Ten years of ‘ta-dah!’ moments: A decade with Wendy Bryant
Behind every great event at Radisson Blu Durham, there's Wendy. As she celebrates ten years with the hotel, we sat down with our events specialist to talk secret weddings, five-day miracles and what makes the perfect event.
If you’ve held a wedding, conference, charity ball or Christmas party at Radisson Blu Durham over the past decade, there’s a good chance Wendy Bryant was the person quietly making sure everything ran perfectly.
This year, Wendy celebrates 10 years at the hotel – that’s ten years of seating plans and site visits, of last-minute changes handled without a flicker, and of hundreds of events brought to life in one of the North East’s most impressive riverside venues.
From intimate boardroom meetings to celebrations for hundreds of guests in our largest suites, Wendy has seen it all – and planned most of it, too.
So, to mark the milestone, we sat down with her to talk about the moments she’ll never forget, what’s changed in a decade of events, and why she still gets a buzz from watching a room come together.
And if you’re planning an event of your own, you’ll find plenty of inspiration, and a few insider tips, along the way.
A career in events
Take us back to your first day at Radisson Blu Durham ten years ago. What do you remember about it?
“Feeling really excited! I couldn’t wait to start promoting such a prestigious event space to prospective clients and to build solid working relationships, many of which are still going strong today.”
How did you get into events planning? Was it always the plan, or did you fall into it?
“Like so many of us in hospitality, I fell into the business, and absolutely love it!”
What does a typical day look like for you? If there is such a thing?
“No two days are the same! One day might be show-rounds and site visits with prospective clients, the next could be finalising details for a wedding, briefing the operations team ahead of a conference, or dressing a suite ready for a Christmas party. That variety is exactly what I love about the job.”
What’s the part of the job people would be most surprised by?
“How much happens behind the scenes right up to the last minute. A big part of my role is supporting last-minute changes across all our events and making sure there’s a seamless handover to the operations team, so that on the day, everything simply works.”
How has the events industry changed over the past 10 years?
“Clients now want an experience, rather than a standard conference. We’ve also seen a big increase in dietary requirements and allergens, which we cater for and advise on as standard.”
What do clients want now that they didn’t in 2016?
“Flexibility is key. There’s much more focus on nutritional requirements and on wellbeing, and we’ve developed specific packages to meet those needs.”
The memorable moments
Of all the events you’ve planned here, is there one that stands out as your proudest?
“We once delivered a full wedding in just five days, after the couple’s original venue closed down. It turned out to be one of the best days of their lives, and one of the proudest of my career.”
What’s the most unusual request you’ve ever had from a client, and did you make it happen?
“We had the wonderful opportunity of hosting an ‘engagement party’ on New Year’s Eve… which was actually a surprise wedding reception! The couple greeted their guests as Mr and Mrs. Don’t worry, close family and friends were present for the wedding itself!”
Every planner has a ‘near miss’ story. Can you share a moment where something almost went wrong and how you saved it?
“A football team once turned up a whole day before their booked date! All was well though, we looked after them, they had a great stay, and they’ve been back since. Booked direct, too!”
Weddings, conferences, Christmas parties, charity balls. Do you have a favourite type of event to work on, and why?
“I love them all, because every event is different and each one needs different elements to make it work. But if I had to choose, it would be weddings. They’re so personal, it’s one of the biggest days of someone’s life, and you get to be part of it.”
Showcasing the venue
For someone who’s never visited, how would you describe the events spaces at Radisson Blu Durham?
“A hidden gem, ready to bring your event to life. We cater for every style of occasion, corporate, social and sporting events alike.”
What makes the hotel such a special venue for events? What do clients always comment on?
“The location, first of all. We’re just five minutes from Durham railway station and moments from the A1M, so getting here is smooth and stress-free. Beyond that, clients always comment on our customer service, and on how flexible and versatile the spaces are.”
The riverside setting is a real signature. How do you make the most of it when planning an event?
“It’s a stunning backdrop for photographs, whether that’s a wedding, a family celebration or a team awards shot by the water.”
Talk us through the flexibility of the spaces. How differently can the same room look from one event to the next?
“It’s genuinely exciting to watch. A room can host a corporate event in the morning and then ‘ta-dah!’ just like that, it’s transformed into a night full of fun and celebration.”
What’s your favourite corner of the hotel, and why?
“Our largest spaces, the Auger and Seam suites and the pre-event area. They’re so versatile: a great conference space, an expo area, social events, weddings, hosting sports teams and so much more.”
If a couple or a company came to you tomorrow with a blank canvas and a big idea, what would you tell them is possible here?
“Anything and everything, to be honest! We will do our utmost to make it happen and bring their vision to life.”
Getting to know Wendy
When you’re not planning events, how do you like to spend your time?
“Listening to a wide genre of music, socialising with friends, walking and reading. Oh and I love cleaning. There’s a ‘rave clean’ at my house every Thursday night!”
What’s your idea of a perfect day out in Durham or the North East?
“It starts with a coffee at a café by the river, watching the world go by. Then walking the cobbled streets, exploring all the quirky shops Durham has to offer, a visit to the Cathedral, followed by a spot of lunch and maybe a cheeky chilled glass of wine!”
If you were a guest at your own dream event, what would it look like?
“Lavish and fun, with great company, fabulous food and entertainment by Fred Again!”
Finally, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to anyone planning a big event? The thing you wish every client knew?
“Your vision is what’s important and we will make it happen.”
What drives Wendy at work?
Wendy’s ambitious approach to work is driven by a desire to achieve:
- Strong repeat business
- Great conversion
- High customer service
- Hunger on winning repeat business
- Results – with year on year growth
Quickfire round
Tea or coffee? Coffee.
Canapés or a sit-down dinner? Canapés.
Band or DJ? DJ.
Summer wedding or winter wonderland? Winter wonderland.
Most-used item in your work bag? My phone.
Three words your colleagues would use to describe you? Articulate, conscientious and fun!
Plan your event with us
Ten years on, Wendy and the events team are still bringing visions to life on the banks of the River Wear, from intimate meetings and conferences to weddings, Christmas parties, charity balls and celebrations of every kind.
Whether you’re planning something for business or for the people you love, we’d be delighted to show you around.
Contact the events team on the form below to arrange a show-round or start planning your event.