Joe Blackman is an entrepreneur with more than two decades of experience spanning global events, hospitality and the creative industries. Today, his work brings together those experiences with a growing focus on international business, trade and developing opportunities across markets.

Having built and led businesses in the UK before relocating to the United States in 2020, Joe has developed an extensive international network across business, government, hospitality and the creative industries. He has particular interests in strengthening commercial relationships between the UK and US, as well as developing opportunities across the Middle East and other international markets.

Alongside his work in global events and new business ventures, Joe advises entrepreneurs and businesses on growth, strategy and international expansion. Increasingly, his work sits at the intersection of business and relationships — connecting people, ideas and opportunities across borders.

Joe is based in Austin, Texas, and works internationally between the United States, United Kingdom and other global markets.

In 2022, Joe was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, on the advice of Prime Minister Boris Johnson, in recognition of his services to the economy and charity.

The making of an entrepreneur

From humble roots to a multimillion pound business...

Blackman did not grow up in the circles he moves in today. Raised by a hard-working single mother, Joe’s cost-conscious business ethic is rooted in a childhood living on the outskirts of Cardiff, the Welsh capital.

During family visits, while his cousins and siblings kicked a ball in the backyard, Joe set up a play office on the floor of his uncle’s business. With a cardboard box desk and an unplugged telephone, Joe spent hours imagining himself running his own business empire. As anyone at the top of their game will tell you, visualisation is key to achieving your goals.

As soon as Joe was old enough, he set up enterprises washing cars, painting neighbours oil tanks, selling handmade greeting cards and polishing antiques.

By the time he was 18 and finishing his school exams, he worked his way up the ranks to be the festival’s event manager as well as the Arts Centre’s own technical manager after taking a great interest in lighting and sound production. A mentor and friend, who lectured at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Art in Cardiff, suggested he apply for their BA in Stage Management so, with years of experience already under his belt, Joe went to university.

To university, and beyond!

For most young people, a part-time bar job is all they can fit in around their studies. Joe not only kept his technical role at the Art Centre, but he also took on contracts with major local nightclubs and entertainment venues in and around Cardiff, such as the Millennium Stadium and International Arena.

He developed his budding taste for event management as Vice President of the Student Union by setting up an SU ball like none they’d seen before. An impressive affair set against the backdrop of Cardiff Castle, Joe sold advertising for the event around Cardiff. Joe was responsible for operating the SU companies, and his eye for business also led to buying back the SU bar franchise as well making commercial investments on the Union’s behalf.

First Businesses

Still only 19, an enterprising young Joe was gaining levels of experience that people years older would envy. Recognising the value of diversification, he set up a couple of creative sidelines. One involved selling fine art pieces to some of Cardiff’s top restaurants. They carried hefty price tags and delivered fantastic returns for Joe and his friend. 

Another venture called "Bespoke Beds" led to a lucrative commission supplying bespoke beds to the Big Brother house at the peak of its popularity, and helping Blackman develop yet more useful contacts.

And then came one of those blink and you’ll miss it opportunities. Only halfway through his degree, he was offered the chance to join the Olympic team running the Asian Games in Qatar. Someone had dropped out and the organisers needed a replacement quickly.

It was a no-brainer. Joe left his digs and spent the next six months living on a cruise ship off the coast while coordinating every aspect of the Games’ aquatic events from stage management to timings.

While he was there a chance encounter with the Qatari royal family led to a long-lasting friendship and the prestigious opportunity to plan a royal wedding some years later under the guise of his event planning company, Collection 26.

A few of Collection 26's memorable events