Gareth Gallagher, CEO of event planning business EVT Media, debuted his new memoir Eventually Gareth: The Show Had to Go On at the prestigious Lotos Club in New York City. The elegant affair was befitting of his long and glamorous career in the events industry and as a British National.
In his memoir, Gallagher takes readers on a behind-the-scenes journey through 25 years of organizing high-end events around the world. He sheds light on the excessive nature of the industry, his personal struggle with addiction, and his journey to recovery.
Despite facing danger and debauchery, Gallagher always put the success of the event before his own well-being. However, there came a point where even Gareth couldn’t carry on.
The book launch paid tribute to those facing conflict in the world, with the initial inspiration coming from the October 7, 2023, festival in Israel. Gallagher emphasized the need for the events industry to prioritize safety and crisis management, drawing from his own experiences of surviving bombings, natural disasters, and more. The audience was astonished to learn that many event planners are unprepared for such crises, prompting Gallagher to share his expertise and help improve the industry.
The book launch began in true New York fashion with a Broadway performance, followed by a culinary experience featuring dishes from the countries where Gareth has lived and worked, each paired with a drink corresponding to a chapter in his book.
Gareth Gallagher, an experienced event organizer, shared mesmerizing stories from his career. He recounted an intriguing encounter with a prostitution ring in St. Petersburg, Russia, while battling his own addiction. Amidst the humor, the situation turned dangerous when a Hotel General Manager threatened to expose their drunken behavior to the press.
Gallagher also recounted tales of extravagant first-class events, where attendees won fully paid trips to exotic locations like Cape Town, South Africa; Venice; and Lake Como. He also discussed the high-stakes nature of running events in China, involving private jets, helicopters, and luxurious yachts.
Throughout his illustrious career, Gallagher has catered to a diverse range of clients, including presidents, dignitaries, celebrities, and top-level executives from corporations. His portfolio of events that he has arranged spans everything from intimate gatherings, including a private lunch inside the Grand Canyon, to massive conventions in New Orleans, boasting an impressive 120,000 attendees.
Despite surviving bombings, earthquakes, and cyclones, Gareth Gallagher’s addiction was spiraling out of control. Shockingly, clients and organizations deemed this as a normal part of his job, a notion that Gallagher challenges in his book. He also highlights the lack of support in the industry.
Eventually, Gareth exposes the unhealthy habits he developed, including substance abuse and the emotional toll of being treated differently when it came to food at these events. He reveals that meeting planners often do not eat the same food as others and are expected to remain unseen and unheard.
Yet through it all appears a kind and generous man who is clearly adored by many. His humility shines through as he acknowledges the privileges and challenges that have influenced his career and life. In a recent interview, he was asked if he could find love again, to which he confidently answered yes. Gareth remains optimistic and firmly believes in the power of love and success, saying that anything is possible if you believe.
We had the pleasure of discovering Gallagher’s deep passion for the industry and his unwavering dedication to forging connections, which he believes are more important than ever in the post-Covid world. Currently, he is working alongside NAIM, National Alliance on Mental Illness and wellness brands to organize charitable events in New York City, shedding light on the struggles faced by those dealing with anxiety, addiction, and mental health disorders.
But that’s not all. Gallagher is also involved in an array of exciting projects, including a fitness festival scheduled for 2024 in both New York and California. He is quickly emerging as a leading figure in the entertainment industry, collaborating with Hollywood executives and celebrities on a groundbreaking venture slated for 2025 that is set to captivate audiences far and wide. Furthermore, he will be making appearances on TedX stages in the US in 2024. Stay updated on his extraordinary journey by following him on social media, where you can experience his world through a captivating lens.
