This month we interviewed one of our Senior Account Managers, Emma Card. People are at the heart of everything we do. Learn more about the TROers behind the magic, their own stories and passions, and what’s on their radar.
I sit at the centre of the action, making sure all the moving parts of a project are working together seamlessly. It’s fast-paced and can be high-pressure, but that’s what I love about it. Seeing an idea progress from a topline brief to a fully realised live experience never gets old.
A big part of my job is understanding what our clients are trying to achieve and translating that into something creative, impactful and operationally viable. No two days are the same: one minute I’m deep in a spreadsheet, the next I’m onsite supporting our ridiculously skilled workshop and operator team.
I’ve been at TRO almost 8 years!
The kitchen is my happy place. There’s something so satisfying about creating an atmosphere through food: curating complementary welcome cocktails and nibbles, or faffing about to present a beautiful dish.
I’ve been lucky enough to turn that passion into a side hustle. Catering has definitely shaped how I show up at work. When you’re cooking for 80 guests and the oven decides to misbehave, you learn very quickly how to stay calm and problem-solve on the fly. It’s taught me to be organised, to prep meticulously and to always have a Plan B. Organisation is everything, just like in experiential.
I’m slightly ashamed to admit that cookbooks are the only genre I actively enjoy reading. I could quite happily flick through recipes all day. I love following chefs like (queen) Nigella for indulgence and passion, or Ottolenghi for bold flavours and beautiful presentation. His approach to colour and texture is incredible, and it’s the perfect example of how much visual impact matters. You eat with your eyes first, and all that jazz!
I also find inspiration in everyday hospitality. A great restaurant experience can spark just as many ideas as a pitch deck. I’m always quietly clocking what makes something memorable – the details, the pacing, the soundtrack, the amazing staff.
Probably Hunt for the Wee Beastie, promoting Ardbeg’s peaty whisky as a multi-sensory experience. We transformed a bar in Battersea into a retro film set, complete with cartons of popcorn, film posters, props, an epic soundtrack and actors. It felt like stepping into a story.
The client really trusted us to run with the creative, which meant we could dial up the drama and the atmosphere. There was such a strong sense of collaboration between us, the client and our suppliers. It felt like everyone was pulling in the same direction to make something unforgettable.
Seeing people’s awe when they stepped inside was nothing short of magic – that moment when creativity sparks a real, human reaction.
It would have to be M&S Food. I’m slightly (okay, very) obsessed with supermarkets, and M&S just does it differently. I’d love to bring that brand to life in a more immersive way. Imagine a multi-sensory tasting journey where you discover the story behind Colin and Percy, or a pop-up that celebrates the craft and innovation behind their seasonal ranges. There’s so much potential to turn the weekly shop into something joyful.
You can connect with Emma HERE, and watch out for next month’s TRO: Behind the Brand!
