After five years with BI Worldwide WORLDWIDE and more than 15 years working in event agencies, Nicola Sanders has taken the bold step of launching her own events venture, Nova Sidera Events Ltd.
We caught up with Nicola to find out what inspired the move and her ambitions for the new business…
What inspired you to make the leap and launch your own business?
I’d had a great run at BI and really enjoyed it—I’ve always worked in agencies and loved that pace. But I reached a point where I felt like I needed to take back control of my time. As many of us in events will know, the work-life balance can take its toll, and with so many international events, I needed to make a change to reclaim some balance and be my own boss so I can manage my time, better balancing work, life, family and friends.
I also wanted to feel excited again and since leaving, I genuinely feel like a different person. The energy and enthusiasm have come back. It felt like the right time to be brave and go for it.
What kind of work are you hoping to take on with Nova Sidera?
My core focus will be on delivery and logistics, that’s where I’ve built my career, and I’m hoping to grow my own client base directly, while supporting agencies on a freelance basis. I want variety and the chance to push myself with new types of projects and partners.
I’ve already got my first client, which is a local company near where I live. I’m supporting them with their stand at the Road Transport Expo and I’m excited to get stuck in.
I’d also love to develop more confidence on the production side. That’s one area I’ve typically leaned on others for, so it’s a key skill I want to grow.
Tell us about the name Nova Sidera and what it means?
Nova Sidera is Latin for “new stars.” I’m playing on that idea that I want every event to become a bright star within our constellation of Nova Sidera Events. It also ties in with my initials—Nicola Sanders. I wanted something that was personal and represented me.
Do you have a sweet spot in terms of the types of events you want to work on?
I love any kind of event to be honest and get a buzz from all of them. But I excel in corporate incentive travel, conferences and product launches, which I have delivered for many years. I’m also open to private parties and celebrations as well.
What do you hope to achieve in the next two to three years?
I’d love for Nova Sidera to be well established, with a solid client base and a great reputation in the events sector. It would be great to be working with some of the very best partners and clients out there. And if I could grow the business enough to have a small team working with me, that would be amazing.