Commissions

In addition to Journalism, Authoring and Editing, Jim McClelland has a very strong track-record in commercial commissions for events, as Facilitator, Speaker, Panelist, Chair, Programme Director & Judge.

Commissioning Jim for Events

Jim is an experienced Public Speaker, Panelist and Chair, having participated and presented at a whole host of functions and venues: From Copenhagen and Cardiff Bay, to Microsoft HQ, Milton Keynes; from The Great Hall at Chelsea Football Club, to London’s City Hall; and from the Press Box at Lord’s Cricket Ground, to the House of Commons.

He has also Chaired and participated in dozens of webinars and virtual events, so is familiar with a wide range of platforms and formats for online hosting.

So, if you are involved in organising an event — whether a small seminar workshop or webinar, or a large (inter)national conference, a lifestyle debate, or a business breakfast — and seeking an independent facilitator, or presenter, with a Media background and passion for Sustainability, Business & the Built Environment, then do get in touch to discuss plans and possibilities.

A wealth of contacts, combined with sound understanding of commercial pressures and logistics, enable Jim to make a significant contribution to any working arrangement, both in the preparation stage and on the day itself. His first-hand knowledge of event management and programme production can provide real added benefit.

Rates are negotiated on a case-by-case basis and Jim is particularly sympathetic to the requirements of charitable and not-for-profit organisations operating on limited budgets. He especially enjoys Chairing and, as an active print-, digital- and social-media professional, relishes opportunities to meet key players and debate with audiences across diverse sectors, markets and regions.

To discuss opportunities, ideas, availability and fees, you will find our contact details here.

Please see below for a selection of event Testimonials:

“Jim McClelland is one of those rare individuals who is a first-class communicator, accomplished event Moderator and Chairman who, fortuitously for us, also has a genuine understanding of the competing roles of net zero electrical infrastructure technologies in the Built Environment . We have been fortunate enough to secure Jim’s services for a range of events over the last few years , including chairing a number of panel discussion sessions  at both the 2022 and 2023 Installer Shows at the NEC. Jim’s professionalism comes to the fore at these events as he carefully steers the conversation so it stays on topic and on-time, offering his own insights and observations, and all the while ensuring each panel contributor has their fair share of ‘air time’. We shall continue to use Jim’s services and have no hesitation in recommending  him.” — Chris Stammers, Portfolio Manager, BEAMA

“I have had the pleasure of organising conferences and speaking at events hosted by Jim, and I must say, he is one of the best hosts I’ve come across. His knowledge and experience in the field are impressive, and he knows how to cater to the needs of both speakers and the audience. Jim’s ability to make sessions engaging and interactive is commendable, making the sessions he hosts a memorable experience for everyone involved. I highly recommend Jim’s hosting services for any event.” — Anna Scothern, CEO, National Home Improvement Council UK

“We were delighted to have Jim McClelland host our Webinar ‘The Energy Blindspots’. Jim put in the effort to understand our business and proposition, and was able to speak on our behalf with accuracy and ease. We had quite a large amount of content that we wanted to cover in one hour, and he managed this with timely accuracy ensuring all panelists had the opportunity to answer comfortably. His clear answer summations gave flow to the conversation, and all panelists felt completely at ease with him. Our event was a success, the content derived is excellent, and we would definitely recommend and be happy to work with Jim again.” — Cliona Barnes, Marketing Director, EMEA, CIM

“We were delighted to have Jim McClelland join our leadership meeting and share his insight and perspective on the world of sustainability, the different economies that are emerging from under its umbrella, his ideas on where to focus efforts and also the importance of communications for a large global company like Dow. In a world where it is often difficult to get clarity and insight, he was provocative but helpful, and demonstrated real knowledge of where industry is heading. A thoughtful and thought-provoking morning for us all.” — Judith Hicks, Business Communications Leader, P&SP EMEA, Dow

“Jim was a fantastic chair of the Airtightness & Ventilation webinar. The topic was managed professionally before, during and after the event. He ensured that all the points were covered in detail and managed the questions from the virtual audience with balanced points of view from all the panellists.”Richard Paine, Product and Marketing Director, Volution Ventilation UK

“I can highly recommend Jim McClelland. He is an excellent event chairman — I have commissioned Jim on a number of occasions, for a range of event types. He is eminently able to convene, chair, manage and entertain in a friendly and professional manner. His particular skill is being able to identify the most salient points in any given presentation and highlight these to the audience, in a concise, accessible and engaging way. As an event organiser, I know I can leave the chairing to Jim with absolute confidence that it will be handled appropriately, to time and to my complete satisfaction. I will certainly be making use of Jim’s services again in the future.” Professor Jacqui Glass, (at time of writing) Associate Dean for Enterprise, Chair in Architecture & Sustainable Construction, School of Civil and Building Engineering, Loughborough University (now Vice Dean Research, The Bartlett at UCL)

“Jim chaired the 1st European Biosolar Roof Conference for us at London City Hall, in association with the European Biosolar Roof Project, the Mayor of London, CIRIA and the European Federation of Green Roof and Green Wall Associations. He was such an excellent chair – he make it look so easy, and yet created a really friendly, human discussion respectful of each other’s areas of expertise. He also reminded everyone to tweet the event and gave the conference a genuine feeling of excitement and breakthrough for new ideas and delivery of climate-adapted resilient cities. The event went so smoothly. Jim’s own knowledge on sustainability issues and city resilience is extensive in itself, which made him ideal chair for the event. I’d recommend him to anyone!”Blanche Cameron, Environmental Design Lecturer at The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL