During the late 90s I was running an event management business holding very specifically targeted executive breakfasts, dinners and golf events.  The audience had to be of the highest calibre and needed to be attracted by a great package of superior venues, spirited discussion, and excellent food.  The most important element, however, was a speaker that truly had a strong, new message for their businesses.

The brief was always specific and the budget for the speaker never as much as I would have liked!  Early on I found that Maria’s working style when discussing options with me fitted exactly with mine.  With her support we delivered some excellent events and some happy delegates and clients.

Circumstances changed and when in 2002 Maria mentioned that she was rushed off her feet and really needed some logistics’ help, I offered my services.  Since January 2003 I’ve looked after things for her and feel confident that we’ve experienced almost every situation.  We’ve sorted out private jets when fog brought all commercial flights in France and Belgium to a halt.  We’ve pulled out all the stops to ensure our client wasn’t let down when a speaker was taken ill in transit.  We’ve even been able to sort out travel visas at the last minute to enable a speaker to get into Saudi Arabia easily to make a perfect keynote speech for a very relieved client.

Over the years we’ve found we have more than work in common!  We both love our dogs and the runs on the beach, summer and winter, when Maria comes to Dorset.  My family relocated here in 2002.  We’ve also enjoyed cooking together – the courses at Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons were especially memorable.   So, we work hard together, and play happily – a great combination!

By the way, that's me on the right of the photo above, with my lovely daughter. We were recently celebrating her 18th birthday!

I joined Maria’s team in April 2009 and work part-time as Maria’s admin support. My role includes preparing client and speaker contracts and raising invoices, liaising with speakers to update their profiles, mailshots, office administration and some client entertaining.  I really enjoy working in the fast paced environment of the speaker business world.

I have two young children who are now both at school.  Before having my children I worked as an Executive Assistant for large corporate companies such as:- KPMG (at Guildford and then Gatwick), Close Investment Management Limited (in London), Bullfrog Productions Ltd (a computer games studio now integrated with Electronic Arts, at Guildford) and KBC Advanced Technology Ltd (in Walton on Thames).

My past experience has involved organising management and Board meetings, including Board papers.  During my time at Bullfrog Productions Ltd I had to organise and manage off-site meetings at home and abroad, including arranging external speakers to speak within a set budget.  In effect, I was on the opposite end of the speaker search role and often had to deal with speaker bureaus.

I have known Maria as a friend since 1983, we were both young, of course!  We both enjoy dancing and I introduced Maria to modern jive.

I joined Maria's team in April 2010. I work part-time keeping the website up to date and managing the database as well as various other administrative duties.  

I have two young children, one at school and the other at pre-school.  Prior to having time off with the children, I worked for Electronic Arts for 10 years.  My role changed over those 10 years from PA to Facilities Manager and finally to Facilities Project Manager.  During my time at Electronic Arts I organised many events and off sites which I hope will help me to understand the needs of Maria’s clients and ensure they receive the support they require.

The highlight of the Maria Franzoni year has to be the Christmas video, which always means a day of fun and laughter while we record it.

I joined Maria's team in May 2011 and deal with logistics as well as helping with legal work from time to time.

The speaker industry is relatively new to me having trained and worked as a property lawyer in Horsham and Guildford. I have also worked in an International bank in the City and I speak French and Italian (like Maria I have Italian blood!).

I have a young son who takes up most of my spare time although I have recently taken up playing the piano, something I have wanted to do for years. I am also co-chair of the PTA at my son's school.

Maria's gorgeous dog Keaton has won us over and we are soon to join the world of dog owners and become the proud if not novice owners of a miniature schnauzer puppy.

There is never a dull day in Maria's office and we all work hard but have great fun at the same time!