Claire Drakeley

Claire is the Course Leader for the BA(Hons) Events Management and BA(Hons) Hospitality Management courses at the University of Northampton and the Deputy Head of School for the School of Marketing and Hospitality Management. Her current teaching covers risk management, business practice, diversity & inclusion, event strategy development, and sustainable project management.

Claire joined the University from English National Ballet (ENB) where she was Head of Enterprises & Events, leading the set up and operations of all commercial functions of the company. She also led the development and delivery of all event activity across the company including the opening of their new building, opening nights, Royal visits, and fundraising Galas. Prior to ENB, Claire founded and led Mackerel Sky Events, delivering a vast range of event projects including Agile on the Beach, City of Lights, BBC Blast, and Bloodhound SSC.

Outside of UON, Claire presents and consults with various organisations and businesses including the British Science Festival, Imperial War Museum and Sport England. She is Chair of the Association for Event Management Education Research Special Interest Group and Co-Lead for the Simulation Special Interest Group in the Centre for Active Digital Education.

Claire holds a BSc (Hons) Mathematics, an MBA, and a PhD in Events Management, focusing on decision-making in events management and how event managers navigate difficult on-event decisions to create frameworks of good practice. She is a National Fellow of the Centre for Events and Festivals and a published author with texts on virtual events management, events mis-management, and contemporary issues. Her current research projects span Agile event management practice and applied game theory.