Suzanne Watts
Senior Events Producer and Development Professional
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About
A senior events producer and development professional with experience delivering high-profile fundraising, stewardship and educational events across the charity, arts, business and finance sectors. A proven ability to curate and lead complex events and conferences, manage senior stakeholders and engage audiences with best in class content. Excels in producing exceptional guest experiences in high-profile environments.
Considerable experience of operational leadership, cross-functional collaboration, budget management and relationship stewardship in a range of sectors.
Experience combines commercial awareness with a record of delivering events that strengthen relationships, create income and build organisational reputation.
Experience
Senior Event Producer at Smee & Ford (2019-01 – Present)
Production, development and delivery of high-profile live and digital event programmes for the UK charity and legacy sectors.
- Launched new sector events, including the Legacy Giving Awards and Charity Financials Leaders Forum.
- Managed event budgets, sponsorship engagement and audience communications, supporting revenue growth and strategic programme development.
- Chaired online and in person events, awards and webinars.
- Oversaw multiple concurrent projects from concept development through to post event evaluation.
- Served as senior relationship lead for sponsors, sector leaders, external speakers, media partners and freelancers.
- Provided operational leadership across cross-functional product teams.
Producer at Freelance Producer (2009-01 – 2019-12)
Production of private views, events and marketing copy, training events and conferences for arts, legal and education sectors.
Head of Conferences at London Stock Exchange (2006-01 – 2009-12)
Led the strategic expansion and delivery of the London Stock Exchange conference portfolio, increasing annual events from 4 to 12.
- Managed relationships with approximately 150 CEO-level speakers annually across legal, banking and advisory sectors.
- Expanded professional training from 11 to 30 annual events, contributing to departmental income growth from £1.3m to £3.2m.
- Developed and delivered a postgraduate programme for the Saudi Capital Markets Authority.
Executive Director Membership Events at TIE UK (The Indus Entrepreneurs)
Directed networking events, educational seminars and partnership initiatives for a professional membership organisation.
- Represented the organisation internationally and developed strategic relationships with founders and senior leaders.
Senior Conference Producer at Campden Conferences
Produced international conferences and leadership events for high-net-worth family businesses and their advisers across London and Europe.
- Managed sponsor relationships, senior speakers and VIP stakeholder engagement.
Fundraising Events Manager at The Prince's Foundation
Led the delivery of high-profile fundraising, stewardship and supporter events, including private views, receptions and seminars, in collaboration with HRH The Prince of Wales's office at St James's Palace.
- Collaborated closely with senior stakeholders and high-profile supporters to create events that strengthened fundraising outcomes, public engagement and organisational profile.
- Oversaw complex coordination and guest experience delivery while maintaining exceptional standards, discretion and sensitivity to reputational considerations.
Fundraising Events Assistant at Hackney Empire Theatre
Partnered with campaign leadership on major donor events and public engagement initiatives designed to strengthen fundraising and supporter relationships.
- Managed relationships with corporate supporters, private donors and ambassadors, helping to deliver high-quality events and stewardship activity.
- Contributed to a campaign event that directly secured a £2 million donation.
Alumni & Course Coordinator at Christie's Education
Managed engagement initiatives and communications for a global alumni network, strengthening long-term supporter and stakeholder relationships.
- Coordinated annual events, educational programming and learning experiences for high-value audiences.
Education
MA in History of Art – University of Cambridge, Girton College
BA (Hons) in History & History of Art – University of Cambridge, Girton College A levels in Art, History and English – Sutton High School, St Helens
