Starting as a Project Coordinator, Nikki Clanor joined the company in pursuit of her advocacies of development, purpose, and values. Today, she is the Head of Outbound Sales, where she manages newer members and takes on more responsibilities, planning and executing entire projects.
Tell us about your role at The Ortus Club and your journey to get here.
I started my journey with The Ortus Club as a Project Coordinator. I was a fresh graduate, and I was really interested in Project Management and Events. This role really gave me a good grasp of how Ortus events are structured and the essential role guest relationships play in creating successful experiences. From there, I moved into the role of Assistant Team Lead, where I learned to guide and start taking on a few leadership responsibilities. After proving myself in that capacity, I took on the role of Team Lead, which really made me grow professionally and personally. By February 2023, I was appointed Head of Operations for APAC, overseeing event logistics and ensuring the smooth execution of events in the APAC region.
In my new role as Strategic Business and Development Manager, I have returned to the company with a fresh perspective and a broader skill set, equipped to drive strategic partnerships, manage business growth, and develop innovative strategies that align with The Ortus Club’s long-term vision. A real new challenge, and I’m very excited about it! My journey here has been one of constant growth, learning, and adapting to new challenges, and I’m excited to continue making a positive impact!
What makes you the best at what you do? What values drive you to perform even better?
My passion for continuous learning and collaboration is what drives me. I thrive in environments where I’m constantly challenged, and The Ortus Club offers just that, especially in my current role, which allows me to be more creative and think outside of the box. Each project brings new possibilities and challenges, and the opportunity to work with diverse minds only makes it more exciting!
What differentiates The Ortus Club from other event partners?
Among many things that set The Ortus Club apart from other event partners, our meticulous focus on efficiency, systems, and personalisation is one that I’m the most proud of. We’ve developed an internal structure that ensures every event is well-planned and executed, allowing us to address potential challenges proactively. This level of control gives our partners and guests confidence that their events will run smoothly from start to finish.
Our dedication to creating a bespoke experience for every client is also one value I want to highlight. We make it our mission to seamlessly integrate with our clients’ objectives, coupled with our attention to detail, to create unique event experiences beyond logistics. We work hand in hand with our clients to ensure their specific needs and goals are met, which strengthens the trust and long-lasting relationships we build with them. This commitment to excellence is at the heart of why our clients choose us as their event partners time and time again.
Which initiative are you most excited about that you have planned for your department?
One of the initiatives I’m most excited about is The Ortus Club’s expansion into global conferences this year, and we’re starting with MWC Barcelona 2025! While we’ve always hosted exceptional events, this shift towards larger, high-profile conferences allows us to engage with a broader network of leaders and experts across industries. It’s not just about scaling up; it’s about deepening our connections and bringing new, high-value content to the table. These conferences present an exciting opportunity for us to collaborate with thought leaders, offer unique insights, and foster new business relationships.
I’m particularly excited because it aligns with my role in strategic business development – I’ll be directly involved in building new partnerships, refining our event strategies, and ensuring that we continue to meet and exceed client expectations. It’s a great opportunity for us to elevate the brand and offer even more impactful experiences.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to any business leader looking to improve their lead generation through events?
My top piece of advice would be to focus on tailoring and customising every aspect of your events to fit the unique needs of your audience. Successful lead generation doesn’t come from a one-size-fits-all approach; it comes from truly understanding the goals, challenges, and aspirations of your potential clients and designing an event experience that speaks to those needs. This means everything from content to the format and follow-up process needs to be strategically aligned with your audience’s interests. The only way to achieve this is through constant and open communication with everyone involved—internally, with your clients, and with your guests. Regular check-ins and clear expectations are critical to making sure every aspect of the event aligns with the larger lead-generation goals.
It’s also important to think beyond the event itself and focus on the post-event engagement strategy. Building relationships doesn’t stop when the event itself is done; it’s a long-term process that requires nurturing and careful attention to continue the momentum.
What do you think the future holds for The Ortus Club? What role will you play towards it?
The future of The Ortus Club is incredibly bright, with our continued expansion into new markets and growing demand for our strategic, high-quality events. I believe we will continue to play an essential role in connecting leaders from different industries to drive innovation and thought leadership.
As Strategic Business and Development Manager, my role will be to identify new opportunities for growth, build meaningful partnerships, and ensure our events remain at the forefront of industry trends. I’ll be focused on positioning The Ortus Club as a leader in the global event space, ensuring our services and strategies evolve to meet the ever-changing demands of our clients.
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