Creativity, attention to detail, and a passion for perfection are essential skills in event planning – just ask alumna Olivia Lowdell, Head of Events for Walpole, the official body for the UK’s £81bn luxury sector.
Walpole’s membership includes more than 250 of the world’s most prestigious brands across fashion, automotive, hospitality, beauty, and interiors. If it sounds glamorous, it is – but it’s also high-profile work with no margin for error. Olivia explains, “It can be stressful, but I love it – and working with professional teams in the best venues in London certainly makes the job easier.”
After leaving Notre Dame in 2002, Olivia studied Classics at university and nearly pursued a career in archaeology. But a chance internship at a small London events firm revealed her true calling. With a natural flair for organisation and forward planning, she quickly realised she’d found her ideal career.
Since then, Olivia has orchestrated a wide range of high-profile events across the globe. “The opportunities for travel can be amazing, but the hours are long and you need to think on your feet ¬- things can and do go wrong, so you always need a plan B,” she laughs. Physical stamina is also key; she once had to cover an entire venue, floor to ceiling, in £100,000 worth of fresh flowers!
Now based at Walpole’s Chelsea HQ, Olivia oversees around 60 events a year, from intimate CEO networking supper clubs to the glittering Walpole British Luxury Awards, held annually at The Dorchester Hotel in London’s Park Lane. With perfection expected in every detail, it’s fortunate that her CV includes several years at London’s Guildhall, where ceremonial standards rival those of Buckingham Palace.
One standout moment was the Silent Ceremony – an 800-year-old tradition where the new Lord Mayor of the City of London is admitted in complete silence before dozens of distinguished guests, all seated in strict order of seniority. “It has to go like clockwork and I’m pleased to say it did!” Olivia smiles.
Whether she’s managing a centuries-old tradition or a glittering gala, Olivia aims to bring poise, precision, and passion to every event. Her journey from Classics student to Head of Events at Walpole is a testament to the power of finding your niche – and pursuing it with focus and ambition.
