Viva McPherson: A Decade of Expertise in the Creative Events Industry
Viva McPherson is synonymous with creativity and innovation in the events industry. With over a decade of experience in event management, production, and partnerships, she has earned her reputation as a dynamic force in crafting memorable experiences. Whether managing high-profile events or curating intimate gatherings, her journey showcases a blend of passion, precision, and professional expertise that few can rival.
Early Life and Education
Viva McPherson’s journey into the creative world started with a solid foundation in design and the arts. She pursued a BA in Surface Design from the University of the Arts London, where her creativity blossomed. This educational background helped her develop an eye for detail, a key trait in her professional career. Before delving into the events industry, Viva also completed an Art Foundation Course at Middlesex University. Her educational path was instrumental in shaping her ability to merge artistic vision with practical event management.
Career Beginnings and Notable Roles
Viva McPherson’s career began in entertainment marketing, where she worked with Nike. From 2008 to 2009, she was part of a small but dynamic marketing department. Her responsibilities revolved around promoting Nike’s brand through strategic collaborations with influencers, which helped elevate the aspirational appeal of Nike’s sports and women’s training apparel. This experience in a corporate setting taught her the importance of brand alignment and strategic marketing, skills she would later apply in her events career.
Co-Founding The Gig Company
In 2012, Viva took her entrepreneurial spirit to the next level by co-founding The Gig Company, an independent boutique events agency. This agency quickly became known for organizing unique live music experiences, bringing together some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Van Morrison, Rudimental, and Madness. The Gig Company specializes in creating bespoke events such as gala dinners, corporate events, private parties, and more.
Working with high-profile artists and brands allowed Viva to hone her skills in celebrity liaison, artist relations, event budgeting, and production management. The Gig Company’s reputation for delivering tailored, high-impact events was mainly due to her ability to seamlessly blend creativity with logistics, ensuring each event was memorable and executed perfectly.
Special Events and Charity Work
Viva’s passion for using her talents for social good is evident in her roles with various charities. Her work with Willow, a charity that supports seriously ill young adults, highlighted her commitment to making a difference through event management. While as Event Manager at Willow, Viva was responsible for organizing major charity events, including The London Football Awards. This prestigious event celebrates the best of London football while raising awareness and funds for Willow.
From October 2021 to March 2023, Viva expanded her charitable contributions as Events and Partnerships Manager at Horizons, a Higher Education Participation (HEP) charity. In this role, she managed various events to enhance educational opportunities for underprivileged youth. Her ability to manage complex events while focusing on the charity’s mission made her an invaluable asset to the organization.
In April 2023, Viva transitioned to freelancing as an Events Producer, where she continued to apply her expertise to various projects. Her freelance work allowed her to bring her signature creativity and attention to detail to multiple events.
Leading at NSPCC
As of September 2023, Viva took on a new challenge as Senior Special Events Manager at NSPCC, one of the UK’s leading child protection charities. In this capacity, Viva is responsible for planning and executing high-impact events that align with NSPCC’s mission to protect children from abuse. Her role requires both creativity and strategic fundraising and stakeholder management, areas in which she has consistently excelled throughout her career.
Her current work at NSPCC allows her to combine her passion for event production with a deep commitment to social causes, making her a key figure in the charity’s efforts to raise awareness and funds.
Skills and Expertise
Viva McPherson’s success in the events industry can be attributed to her diverse skill set and comprehensive approach to event management. Over the years, she has demonstrated proficiency in the following areas:
- Concept Development: Viva has a keen eye for transforming a client’s vision into reality. She ensures every detail is meticulously planned and executed, from intimate private gatherings to large-scale corporate events.
- Budget Management: Viva’s ability to work within a budget without compromising the quality of the event is a testament to her financial acumen. She is skilled in negotiating with suppliers and contractors to deliver high-quality experiences while staying within financial constraints.
- Celebrity and Artist Relations: One of Viva’s standout skills is her ability to manage relationships with high-profile clients, including celebrities and musicians. Her experience in this area ensures she can secure top-tier entertainment for events and manage the intricate logistics of working with well-known personalities.
- Fundraising: Viva has worked extensively on events with a vital fundraising component throughout her career. She has developed strategies for securing significant donors, creating new income streams, and implementing effective communication strategies to enhance fundraising efforts.
- Team Leadership: Whether working with a small team of contractors or leading large teams for corporate events, Viva has consistently shown her ability to manage and inspire her colleagues to deliver their best work.
The Future of Viva McPherson’s Career
As she continues to grow in her role at NSPCC and beyond, Viva McPherson remains a crucial figure in the events industry. Her ability to blend creativity with logistical expertise and her commitment to social causes makes her an inspirational leader in her field.
Her journey from entertainment marketing to becoming a Senior Special Events Manager at one of the UK’s leading charities is a testament to her versatility and dedication. As Viva continues to craft exceptional events, her impact on the industry and the causes she supports will undoubtedly continue to grow.
Conclusion
In the fast-paced world of event management, few professionals have left as significant a mark as Viva McPherson. With a prosperous career spanning over a decade, her expertise in creative event production, celebrity relations, and fundraising has solidified her position as a leader in the field. From her work with The Gig Company to her current role at NSPCC, Viva’s commitment to excellence and her passion for making a difference shine through in every project she undertakes.
Her story is one of continuous growth, creativity, and an unwavering dedication to creating memorable experiences while supporting meaningful causes. Whether you’re looking to learn from her career or collaborate on your next big event, Viva McPherson is a name you will remember in the events industry.
