some incentive trips and with such a variety of restaurant’s and activities on offer, a really exciting itinerary could be put together.

Luxury defined in 140 characters…
A state of comfort and elegance.  

Townhouse or treehouse?
Treehouse – specifically Keemala Tree Pool Houses – they look insane! This 5* tree house resort in Thailand is right in the middle of the jungle, but with the 5* luxury of pools, stand-alone baths and incredible views. Also, I love to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and go somewhere to really escape and relax.

The bucket list
A classic, but the Maldives, it just looks stunning and next level luxury. I love the huts on stilts and there is such a variety of activities on offer there – from diving to spa days, along with the amazing looking restaurants – it definitely is somewhere I need to go!

Last meal
Ca’s Patro March in Deia – it’s the famous restaurant from the Night Manager. We took our latest incentive group here for lunch and it was delicious food in a stunning location. If you are a fan of fish and in Mallorca, I would 100% recommend it – it is right on the sea and you can get there by boat. With its incredible food and views, it’s up there as one of my favourite restaurants! 

Old fave
Freemasons Hall, London – I love putting this venue forward to clients as its really central and has some wonderful, versatile spaces that can be hired. With its vast spaces and flexibility, it gives our clients a variety of options depending on their type of event and what they are looking to achieve.

Proud moment
I recently led the Smart Friends incentive trip out in Deia and this is definitely a weekend that I was proud of. Guests stayed at the Belmond La Residencia and were treated to three days of incredible food, drinks and stunning Mallorcan views! After months of planning, watching all your ideas come to life and watching guests having a great time was as great moment for me.

Bragging rights…
I would say being able to say that I have stayed in some amazing hotels all over the world, from the Belmond La Residencia in Mallorca to Hotel Amigo in Brussels. (And I can’t wait to add Hotel Hermitage, Monte-Carlo onto the list!)
…No celebs to brag about just yet, but I’m sure if I keep staying in the 5* hotels I will find a one at some point!

It’s all in the detail…
Logistics – clients don’t see the back end of the logistics process, but the right transport at the right time and for the right number of guests requires a lot of detailed work, that goes unseen. However, this unseen work and level of detail is crucial to get right in order to ensure a seamless and stress-free experience for the client.

If it’s not done, logistics can go horribly wrong and really impact their whole event experience. But, when it all runs to plan, it makes for a fantastic, smooth running event, making the death by excel spreadsheets all worth it!

What inspires you?
I love the Black Tomato newsletter, although when I get it into my inbox on a grey London day it really makes me want to jet off to all the amazing, exotic countries! It gives me inspo not only for incentive trips, but for personal holidays – I highly recommend! The Luxury Travel Expert also has some amazing countries and resorts listed and their ‘Top 10’ section is great for quick info and inspo!

Aperol or agua?
Aperol all day!

Final word…
Working in the events industry is such a rewarding and fulfilling job and I feel lucky to be part of an industry that creates amazing experiences and life long memories for guests.