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Keyur Shah - MSc International Events Management, 2009

Keyur graduated in 2009 and now runs Usually Unusual Entertainment in India with his partner Amrita.

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The business is one of the only companies in India that specialises in show running, stage management, hospitality and logistics for a wide range of events from corporate events, opening ceremonies, awards shows, government summits to musicals and stadium concerts.

Keyur says: “As a sports fanatic, I wanted to choose a career in Sports Management. Leeds Met, as it was then, was ideal for sports as well as events as it’s home to both the UK Centre for Events Management and the fantastic sports facilities the university has to offer.

“My time at Leeds Beckett was eventful to say the least. The course laid the foundations for me, gave me an opportunity to work on a variety of events – a film festival, the Ashes and even the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards. Where else can a student say that they worked on all three in the same year? The university gives everyone an equal chance, and it is up to the students to make the most out of it. My time at the university was one of learning and gaining experience in diverse fields, something I look back at with nostalgia.

“Six years after I graduated, I took the plunge to start Usually Unusual Entertainment with my partner, specialising in onstage and backstage management, front of house and show running for all kinds of events.

“In our four years as an organisation we have been a part of some small and big shows namely the Indian Premier League 2018 Opening Ceremony, FIFA U-17 World Cup Official Draw, Global Citizen India Festival 2016 (featuring Coldplay, Jay Z and Demi Lovato), Satya Nadella's book launch in India, Auto Expo 2018 for Tata Motors, Cirque Le Soir for Entrepreneur's Organisation (Mumbai Chapter), Hockey World Cup 2018 Opening Ceremony, vh1 Supersonic Music Festival and Cirque du Soleil Bazzar, NBA India Games, OnePlus Musical Festival (featuring Katy Perry & Dua Lipa), International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards, YouTube Fan Fest Mumbai and many more.

“Every event has its own set of challenges and each day can have its own trials and tribulations but as a team we work hard to deliver flawless events. With every event there is a new lesson and we need to have the same zeal and enthusiasm, irrespective of the time of the day, because it is someone’s special day/celebration.

“This passion has won us four awards in our field of work. We are the only organisation to have won 3 Awards & 3 nominations in the Show Running and Stage Management Category at the WOW Awards Asia 2017-2018 which include the Bronze for our exceptional work for the award-winning musical, Mughal-E-Azam. and the IPL Opening Ceremony 2018 we also bagged the Gold for the Men’s Hockey World Cup Opening Ceremony 2018.

“Leeds Beckett has a lot to offer, as a university and also as a city. A student should keep their eyes and ears open to look for the next opportunity and grab it in time. The university offers lots of on-the-ground experience and it is up to students to take every opportunity. No experience is bad and no job is small. Every event you work adds to your skill set and we should take in our stride and do our job well.

"My time at Leeds Beckett was eventful to say the least. The course laid the foundations for me, gave me an opportunity to work on a variety of events – a film festival, the Ashes and even the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards. Where else can a student say that they worked on all three in the same year? The university gives everyone an equal chance, and it is up to the students to make the most out of it. My time at the university was one of learning and gaining experience in diverse fields, something I look back at with nostalgia."

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