Eileen Denham is a powerhouse in the music entertainment scene in Ireland. She owns two extremely successful venues, The Savoy in Cork and Hangar in Dublin. Eileen will be one of the judges for the Ideas Wanted event in Hangar March 31st. Part of the prize will be use of Hangar venue for the winning event.
We sat down with Eileen and asked her how she got into the events business as well as what advice would she give people starting off.
When did you first realise that you were interested in event management?
Back in mid 90s, I identified a gap in the dance music scene specifically. I had been travelling to the UK frequently and realised there wasn’t any big events happening in Dublin on the dance scene. Cork had started it first so we just identified the gap and then set up a promotions company to run dance events in Dublin.
The best event that you have been to?
From a live perspective in The Savoy we had Damon Albarn do a night with Flea. Recently here in Dublin it would have to be Dimitri In Paris which was amazing. I’m just happy if the venue is full and people are having a great time!
Three skills that you need to be an event manager?
Recognise an opening in the market, identify what the market needs. Don’t just jump on the bandwagon of what is popular now, essentially do market research. You need to be organised. Finally correct financial planning and marketing is essential!
You have achieved success but would you change anything that you did before you got here?
I would not change a thing! I learned and learn from my mistakes. With retrospect I would advise anyone starting off to be careful with your finances and don’t over extend yourself.
You have worked with very successful promoters, how did you manage those relationships?
Clear lines of communication. In the entertainment business you can deal with people that have egos. It’s important that they leave those egos at the door and everything is kept on the same level. You also need to delegate properly and listen to ideas.
What are some good event management tips?
Try not to target the same demography every night of the week, spread your customer base out. Identify key promoters and have a delicate mix of live events, DJ events, themed events and corporate events.
If you could go back to 1995 what would you tell yourself?
Have fun and keep doing what you’re doing because it will all end up fine!
