mdgroup’s Event Services team organises and hosts investigator meetings and site training for healthcare professionals running clinical trials. Of course, in recent months, face-to-face meetings have been impossible and our team has been supporting clients with online alternatives while preparing for when it’s safer to start meeting in person again. During this time, we’ve been asking the team to tell you a little bit about themselves so you can get to know them better in readiness for meeting them when the time is right.
We first spoke with the head of the team, Nicky Ratcliffe, Global Director, Event Services in June and published a short excerpt on LinkedIn. To have the complete team on mdgroup.com, the full interview with Nicky follows below:
Hi Nicky! Can you start by telling us a little about your background and role?
I have over 20 years’ experience in event services, with event management, pharma and clinical research companies. I joined mdgroup in July last year and was promoted to Global Director, Event Services in January. As head of the Event Services team, I’m responsible for the effective management and growth of the department. I’m also the key point of contact for several clients, ensuring their event expectations are met.
What’s your favourite city to meet for an event and why?
Istanbul, because of the hospitality and culture of the city. I believe one of the only cities in the world that is considered European, yet it occupies two different continents. One part of Istanbul lies in Europe and the other part lies in Asia, which is kinda cool!
What’s your favourite venue you have worked in before and why?
The Mena House Hotel in Giza just outside of Cairo. The stunning scenery every morning waking up early overlooking the pyramids and the serenity that comes with the view. It filled me with a calmness that I was ready and able to tackle anything.
It was difficult for me to narrow down to just two favourite cities and venues having worked in this business for over 20 years, but thinking long and hard I came up with these options and reasons why. Whilst being on lockdown you start to relook at life and what priorities you had before may be very different to how you feel now and I am sure if I was asked these questions last year my answers may well have been totally different!
Newest Skill learnt during lockdown:
I had to learn very quickly from a business perspective the importance of virtual engagement with our clients and their customers to keep the industry moving. From a personal level, I had to understand that it was OK for my teenage girls not to get up till 3 o’clock in the afternoon and that they stayed up till the wee hours as this became their “new temporary norm” but it was OK so I ran with it. Thankfully now that business is starting to open up they are having to rebuild their routine as they are getting back to their summer jobs!
Looking for more support with investigator meetings and site training?
We can’t wait to see you all again at events soon! In the meantime, we’ve published this helpful guide on how to run effective virtual meetings, as well as preparing for meeting again in-person with the required social distancing and hygiene measures.
Can we help you run your next virtual or in-person event?
Get in touch by emailing info@mdgroup.com
