#HowIGotHere with… Paul Harvey, Editor, M&IT Magazine

Sledge’s #HowIGotHere series is all about showcasing the many and varied ways those with a passion for events can pursue a career in our industry.

Paul Harvey, Editor at M&IT Magazine epitomises this. Read on to find out how Paul turned his passion for sharing the stories of others – and knack for writing – into a role that involves reporting on happenings within the sector, heading out to key events, and travelling to some of the world’s most breathtaking sights.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was at primary school, I wanted to be a football commentator. I was obsessed with football and loved reading and talking about it, so being a commentator seemed like the perfect job. Then at secondary school I discovered music, and wanted to be in a band.

How and when did you get your start in the industry?

My older sister was a journalist, so sibling rivalry meant that I was determined to do pretty much anything else. Then I noticed that she was having loads of fun meeting people and writing stories.

So, I did some work experience on the local paper and loved it. I enrolled on a fast-track journalism diploma in Liverpool and got my first job on a local newspaper, the Craven Herald in Skipton, after that.

How has that evolved over time?

I spent a few years on local newspapers across the north, mainly around Manchester, writing about golden weddings, summer fetes, sports days… All the proper, important news!

In 2011 my partner and I moved to London to seek our fortune, and I got a job doing the subtitles for Sky Sports. It was sort of my dream job from primary school, being paid to read and talk about football. However, I missed writing, so I started looking to get back into journalism, and in 2013 I joined M&IT.

I had no idea what the events industry was when I went for the interview, but my boss said there’d be lots of travelling and champagne, so it sounded ok. I’ve since come to learn that falling into the sector like I did is a very common way of becoming an eventprof!

What’s an average day look like now?

We’re in the office two days a week, so most of the time I work from home. I tend to work on news stories in the morning, updating M&IT Magazine with a couple of new items, and sending out the newsletter on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Then in the afternoon I’ll work on bigger things, such as features, interviews, podcasts, videos, or event planning and strategy. I also make sure I find the time to attend industry events as often as I can, keeping up with people in the sector is a vital part of my role. Journalists are only ever as good as their contacts, so I have to make sure I’m talking to the right people.

What do you love most about your job?

I love telling people’s stories, I always have done. The events sector is full of wonderful people with fabulous and fascinating stories to tell, that’s what keeps me going. It’s certainly never boring!

Since joining M&IT I’ve also been lucky enough to travel to places I’d never dreamed of going, from the Arctic Circle to the Grand Canyon. I’ve also had some amazing experiences and made a lot of good friends. People may fall into the events sector by accident, but there’s a good reason they choose to stay – it’s extremely rewarding.

Favourite project you’ve ever worked on?

Since stepping up to editor of M&IT in 2020 I’ve taken a more prominent role in many of our events, such as the M&IT Awards, the M&IT Agency Challenge and at The Meetings Show.

I enjoy the greater responsibility and the challenges that come with that. The M&IT Awards in September took place the day after the Queen died, and we had to very quickly adapt the event to make sure it reflected the mood of the sector – I had to open the evening with a tribute and lead a one minute’s silence. But it was a huge team effort to make sure that the event was respectful and hit the right tone, and I really learnt a lot from the experience.

What’s your top piece of advice for someone looking to pursue a role like yours?

If you want to become a journalist, make sure you can write. It seems obvious, but it’s more important now than ever. When I started in local newspapers, there were sub-editors who would tidy up copy – not anymore.

These days you’ve got to get your story right the first time, there’s no room for sloppy copy.

From there, it’s a case of making contacts, getting to know your audience, understanding their needs, telling their stories etc., but it all comes back to the writing.