Toni Evans
Corporate Sales Executive
Conference & Events
"I joined in May 2006, initially with the idea of only being here for a season. However, I was asked to stay on and I was enjoying myself so much that I did - and I began to carve a career for myself.
"Originally, I simply wanted to join for the sheer experience of working at Alton Towers Resort. I imagined it was going to be kind of highly organised and yet great fun, all at the same time. If anything, it's actually been more enjoyable than I imagined it could ever be.
"I started as a Restaurant & Bars Assistant in the hotels and was quickly promoted to Team Leader – a role that involves leading and motivating my team, ensuring all the work is satisfactorily completed, cashing up and, above all, making sure our guests are always happy and satisfied with our service. In fact, meeting all the different guests and looking after their needs is one of the best parts of the job.
Onwards and upwards
“In September 2007 I heard about a secondment available in Events and after an interview I moved in to a Corporate Sales Executive role on a fixed-term basis. The position became permanent in the January and I now sell conferences and theme park events to business clients.
“My enthusiasm for the business and broad knowledge of the Resort has allowed me to be successful in my role. I have learned about what we can do for clients. I plan, sell and arrange events from Paranormal Weekends in our ruins, to exclusive Park hire with bespoke catering and corporate Waterpark parties. In some cases I’ve even worked the actual event too to see how the planning turns into reality! I am also due to start a NVQ in Business Administration to assist my general knowledge of an administration role.
Working with people people
"It's a lovely environment to work in – both front of house and behind the scenes. You're working and mixing with lots of people from different nationalities, which is really interesting. The team is happy and everyone gets along. And because of that, the hard work doesn't seem so very hard really.
"Even in small ways, everyone has the potential to make a big difference to the customer experience. The Resort is famous for its big attractions – that's why people come. But more often than not, what they'll remember is the way they've been treated. Excellent customer service helps to make the day magical.”
