Humans of Warwick - Gail Tomlinson-Short

Gail Tomlinson-Short

Head of Business Development, Warwick Conferences

“When life changes unexpectedly, learn to say yes to more, embrace change and keep evolving.”

“I wasn’t sure about being a Human of Warwick, but having been here for three decades, I guess I have a bit of a story to tell!

I was always interested in hospitality and started working on weekends in a small local hotel, cleaning rooms, waitressing and working behind the bar. It was very similar to the hotel in Crossroads, if you remember that TV programme. The next natural step was to go to college which gave me a good grounding into the hospitality business. I then progressed to a higher diploma and a BA hons in Hotel Business.

My first role at Warwick was as an event manager for the central campus venues, the academic facilities. Coming here from a country house hotel was a bit of a culture shock, but I instantly loved the place and how we had the ability to create fantastic impactful events. I’m still incredibly proud to work somewhere where the commercial group business’ surplus is reinvested into the University, helping fund research projects and improve the student experience. When you read in the news about the major research we’re doing, it’s nice to know that we’ve contributed to that as well.

Lots of universities sell their facilities but nothing compares to what we have here and the high standards we set ourselves. We can offer a lot more than an event space, we can introduce clients to different departments or arrange a speaker from the Business School for example. We have been told that we make people feel like guests at their own events due to the amount of work and pressure we take off them, and I quite like how that feels. It’s destination Warwick and we should really celebrate that.

Life is a journey, and mine took an unexpected turn last year when I had a double brain tumour diagnosis. I don’t readily share this as I won’t let it define me, but I have been encouraged to do so, and maybe it could help others.

I’ve affectionally called my unwanted guests Terry and June, another TV reference! Humour is definitely a coping mechanism for me. I didn’t want it to be the main thing you knew about me and I’m certainly not looking for sympathy. I do believe that bad things happen to good people. I’m getting better all the time, obviously some days are better than others but I’m on the road to recovery.

I came into the meetings industry for the people. The business and my colleagues have been so supportive of me. There was no pressure while I was off, I think I pressurised them to let me come back! I was after some normality and purpose, and my job gives me so much joy I wanted to be here. I can’t thank my wonderful team enough for how they’ve looked after and continue to care for me.

Three decades have flown by and I’ve seen so many changes over the years, our little town is just getting bigger and better. It’s constantly evolving and changing. I am so proud to work at Warwick, and I couldn’t see myself working anywhere else so progressive and entrepreneurial. I love it and long may it continue!”