In this episode of Events Matters, David Watt speaks with Andrew Charlton, Founder and CEO of Hashtag Events, exploring his unique journey from the legal profession to becoming a prominent figure in the events industry.

Andrew reflects candidly on the challenges of the 2007 financial crash and reality of losing key clients overnight. Following this experience, and having identified a need for informal but focused networking spaces, he went on to organise the North East's first business expo.

Andrew emphasises the importance of networking, community building, and leveraging technology in the events space. He talks openly about the growth of his business, the balance between work and personal life, and his vision for the future, including the integration of AI and innovative solutions for small businesses.

Expect insights on:

• How community engagement drives event success
• Why surrounding yourself with better people is essential for growth
• The importance of learning from failures and mistakes
• Why building a strong brand identity is vital for success
• Why continuous innovation is necessary to stay relevant

This is a grounded conversation about the reality of entrepreneurship in the events industry – the highs, lows, and the eureka moments that make it so worthwhile. Andrew's story is full of inspiring takeaways for event founders looking ahead to the future.