Michael Aldridge at the Tussauds Group - 'Venue Vendor' from Square Meal Venues & Events Magazine Summer 2007

Michael Aldridge at the Tussauds Group - 'Venue Vendor' from Square Meal Venues & Events Magazine Summer 2007 Information:

The GM for the events arm of Tussauds Group tells us more about his flagship venue.

My name is Michael Aldridge.
I am the general manager for Tussauds Group events.
I have worked for this group for 10 years, with a two-year gap in between.
I’m here because Madame Tussauds is the most dynamic venue in London. It’s constantly changing and there are always a lot of new opportunities to develop and grow in my job.
They call me lots of things, but Mickey Blue Eyes is the one I like best.
I’ve been in the events industry for 15 years.
One of my first events was the birthday party of one of Bernard Matthews’ daughters in a marquee in Norfolk. At the time, he was a bit of a celebrity, and there was no budget for the event, which was quite unusual.
I’ll always remember Margaret Thatcher and Nancy Reagan arriving at an event at the Imagination Gallery arm in arm. I wish I had a picture of it.
The most valuable lesson I have learnt so far is under-promise, over-deliver.
My venue works best because it is flexible, contemporary and topical, and so much of the theming and production is already in place.
People always comment on how the venue is constantly evolving and how good the team is.
I particularly like the space Blush because it’s almost as if it has frozen a moment in time at an A-list celebrity party. I love seeing people’s reaction when they enter – they don’t expect it to be so up-to-date or to get as close to the waxworks as they do.
I’d use it for networking events, because the wax figures act as an ice-breaker and give people something to talk about. The space has got a clubby feel to it, so it also works really well for smaller parties.
If I could change anything about this place, I’d double the size of the World Stage and open up a roof terrace that overlooks Regent’s Park.
You may be surprised to hear that we’ve just been sold. The Tussauds Group is merging with Merlin Entertainments Group to become the second-largest operator of attractions in the world.
Recently, we have relaunched Madame Tussauds after a multi-million-pound refit. We’ve also just unveiled Justin Timberlake and Kate Moss, with more new figures to come throughout the summer season.
My favourite lunch spot around here is The Orrery. It has fantastic service and is a great place to take clients and team members.
The best bar nearby is in the Restaurant, Bar & Grill at the Sherlock Holmes Hotel on Baker Street.
After an event, you’ll find me queuing at the Blackwall Tunnel to get home. I was queuing for two hours last night.
When I need inspiration, I turn to my team and Peter Kerwood, our marketing consultant. I also try to visit new venues to keep up with the latest trends.
Later this year, I’m looking forward to celebrating the 100th event at Thorpe Park.
In 10 years I hope I’ll still be creating events.
I still want to move Madame Tussauds to the South Bank – it’s where it’s all happening at the moment.
My famous last words will be ‘Is that it?’

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Michael Aldridge at the Tussauds Group - 'Venue Vendor' from Square Meal Venues & Events Magazine Summer 2007 Location:

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