PAUL FLACKETT - MY MENTOR

Paul Flackett - My Mentor

The last 2 days have been a complete blur. The realisation and overwhelming sadness of the passing of someone very dear to my heart and that of many others. The passing of a MICE industry Ikon; our beloved Paul Flackett. Paul was not only my Boss for almost 14 years over the course of EIBTM Geneva and IMAX Frankfurt but he was also my Mentor and a very dear Friend. I started working for Paul as a very young 22 year old, new to the industry, niaive,... no expereince but hungry and keen to learn. Paul gave me so many opportunities to grow as he did so many others who were part of his team. You were there by my side during very memorable times in my life, giving a reading at my Wedding, the first person to visit me in hospital with John Haynes literally hours after Georgia was born and the same years later when Luca was born. I remember a business trip with you to Jordan where I thought you were going to present to over 300 Government officials only to find out that you had already decided I was ready to give my first public presentation for EIBTM. I remember being absolutely terrified but you calmed me down, gave me the confidence to believe in myself, told me to focus on one object or image at the back of the room and just take it from there and that I would do just great. That opportunity was the beginning of many amazing and wonderful memories during my career. The introduction to SITE, MPI and ICCA. You always pushed me to face new challenges as opportunities and when I told you I was moving to the Middle East to take up a new challenge back in 2005, you were there again spurring me on with encouragement and words of wisdom but above all you always told me how proud you were of me and those words of support and encouragement will always be with me. Paul, there are so many amazing memories that remain with me and I know every where around the world today your ex colleagues, industry peers and friends will be recounting their own special memories and happy times spent with you. Nikki, Joy, Heath , Nat, Jane, Ellie, Sarah, Cheryl....... we were all Paul's Girls and that was an honour for each and every one of us and one that we will treasure always. Heaven will be a happy place today and Im sure you are already catching up with John Haynes, Maria Bachman, Dave Riddell and many other Industry legends and dearly departed friends. Rest in Peace dear Paul, thank you for being you and for the deep joy and happiness you brought to so many. I will never forget you, My Boss, My Mentor, My Friend.