PERSONALITY PROFILE

Liam Beattie — ‘plan, plan, plan and then plan for plan B’

Liam Beattie, 48, managing director and owner of HOTT3D, has been in the exhibition industry for 28 years, starting in the mid-1990s, when he returned from overseas and began working for his older half-brother, Rob Moody.

“Rob’s company, Interior Design Group (IDG Cape Town), offered me a full-time position, in production, where I stayed for two years before moving into sales. I learned a huge amount from Rob, who was heading up one of the leading exhibition stand companies in SA, especially with regards to modular systems.”

“The thing I enjoy most about the exhibition industry is that no one project is ever the same. Every project has its own nuances, designs and planning needed,” Mr Beattie said.

Where were you born and raised?

I was born and raised in Cape Town, with a brief stint between the ages of 2-4 in Bedfordview!

What has been the biggest change you’ve seen in this sector?

The digital progress. Plasma screens were brand new in the late 90s, costing upwards of 90k-100k for a 42” screen. Now, you can get full-wall LED screens, curved LED and all sorts of other great tech.

What would you change in your life – if you could – when looking back?

Not a lot. I very rarely dwell on the past. What is done, is done!

Do you have any hobbies?

I brew a vicious and very tasty granadilla ‘cider’.

Do you play any sports?

Covid kind of put a spoke in my sports. I was a very avid mountain biker, which is something I need to get back to this year, now that business is back on track. I also enjoy being in the sea; surfing, SUP'ing etc… but again, those are 2023 goals to get back on track.

What is your favourite sport?

No one favourite, but I always enjoy seeing sports people achieving really high-level performances. Usain Bolt, Eliud Kipchoge, Michael Phelps, Wayde van Niekerk, Kelly Slater… that top, top level that is just brilliant to witness. And it can be any sport.

What do you do for leisure?

We spend a lot of time down in Cape Point, lately. Those beaches are pristine and it’s so quiet and far from people. Also, we love heading out of town, camping, preferably in places with no mobile signal.

What is your secret to success?

Plan, plan, plan… and then plan for plan B in everything.

What has been your biggest challenge in this sector?

Large corporates and government. They make it very difficult for smaller exhibition companies, because they have to spend in advance on bespoke projects, to produce quality work due to tedious tender processes, bureaucracy and very poor payment terms.

What is your pet hate?

People who promise something and then deliver late or off spec, in the knowledge they couldn't do so in the first place.

What is the most memorable place you have ever been to, and why?

So many places. But I would have to say Lamu Island on the North Coast of Kenya.

What type of holiday would you avoid at all costs?

Cruise ships and resorts.

If you could be anyone for the day who would you be and why?

Myself at 20. I would have made certain key changes that would have a big impact today. But no regrets and no desire to be anyone else.

What is your favourite city?

Istanbul (or Constantinople for my Greek friends). It’s an incredible city with so much culture melded together from over 1,600 years. The food, mosques and markets. It’s a brilliant place to visit.

What is your favourite film and book?

Film: Oh, Brother, where art thou. The Big Lebowski is also a favourite.

Book: I read very little fiction, but I would have to say 1984 is a great book (it's not really fiction is it?)

How do you relax?

Walking in Cape Point or on Longbeach.

What is your favourite food?

My taste changes all the time. Asian, French and nothing wrong with a good old braai.

Who is your favourite movie star?

John Turturro.

Who is your role model?

My Mom and my Stepdad. Both had a huge amount of patience with me when I was growing up and showed me the right path… and still do.

What advice do you have for anyone starting out in this industry and hoping to follow in your footsteps?

Start off by gaining as much knowledge as you can from someone or a company that knows what they are doing. Understand that it will definitely not be easy and also that a lot of the time ‘the best thing to do is keep on doing’.

What is your dream for the future?

To travel a lot more.