SIV Conferencing & Events' and City Hall Sheffield's General Manager Dominic Stokes discusses his professional achievements, frustrations with the industry, and how a visit from the Queen nearly went disastrously wrong.

I first got involved with business events when I realised the potential of City Hall as a conferencing venue and that business events are not only ‘nice to have' but as important as entertainment and sporting events.

My favourite event was when Visit Britain ambassadors came to Sheffield and gave the city the highest praise.

In the last 6 months City Hall has managed to win 4 awards in business tourism.

Business tourists in the future will have more expectations from venues and require more flexibility.

What frustrates me most about the business is the lack of recognition of how important a business event is and the perception that they are all 'jollies'.  The industry is a significant economic driver that should be taken seriously.

My most successful personal achievement is undoubtedly my son, but professionally I've been very successful wherever I've worked.  I was awarded Manager of the Year at LiveNation in 2004 and at SIV in 2007.

My professional ambition over the next two years is to develop SIV Conferencing & Events as a recognised business event supplier.

I'll always remember when a venue I used to manage was preparing for a visit from the Queen and Prince Phillip. My director at the time was dashing about delegating tasks and he accidentally pushed me too hard.  I fell down some steps and crashed to the ground and the Queen's security were immediately standing over me reaching for their weapons.  I had to hold my hands up to assure them I wasn't dangerous!

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