Meet the Team: Jake Paris, Project Manager
From delivering unforgettable charity galas to transforming London's newest outdoor venue, Jake has spent the last three years making his mark as a Project Manager at Ultimate. We caught up with him to talk career highlights, crisp workflows and his dream festival line-up.
You’ve been with Ultimate for a while now – what’s been one of your proudest moments so far?
There are two stand-out moments for me. The first was my very first winter season when I delivered the Make-A-Wish Foundation event at Old Billingsgate. It was a deeply emotional evening, hosted by Stephen Mulhern, with families sharing their stories on stage. It was powerful to be part of something so meaningful, and even more special because we were involved right from the ideas stage. It felt personal.
The second would be launching the Sunken Garden this summer. I’ve been part of it from initial concept to delivery, applying everything I’ve learnt over the past three years. Watching the visuals become a reality has been hugely rewarding.
How do you approach balancing a client’s vision with logistical realities on the ground?
Honesty is key. Clients often come to us with big ideas – and that’s brilliant – but it’s my job to guide those creatively while being upfront about feasibility. I always say, anything is possible with the right budget. My role is about managing expectations and using our knowledge as a team to deliver the best version of their vision.
What’s your guilty pleasure TV show or film after a busy day of events?
The US Office or Brooklyn Nine-Nine. They’re my go-to comfort watches – always on in the background, and I’ve seen them enough times that I don’t need to concentrate.
What’s a recent event trend you’ve loved bringing to life (or would love to try at an upcoming event)?
I’m really into transformation trends, especially those before-and-after video moments. I’d love to capture one at the Sunken Garden – showing the blank space, then revealing the full build. It’s a brilliant way of bringing the behind-the-scenes process to life.
You’ve got 24 hours with no responsibilities – how are you spending the day?
If travel is an option, then a day in Italy. Sightseeing, great food, wine – perfect. If I’m staying closer to home, it would be a dog walk with my fiancée, a gym session followed by a sauna, making some good food, and an afternoon in a countryside beer garden.
Describe your working style in three words.
Concise. Honest. Thorough.
What do you think makes Ultimate’s team culture unique in the events industry?
It really is a close-knit group of people working towards a shared goal. There’s a genuine sense of collaboration, and no weak links – everyone pulls together. You’re encouraged to ask questions and draw on each other’s strengths. It doesn’t feel hierarchical, it feels like a team.
If you were hosting your own festival, what would it be called and what’s the headline act?
Jake’s Golden Oldies, headlined by Fleetwood Mac. I’m all about the 60s, 70s and 80s music.
QUICK FIRE ROUND:
Go-to karaoke anthem?
Build Me Up Buttercup
Dream dinner guest (dead or alive)?
Shane Warne. He was an incredible cricketer with a huge personality.
Describe Ultimate in one word.
Team
Your order at the Ultimate team coffee run?
Black Americano – functional, no fuss. I used to drink lattes until I realised how many calories I was consuming on site. Now I’m all about efficiency.
Jake is the perfect example of how detail, clarity and care combine to create unforgettable experiences. From his first event to his latest project, he proves that at Ultimate, we know the experience is everything.
