Sam launched Challenger Escapes along with his brother upon leaving AV in 2018.

The company takes brand messaging and showcases it through live problem-solving experiences. This ‘brand activation’ is used for product launches, experiential marketing campaigns and to generate social media engagement.

Challenger Escapes was behind Dyson's most-watched video of 2019 and has run large-scale events for both internal and external audiences.

Sam and team designed and executed the UK's first festival escape room, at Bournemouth 7s on behalf of Crabbies, and have launched projects throughout both North and South America for popular brands including Aviation Gin.

As Head of Events, Sam manages projects from concept to delivery, with a focus on operations and logistics.

Sam says: “Many of the skills I acquired at AV have enabled me to flourish in my role, with particular regard to my events management and small business management modules, as well as the skills I learned working within teams at AV and managing those academic projects.”

Factfile

Name: Sam Pollard-Jones
Age: 26
Job role: Heads of Events
Organisation: Challenger Escapes
Course studied: BSc (Hons) Sports Management
Graduated: 2018

What their colleagues say

Sam is 100% deserving of this recognition. He's been a key figure in establishing Challenger Escapes after graduating from AV and what he has achieved within the events industry, in such a short space of time, is unbelievable. He has been the logistical and implementation expert for all of our signature projects, including being able to deliver a full escape room conversion to a Chilean shopping mall. More widely, Sam's drive and determination is a credit to the ethos of the university."

Jamie Pollard-Jones, Managing Director, Challenger Escapes