Meet the team
Miriam Sigler
Miriam Sigler has been bringing events to life for more than twenty years; delivering innovative ideas, effective solutions and tangible results for exhibitions, conferences, conventions and activations of every size.
Known for a penchant for pink as much as she is for her people skills and prowess with Excel, Miriam strikes the perfect balance of playfulness and leadership in every event she works on. Combining her vibrancy, love for teamwork and sense of humour with her eye for detail, uncompromising work ethic, and authoritative calmness, she has established herself as one of the industry’s most trusted and sought-after Operations Managers.
Miriam began her events career with the Labour Party’s Events and Exhibitions team, where she was involved in 10 Annual Conferences, 2 General Elections and several regional events. In addition to mastering the foundations of successful events, she also developed expertise in high-profile, tight security events.
After leaving the public sector, she joined one of the UK’s leading events companies, Clarion Events, where she was quickly appointed as Head of Operations. In this role, she tendered and managed the company’s central contracts (worth £1m-£5m), managed a team of 10, and led the launches of several new events. In addition to this, Miriam ran her own portfolio of events for Clarion, including flagship names such as Spirit of Christmas and National Caravan & Motorhome Show in partnership with House & Garden and Empire magazines. Her experience naturally led her to a consultation role with two new venues as they endeavoured to ensure the spaces best met organisers’ needs.
Wanting to shake up the way operations was done in the events industry, Miriam and co-founder Gill Geens started Ways & Means in 2012. With a vision to help both established and emerging organisers create exciting, industry-leading events, Ways & Means has since shaped a portfolio of events that excite, entertain, and educate their key stakeholders, whilst driving revenue and growth for organisers.
The only thing Miriam loves more than problem-solving is processes. She’s passionate about events and the people who make them so special; regularly taking on mentorship roles for younger professionals and supporting industry-wide initiatives that will see the ongoing success of the events industry for many generations to come.
Gill Geens
Gill Geens is an experienced event professional and one of the safest pairs of hands in the industry.
Gill began her event career working at Birmingham’s National Indoor Arena (NIA), working on everything from international sporting events to pop concerts and conferences. Her venue background gives her a unique, holistic perspective that was instrumental when she moved to the NEC to manage events as part of their in-house team of organisers, Centre Exhibitions. Here, she managed consumer and trade shows in various sectors and was honoured to be involved in the organisation of the prestigious 100th Rotary Club International Convention which welcomed 10,000+ Rotarians to listen to speakers including Ban Ki-moon and Senior Government officials.
Gill was involved in the process of Clarion Events acquiring Centre Exhibitions, after which she then organised a variety of events for Clarion around the country . Gill’s calm approach allows her to lead and deliver Ways & Means’ events with the perfect balance of flair and function.
A keen eye for detail combined with strong leadership and diplomacy skills, Gill approaches all situations with a great sense of humour and a personal touch, making her a pleasure to deal with and a valued member of any team.
Harry Moorhouse
Exhibitors are in safe hands with Harry! With his friendly, experienced and hands-on approach, he allows for smooth and stress free planning.
Starting out in stand-build sales, Harry brings technical knowledge and a positive attitude to Ways & Means Events. Harry’s experience in exhibitions has taken him to venues across Europe, looking after hundreds of stand-builds. By providing construction, graphical, and logistical support, companies trust in his management skills will lead to extremely successful events.
Tia Thornhill
Tia is passionate about all things events and brings a can-do attitude to all she works on! She prides herself in investing in strong relationships with all of her contacts, so you can be sure to have a personable experience.
Having specialised in Event Experience during her degree in Event Management, she is eager to utilise her knowledge to ensure the successful running of all events. For the past few years, Tia has been based in London venues, so she brings a fresh and unique perspective to the team.
With a logistical brain and a warm approach, no question is too ridiculous for Tia!
Angela Walker
Angela is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in the events and exhibitions industry. She has successfully managed renowned events such as the BBC Good Food Show, Country Living Show, London Art Fair, and BBC Gardeners’ World. Angela is adept in both B2B and B2C environments, bringing a strategic problem-solving approach to her work. Known for her creativity and personable nature, she excels in delivering exceptional experiences. She also holds a degree in nutrition, reflecting her passion for food and wellness.
Laura Cole
Laura is that best friend that you have known for so long she is basically family! A NEBOSH-qualified Operations Manager, Laura has worked with the Ways & Means team in one form or another for most of her 15 years in the industry with her vast experience, in both consumer and trade events, she brings a dependable, conscientious, and diligent approach to each and every operational challenge. She builds strong, trusting relationships with those she works with, and brings a friendly, can-do attitude to the events she works on. Laura will always know where to get an all important cup of tea!
Nikki Walker
Nikki is our resident safety nerd with a smile as big as her personality. With over 17 years of experience in organising large city centre and green field events, including opening ceremonies, parades, concerts and festivals, she has been invaluable to the team. Nikki gained a BA Hons in Cultural Event Management whilst simultaneously gaining her NEBOSH General Certificate and has also completed a Diploma in Event Safety. After many years in outdoor events she found the wonderful world of exhibitions and has been with the team almost since the beginning. Working across four continents representing the Ways & Means brand she has continued her passion for travel, whilst still working outdoor events.
Craig Turner
Craig is our man Friday, a jack of all trades and a master of all! Craig has been with Ways & Means since day one and has been a constant and critical part of our infrastructure.
When he’s not on stage or costuming the great and the good of TV & Film he turns his hand to organsing, from customer service, to show catering admin support to feature management Craig has an amazing knack of picking up any job and running with it. With a fastidious eye for detail he makes everything glisten like the top of the Chrysler building.
Tom Geens
Keeping it in the family, Tom joins us when we need an extra pair of hands on site. Happy to jump in and help with anything that’s needed, from getting everything where it needs to be, jumping in to build flat pack furniture or helping exhibitors, Tom rolls up his sleeves and gets the job done.