I’m Raj and previous to my role at Thistle London Heathrow, I was the Meeting and Events Operations Manager at The Grand in Bristol for three years - I’ve worked at Thistle for eight years in total.

People would be amazed by how much planning and preparation goes into the events we hold, however big or small they may be. The best thing about my job is the environment that we’ve created as a team, here at Thistle London Heathrow. Between us, we have a solid knowledge of the meeting and events industry, everyone manages to keep their cool in a busy environment and you’ll always see us smiling.

Quick fire Q&A

Do you have any anecdotal stories from your job?
Once I was running a wedding with 350 guests and the best man walked out just before his speech. The whole room fell into silence and everyone turned and stared at me. I had to improvise and gave my own speech!

Who would be your dream hotel guest and why?
Rebecca Ferguson from X-Factor - I think she would be pleasant, friendly and easy to get on with

What are your hobbies?
Watching sports and playing pool

Who inspires / has inspired you in your career?
My first General Manager, as he always challenged me to aim high. Now that I have my own team, I like to aim high with them

My top tips for how to prepare for a large scale event and ensure it’s a success:

• Staffing – it’s so important you have enough staff
• Briefings with sales, the chef, and of course your own team
• Over-prepare - if you need coffee for 60 tables, make it for 70
• Make sure the organiser has your contact details
• Spend 20 minutes walking the event through in your head
• Make the set up fun!