Q&A with Heather Bedford, Events Manager at Platform, Glasgow
As we gear up for a busy summer of sports and events at Platform in Scotland, we caught up with Heather Bedford, our event curator, to chat about all things event-related and how Scotland is innovating in the industry. Read on to learn how to create the perfect event at Platform in Glasgow, what’s important, and why Platform does things differently in the sector.
Q: Heather, can you share a bit about what makes Platform unique in the events industry?
Heather: Absolutely. At Platform, we pride ourselves on our ability to transform our space to match any vision. Our venue, with its series of interconnected Victorian arches, provides a versatile backdrop for everything from wine tastings in complete darkness to vibrant trade shows. For instance, the Chateaux Noir event by Lidl transformed our venue with a 'palate cleansing tunnel' and a blackout tasting room, offering guests an unforgettable sensory experience.
Q: What do you believe is crucial for creating the perfect event?
Heather: The key to a successful event lies in meticulous planning and a deep understanding of the client's vision. At Platform, we focus on personalisation and flexibility—every event is tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of our clients. From the initial concept to the final execution, ensuring each element resonates with the intended audience is crucial. During a Lush Retail Management Conference earlier this year, we adapted our spaces from plenary sessions to hosting a dance floor, demo rooms, bubble machines and product displays showcasing our venue’s dynamic capabilities.
Q: What have been some standout events at Platform, and why?
Heather: One standout event was the Design Pop Up, which returns to Platform year on year. This event always transforms our space into a vibrant showroom for designers and includes engaging informative seminars. Alongside product discovery, its much-loved Parmesan & Prosecco Party always leaves guests wanting more. Another memorable event was the Bike & Art Collective during the UCI Cycle Championships, where we combined exhibition spaces with a food and viewing area, creating a festival-like atmosphere that celebrated cycling culture in the city.
Q: From your extensive experience, what aspects of event management do you find most fulfilling?
Heather: What I find most rewarding is seeing the direct impact of our work. When you watch guests moving through a mirrored tunnel or enjoying a presentation in a space you’ve helped transform, it really brings home the value of what we do. The positive feedback, whether it's about the flow of the space or the attentiveness of our staff, also reinforces the importance of every detail in creating an unforgettable guest experience.
Q: Finally, how does Platform maintain its edge in such a competitive industry?
Heather: We continually strive to innovate and adapt. Our team is deeply committed to exploring new ideas and pushing the boundaries of what an event space can be. This approach not only keeps us competitive but also ensures that our clients and their guests always have unique and engaging experiences. Whether it's accommodating a high-energy trade show or a festive Christmas event, we’re always ready to bring our client’s vision to life in exciting new ways.
