Alan Revel, Head of Events, celebrates 21 years at LSE in 2021. He shares his favourite campus spot, lockdown snack, and thoughts on future events.
Alan Revel
How long have you worked at LSE? How did you come to work at the School?
I joined LSE in the summer of 2000. I arrived having previously worked at Shakespeare's Globe over in Southwark.
What areas have you worked in?
My first role was working in the Conference and Events Office, processing room bookings. I then moved on to work on public events and have being doing this ever since.
If you could book any guest speaker for an LSE public event, who would you choose?
Barack and Michelle Obama.
What’s been your favourite lockdown snack?
An Orange Twirl.
What have been the biggest changes you’ve seen?
When I first arrived, term time was busy, but outside of term it was pretty quiet. I remember many of us watching large chunks of the first series of Big Brother (featuring Nasty Nick!) in the Head of Divisions office. No time of year is ever really quiet at the School anymore. The campus is also much bigger with many more buildings spread over a larger area. Thank goodness some things don't change and Wright's Bar is still here.
What’s your fondest memory of working at LSE?
Working in events I have seen so many high-profile figures visit the School from Prime Ministers to Presidents, Nobel Laureates to CEOs of leading companies. However, I was proudest when one of the students who worked as an events steward returned as a speaker at one of our public events.
What excites you about the future of LSE?
In our area we hope to take the best of online events and incorporate the interaction which has been possible with people from all over the world with our in-person events when they return.
What makes you feel part of LSE?
Working with my team on organising the School's social events, such as the Christmas Party for the Children of Staff which is great fun and the LSE Christmas Concert at which the School's choir and orchestra perform and which is always a special occasion, bringing together students, staff, and alumni.