QLINE Consulting, a specialist consultancy in ticketing, tourism and technology, has released the latest series of its popular industry podcast interviewing professionals working within the tourism and experiences economy.
Hosted by ticketing and tourism specialist Carly Straughan with visitor experience professional Carlton Gajadhar, the show focuses on the weird and wonderful jobs that encompass the tourism industry.
The Brown Sign Project podcast was created during the COVID-19 lockdown of 2020, an unprecedented time for students graduating in tourism-related fields, discovering an unscheduled obstacle at the beginning of their anticipated careers in the sector.
In response, Carly and Carlton set up The Brown Sign Project to prove that not all career paths are linear and straightforward. The podcast is designed to provide an upbeat spin on the great aspects of being involved in the visitor economy.
For this series, the handpicked selection of speakers will be focussing heavily on the topic of careers, including top tips for working in the tourism trade, things the interviewees wish they had known earlier, and advice for those pursuing a fresh career in the industry.
This series is supported by Staff Savvy, the specialised
workplace management platform, and Stephen Spencer + Associates, a collaborative customer experience consultancy.
The latter’s ambience director Stephen Spencer says: “The Brown Sign Project is an entertaining and informative podcast hosted by my multi-talented associate Carly Straughan and her colleague Carlton; and I am very proud to have Stephen Spencer + Associates sponsor this series, helping to inspire and empower the next generation of tourism professionals.”
Previous industry members who have been interviewed previously on The Brown Sign Project include English Heritage’s head of commercial development Kingston Myles and blooloop business development director Ella Baskerville.
Joining the podcast
Speakers announced for the latest series of The Brown Sign Project include:
- Lucy Handel-Tendler, safety and security manager, Merlin Entertainments
- Antony Lynch, senior manager at Royal Albert Hall
- Hannah Monteverdi, park manager for BeWILDerwood Cheshire
- Rich Neville, visitor services and venue operations management for ABBA Voyage
- Alistair Otto, associate commercial director for Science Museum Group
- Ash Smart MA ICAE, co-owner and director at Harbour Park
The new series will begin with Woolwich Works’ ticketing and digital manager Hattie Simpson, who has worked in ticketing for almost a decade. Hatti has worked across a variety of music and arts venues, with her current role covering all things ticketing, online marketing and data for Woolwich Works.
“My biggest passion is trying to make venues feel more inclusive for the people walking through the door,” says Simpson. “Not just what’s in a mission statement, not just what we are putting out on websites and press releases – making the venue feel like a space for everybody.”
Other interviewees will also share why they enjoy working in tourism in the coming months.
Neville says: “I want everybody that comes to anything I work on to come away from it and say that was amazing, that was brilliant, and there was little they could have done to make it better.”
Smart adds: “It makes you happy knowing that you are part of lifelong memories that repeat themselves from generation to generation; that you provided that platform and it wasn’t just a beach trip, it was the enhanced beach trip.”
Listen now
The first episode of the new series, alongside previous episodes, can both be found on The Brown Sign Podcast website.
Q-LINE Consulting has recently announced The Shoestring Project, a tailored website package for visitor attractions looking to improve their digital presence with enhanced online marketing material.
