The Next 100 Days Podcast

Toby Burns - The Silent Disco Company

Toby Burns · February 28, 2025

Entrepreneurin

Interview with Toby Burns

Podcast: The Next 100 Days Podcast

February 28, 2025 · 47 min

Toby Burns is the director of The Silent Disco Company. He has been immersed in the events industry since the age of 16. And, guess what, he's been a DJ for Google and Virgin. He launched The Silent Disco Company more than 10 years ago. Since, he's gained extensive experience…

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Toby Burns - The Silent Disco Company

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Key topicsFrom DJ to CEO: Scaling a Business & Navigating the Entrepreneurial JourneyToby's journey from a young DJ to the CEO of a thriving entertainment company offers a wealth of insights for aspiring entrepreneurs. He can share his experiences of scaling a business from humble beginnings, navigating challenges, and seizing opportunities for growth. Toby's story embodies the resilience and determination required to turn dreams into reality in the competitive world of entrepreneurship. Building a Brand with Purpose & The Power of Customer-CentricityToby's success in the events industry is rooted in his unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences. He can discuss the importance of prioritizing customer satisfaction, building strong relationships, and fostering a culture of excellence within the organization. Toby's emphasis on human-centered service amidst technological advancements underscores the timeless value of personal connections in business success. Transforming Events with InnovationToby can delve into the genesis of the silent disco concept and how it has evolved to become a staple in the events industry. He can discuss the impact of introducing unique experiences like silent cinema and karaoke, highlighting the importance of innovation in keeping events fresh and engaging for diverse audiences. View all topics →

About Toby Burns

Founder & CEO of The Silent Disco Company Group

350,000+ Headsets hired each year4,000+ Events delivered each year1,000+ Five-star reviewsAge 15 Began as a children's entertainer

Introducing Toby Burns, a seasoned entrepreneur and Founder & CEO of The Silent Disco Company Group, renowned for innovative silent disco, cinema, and karaoke hire services across the UK and Europe. With an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional experiences, Toby's passion lies in crafting engaging events that cater to diverse audiences and occasions, leveraging cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art equipment.

Toby's journey into the events realm commenced at the age of 15 as a children's entertainer, leading on to his work as a DJ with the pleasure of performing at events for prestigious clients like Google and Virgin. Then, 11 years ago, his love of the entertainment industry pushed him to establish The Silent Disco Company. Today, his company orchestrates over 4,000 events annually, partnering with esteemed organizations such as Glastonbury Festival, Google, and BBC, to name a few.

As a podcast guest, Toby brings forth a wealth of experience and insights, offering invaluable perspectives on entrepreneurial journeys, innovation in business, and the power of embracing opportunities for growth. His narrative, peppered with anecdotes of overcoming challenges and seizing pivotal moments, resonates with audiences seeking inspiration and practical wisdom in their pursuit of success. Join Toby as he shares his story, inspiring listeners to dream big, embrace change, and carve their own paths.

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About this episode

Toby Burnsis the director of The Silent Disco Company. He has been immersed in the events industry since the age of 16. And, guess what, he's been a DJ for Google and Virgin. He launched The Silent Disco Company more than 10 years ago. Since, he's gained extensive experience organising world-class events globally.

Summary of the PodcastIntroduction to The Silent Disco CompanyThe discussion begins with an introduction to the silent disco company, where attendees wear wireless headphones and can choose between different music channels. This allows for a unique and interactive experience, where people can dance to different songs simultaneously. The hosts, Graham and Kevin, explore the history and appeal of silent disco.

Versatility of Silent DiscoThe Silent Disco Company representative, Toby, explains how silent disco provides choice and flexibility for attendees, allowing them to switch between music channels. He also highlights the versatility of the technology, noting its use in a variety of settings like conferences, weddings, and even care homes for dementia patients.

Innovation and Competitive LandscapeToby discusses the importance of continuous innovation in the silent disco industry, as competitors often quickly copy successful ideas. He views this as a compliment, and focuses on staying ahead of the curve through new product development and improving the customer experience.

Scaling the Silent Disco BusinessToby discusses the scale of the Silent Disco Company's operations, noting they hire out equipment for over 1,500 events per year. He explains the challenges of managing growth, balancing inventory, and maintaining quality customer service. Toby also shares his perspective on running a lifestyle business versus a high-growth enterprise.

The Next 100 Days Podcast Co-HostsGraham ArrowsmithGraham founded Finely Fettled ten years ago to help business owners and marketers market to affluent and high-net-worth customers. Graham founder of MicroYES, a Partner for MeclabsAI, which combines the world's biggest source of 10,000 marketing experiments with AI. Find Graham on LinkedIn.

Kevin ApplebyKevin specialises in finance transformation and implementing business change. He's the COO of GrowCFO, which provides both community and CPD-accredited training designed to grow the next generation of finance leaders. You can find Kevin on LinkedIn and at kevinappleby.com

Guest: Toby Burns