When clients arrive at the QEII Centre, they see seamless events, polished spaces and exceptional service. What they don’t always see is the network of people working behind the scenes to make it all happen.

One of the most important areas in the building is the loading bay, where deliveries arrive, exhibition materials are stored, and event logistics are coordinated. It’s a fast-paced operation that helps ensure every event gets off to the best possible start.

As part of our Dare to be Bold blog series, we caught up with Wayne Shaw, who has overseen the QEII Centre’s loading bay for the past 12 years. He shares what it’s like to be one of the unsung heroes behind our events, keeping goods moving, clients supported and operations running smoothly.

For those who don’t know you, could you tell us a little about your role in the Loading Bay and what a typical day looks like for you? 

“A typical day depends on the number of events taking place. My priority is making sure everything comes in and goes out as quickly and seamlessly as possible. That means ensuring delivery drivers aren’t held up outside the building and that clients receive what they need in time to set up their event.

“I need to stay on top of the logistics, knowing which floor a delivery is heading to, the best route to get it there, and making sure the relevant QEII Centre teams know when it has arrived.”

What do you enjoy most about your role, and what makes working in the Loading Bay so rewarding?

“What makes the job rewarding is helping both our clients and colleagues. If deliveries arrive where they need to be and are returned safely afterwards, then I’ve done my job well. Knowing I’ve helped contribute to a successful event is always satisfying.”

The Loading Bay is often the first and last point of contact for our clients. What makes a great client experience?

“The most important thing is making sure clients feel looked after and receive what they need. In the lead-up to an event and on the day itself, clients can be under a lot of pressure, so part of my role is helping keep things calm. If an item hasn’t arrived yet, I’ll do everything I can to get it to them as quickly as possible once it does.”

What’s one of the biggest challenges you face, and how do you overcome it?

“One of the biggest challenges is when boxes don’t arrive as expected or clients are struggling to locate items. To address this, I’ve developed a system where each event is allocated a dedicated storage area. It means we know exactly where deliveries are located and can retrieve them much more quickly.”

How has your role evolved during your 12 years at the QEII Centre?

“Over the years, I’ve been able to shape the role based on experience and feedback from clients. Sometimes it’s the simplest changes that make the biggest difference. Organising storage areas more effectively helps reduce the risk of misplaced items and improves efficiency for everyone.

“I also know the building like the back of my hand. Different event spaces have different access routes, so understanding the quickest way to move deliveries around the venue helps save valuable time.”

What impact have these improvements had?

“Everything I’ve introduced has been designed to make storage and logistics simpler. It reduces the chance of items going missing, helps clients access their materials more quickly, and allows couriers to collect items efficiently once an event has finished. Everyone benefits from a smoother process.”

Finally, is there anything about the Loading Bay that people might not realise?

“The loading bay is a really important part of the event journey, although it’s often unseen by our clients. My role is to ensure goods are kept safe and that everything moves in and out of the QEII Centre with as little disruption as possible. When everything runs smoothly, that’s usually a sign we’ve done our job well.”

Behind every successful event is a team of dedicated professionals working tirelessly behind the scenes. The loading bay may be out of sight for most clients and delegates, but it plays a vital role in ensuring events run smoothly from start to finish. Through careful planning, deep knowledge of the building and an unwavering focus on client service, Wayne and the team help create the seamless experiences that the QEII Centre is known for. As we continue our Dare to be Bold blog series, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on the people whose hard work and expertise keep our venue moving every day.