A Wee Chat with Colin Hartley: Reflecting on His First Year at the SEC
It’s been just over a year since Colin Hartley took on the role of Director of Operations at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC). We sat down with him to chat about his first year, his vision for the future, and what keeps him motivated both inside and outside the office. Here's what he had to say.
Can you tell us about your role at the SEC and what it entails?
My role involves overseeing five key departments: Facilities Management, Event Management and Customer Experience, Operations Development, Event Safety and Security, and Technical and Production. In total, our team includes around 100 to 120 staff members, plus a host of freelance contractors who join us for the larger events.
In a nutshell, my department takes the brilliant work of our sales team and brings it to life. From the moment a client confirms their booking to the delivery of the event and the post-event wrap-up, every touchpoint is managed by my team. We operate the venues, deliver safety and security services, and provide event and technical managers to ensure each event is a seamless, standout experience.
What are the key areas that you take charge of for exhibition organisers?
Every event is different, and that’s something I emphasise to my team.
Coming from a background of one-off events, mostly in the sports world, I’m used to building a team from scratch, delivering a two-week event, and then shutting everything down. I bring that mindset here by treating every event as a unique experience. It might be the client’s first and last time at the SEC, so we aim to make it unforgettable.
When it comes to exhibitions, our goal is to provide a seamless, end-to-end journey within the SEC. Our event managers are our clients most important contact throughout the entire process of their SEC journey. They play a crucial role in interpreting the event’s needs, engaging the right people at the right time, and ensuring we deliver a world-class service for our clients every time, no matter the event size.
What inspired you to pursue a career in event management, and what eventually led you to join the SEC team?
Back in school and university, I dabbled in quantity surveying, but it wasn’t for me. I soon realised I was always involved in organising things. Event Management wasn’t a specific career choice back then, so I ended up studying Leisure Management at university. I got lucky and rode an amazing wave, including working at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, which cemented the path I wanted to take.
I spent 20 years working with Glasgow Life and Glasgow City Council, on everything from small local events to the Commonwealth Games, helping establish the city as a premier sporting location. After a stint as a Director for the European Championships, including a memorable edition in Munich in 2022, I felt like I’d learned a lot, especially from German efficiency in the event space! When the opportunity at the SEC came up, I couldn’t resist. I’ve always had my eye on working here and am so proud to continue contributing to Glasgow’s reputation as a top class event destination.
Reflecting on your diverse career in event management, spanning from Scotland to Australia, what stands out as the most memorable moment or highlight for you?
The World Gymnastics Championships in 2015 is a standout for me. It was the first time I was fully responsible for an event, and we completely transformed how gymnastics was presented. Before that, the sport was seen as pretty dull—white lights, messy setups etc. But our team wanted to create an event that was visually stunning and engaging for both athletes and audiences.
We introduced what’s now known as ‘the Glasgow Way,’ with blackouts before gymnasts entered, pyro effects, and more. These elements are standard now, but they weren’t back then. I’m really proud of that achievement. It was also my first experience with the Hydro as a client, and now I get to help other clients create their amazing events here.
Outside of your professional life, what are some hobbies or activities you enjoy during your free time?
Recently, I organised a charity bike ride from the Hydro to Aviemore, raising over £10,000 for a friend’s child who’s unwell. Cycling and being outdoors are big passions of mine. I love spending time in the Highlands, whether it’s walking or cycling. It’s a great way to recharge.
What advice would you give to organisers when they are planning their event at the SEC?
My advice to organisers is to tap into the wealth of knowledge and experience we have at the SEC. We host a huge volume of events, across all three sectors—venues, concerts, and conferences—so our team is well-versed in delivering high-quality experiences across all sectors. Don’t be afraid to push us creatively. We’re here not just to meet your needs but to exceed them.
In your view, what sets the SEC apart from other event venues, both locally and globally, and how do you see its future evolving?
I believe we can play a bigger role in the lives of people living in Glasgow. We have a large estate here, and I want us to use it more to support local communities and create a destination beyond just events.
Looking at examples like the London and Munich Olympic Parks, where people visit even when there’s no event, I think we can do the same. Now, it’s about carving out time to focus on the long-term strategy while managing a busy event calendar. I’m excited about where we’re headed and look forward to bringing everyone along for the ride.
That wraps up our wee chat with Colin Hartley, a man on a mission to make every event at the SEC an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s transforming gymnastics or raising money on a charity bike ride, Colin’s passion for both his work and his community is clear. Here’s to many more successful years at the SEC!
