We’re thrilled to sit down with Katarina Railko, a seasoned hospitality expert with a remarkable background in travel, tourism, and event management. With her deep expertise in crafting unforgettable experiences at expos and conferences, Katarina offers a unique perspective on the dynamic world of large-scale events in the telecommunications and technology sectors. In this engaging conversation, we dive into the intricacies of forming strategic partnerships, the art of delivering seamless guest experiences, the challenges of managing global events, and the creative innovations that elevate industry gatherings. Join us as Katarina shares her insights on navigating competitive pitches, ensuring consistency across diverse locations, and bringing bold ideas to life for thousands of attendees.
How did your journey in creating impactful events for the telecommunications industry begin, and what sparked your passion for this space?
My journey started in the travel and tourism industry, where I learned the importance of creating meaningful, memorable experiences for diverse groups of people. I found myself drawn to the telecommunications and technology sectors because of their fast-paced, innovative nature. These industries are all about connecting people—whether through technology or in-person events—and I saw an opportunity to bridge those worlds. My passion really ignited when I worked on my first major tech conference; seeing thousands of industry leaders come together to share ideas and build partnerships was incredibly inspiring. It’s about creating a space where innovation happens, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
Can you walk us through the early stages of forming a significant partnership in this industry, perhaps reflecting on an initial collaboration that set the tone for future success?
Absolutely. I remember a pivotal moment when I was part of a team that connected with a major industry alliance during a casual conversation at an event in Europe. We discussed their vision for bringing together global tech leaders and how they wanted events to feel more cohesive and impactful. That initial chat turned into a small-scale collaboration for an event in Asia, where we focused on delivering a seamless experience. We put everything into the creative design and guest journey, ensuring every detail aligned with their goals. That first success built trust and opened the door to bigger opportunities. It taught me that relationships and results go hand in hand in this industry.
What do you think makes an event production company truly stand out when working with a global organization in the tech sector?
It’s a combination of creativity and reliability. Global organizations in the tech sector often have high stakes—thousands of attendees, influential speakers, and complex agendas. What makes a production company stand out is the ability to bring fresh, innovative ideas to the table while executing flawlessly. For instance, during one of our early projects, we reimagined the event layout to foster better networking, using interactive zones that reflected the organization’s forward-thinking ethos. At the same time, we ensured every logistical piece—from tech setups to attendee flow—was handled with precision. When you can surprise and delight while delivering without hiccups, that’s when you earn lasting trust.
How do you approach the challenge of winning a competitive pitch for a multi-year, global event contract?
Winning a competitive pitch is all about understanding the client’s pain points and vision, then presenting a solution that feels both ambitious and achievable. I’ve been part of pitches where we spent weeks researching the organization’s past events, identifying what worked and what didn’t. During the pitch, we focus on storytelling—painting a picture of what their events could become with our partnership. We also highlight our track record of managing large-scale events across different regions, showing how we adapt to local nuances while maintaining a unified brand experience. It’s about proving you can handle the scale while bringing a unique perspective that sets you apart from the competition.
What does it mean to you and your team to secure a long-term partnership for producing flagship events across multiple cities worldwide?
It’s incredibly rewarding and a huge responsibility. Securing a long-term partnership feels like a vote of confidence in our ability to deliver consistently at a high level. It’s not just about one event; it’s about shaping the organization’s presence across cities like Copenhagen, Dallas, and Bangkok over several years. For my team, it means we get to build a deeper relationship with the client, really understanding their evolving needs. It also gives us the chance to create a signature style for their events that attendees recognize no matter where they are in the world. Honestly, it’s a thrilling challenge to make each event feel fresh yet familiar.
How do you tackle the goal of streamlining delivery and ensuring consistency for an organization that previously worked with multiple suppliers?
Streamlining delivery starts with centralizing communication and processes. When an organization has worked with multiple suppliers, there’s often a lack of cohesion—different styles, timelines, and standards. My approach is to create a unified framework for every event, from planning to execution. We establish clear guidelines and a single point of contact to avoid fragmentation. For consistency, we develop templates for branding, stage design, and even attendee experiences, but we leave room for customization based on location or audience. It’s about finding that balance between a standardized approach and local relevance, ensuring every event feels like part of the same family while addressing past challenges like misaligned expectations or delays.
Can you share how you balance creativity with the practical demands of producing large-scale events for thousands of industry decision-makers?
Balancing creativity with practicality is at the heart of what we do. For large-scale events, creativity can’t just be about flashy ideas; it has to solve real problems or enhance the experience. For example, we’ve designed immersive stage setups that double as functional spaces for keynotes and networking, making the event visually striking while meeting logistical needs. On the practical side, we rely on detailed planning and robust technology to manage everything from registration to live streaming for thousands of attendees. It’s about constant collaboration between creative and operations teams to ensure that bold ideas don’t compromise efficiency. We test every concept against the question: does this serve the attendee and the client’s goals?
What innovative ideas or approaches are you most excited to bring to future events in the telecommunications and technology space?
I’m really excited about integrating more interactive and tech-driven experiences into events. The telecommunications industry is all about innovation, so events should reflect that. We’re exploring ideas like augmented reality zones where attendees can experience new technologies firsthand, or AI-driven matchmaking tools to connect participants based on shared interests. I also want to push the boundaries of sustainable event design—using digital platforms to reduce waste while still creating a high-impact experience. It’s about making events not just a gathering, but a showcase of what’s possible in the industry. We want attendees to leave inspired by both the content and the experience.
What is your forecast for the future of global events in the telecommunications and technology industries?
I believe the future of global events in this space will be defined by hybrid experiences and deeper personalization. As technology continues to evolve, we’ll see more seamless integration of virtual and in-person elements, allowing events to reach wider audiences without losing the intimacy of face-to-face interaction. I also think there will be a stronger focus on data-driven customization—using insights to tailor content, networking opportunities, and even event layouts to individual attendees. Sustainability will be non-negotiable, with pressure to minimize environmental impact through digital tools and eco-friendly practices. Overall, I see events becoming more immersive, inclusive, and impactful, reflecting the innovative spirit of the telecommunications and technology sectors.
