Charles Pette is the Business Development Executive at Birmingham Hippodrome. As our out-and-about go-to networker and event wizard, Charlie works with Head of Business Development Judith Greenburgh bringing amazing, large-scale events to life – from Leading Ladies networks to Theatre Takeovers!

How long have you worked at Birmingham Hippodrome?

I’ve been with the company for four years and the time has flown!

Describe your job?

I think it’s easiest to describe my job in two parts;

First up is managing our popular corporate membership scheme, liaising with our project partners and helping deliver sponsorship packages at the theatre.  I’m often out and about meeting clients from all business sectors to discuss how Birmingham Hippodrome can help them achieve their objectives.

We’re lucky to have some fantastic event spaces at Birmingham Hippodrome so the other half of my role is creating and delivering events of every kind and at any scale. Alongside private hires, I help to deliver a range of Special Events such as our Leading Ladies professional women’s network, our ever-popular show related Gala dinners and newer initiatives such as Street Food Comedy nights. These events mix first-class hospitality and world-class entertainment; the perfect opportunities to entertain, treat and network!

Describe a typical working day?

I think the only typical part of my day is my morning walk (or sometimes Uber…) to work from the Jewellery Quarter! Every day is truly varied. A busy week can include coordinating a Theatre Takeover conference in our main auditorium for 1000 delegates, meet-ups with our business contacts and sponsors, encouraging corporate volunteers to participate in our community projects.  Equally, delivering a Gala dinner for 180 guests or buying Simon Cowell and the judges from Britain’s Got Talent fish fingers and cheese singles (yes really!) Does that sum it up?

What’s your favourite part of the job?

It’s definitely getting to meet so many people. Whether working on a business partnership or a specific event I enjoy building relationships and delivering a fantastic final result for clients.

It’s also great to work within the Arts surrounded by creative colleagues. There is a great atmosphere at the theatre and our varied show programme keeps things interesting, fresh and fun.

The revenue from all the work we do is ploughed back into the work of Hippodrome Projects and I love getting to see the charitable work that the Hippodrome delivers, engaging more people in experiences of art and culture.

What are you most proud of achieving here?

I’m so proud of the progression I’ve made within the company. Since 2014 when I joined as an Event Coordinator my role has grown, developed and changed. I’m proud of the hard work and commitment I’ve put in and thrilled the company has recognised my efforts, giving me the opportunity to grow.

The company has been incredibly supportive in other aspects of my professional development; encouraging me to attend international conferences and supporting me in becoming a committee member for the Birmingham Young Professional of the Year (BYPY) Awards.  It’s fantastic to be part of an awards ceremony that celebrates the city’s diverse talent pool as well as championing the successes of cultural business collaborations in the region.

What show are you most looking forward to in the coming season?

The work we’re showcasing in the Patrick Studio is so exciting. Upcoming collaborations with Birmingham festivals Flatpack and Shout along with Rosie Kay’s MK Ultra are all on my ticket wish-list, really different to our main stage productions, but just as exciting!

Off-stage I love taking my nieces and nephews to our free Summer in Southside festival, I’ll be there again this year with the tribe…trying to keep them in tow!

Fun Fact!

Charlie is a qualified ski instructor and is often found in the off-piste, steep slopes and après bars of the Alps.