Company & Role: ABPCO - the Association of British Professional Conference Organisers, Association Director

A graduate of the University of Surrey, Heather had roles with DeVere, InitialStyle Conferences and Quality in Tourism before forming her own business in 2010 providing services to a diverse range of hospitality organisations. In her role as Association Director of ABPCO she has used her business skills to bring the association events community together to promote and encourage excellence, share, learn and collaborate. By growing member engagement and increasing the profile and recognition of the PCO community, the association has flourished.

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

People who have shown exceptional promise and made significant impact. They should be able to be easily differentiated from others at a similar stage in their career.

What are three things that each nominee should include in their entry?

I want to see how nominees have evidenced their creativity and innovation, their impact and their progress.

What pertinent industry issue do you want to see a positive change in over the next 10 years?

As an industry we want our events to be sustainable - economically, socially and environmentally and we want to ensure that they promote equity, diversity and inclusion as a shining example.

Company & Role: Fast Forward 15, founder

One of the founder shareholders of Zibrant, one of the largest full-service events agencies in the UK sold to MotivCom in 2007and reacquired by Nigel Cooper & Fay Sharpe in 2014 before being acquired by BCD M&E in 2016.

Fay has over 30 years’ experience working in the hotel, hospitality, event management and venue sourcing arena. She worked on a strategic level as Founder and joint MD, focussing on marketing, internal communications, brand values, culture and engagement specialist, CSR champion and women’s advocate.

Fay has won numerous awards

M&IT Personality of the year 2011/2018, Mentor of the Year – The Caterer Shine Awards 2017, Hot 50 awards event legend, UKCEM industry leader 2016, Executive PA award for boss of the year, Lloyds TSB CBI’s First Women of Tourism and Leisure award and top position in the Event 100 list to name just a few.

In 2015 Fay launched the Fast Forward 15 Women’s mentoring initiative, recognised by industry associations and her peers, members of the programme include corporate, agency, government and regulatory bodies. In 2018, Fay was awarded the ‘Mentor of the year’ and an Honorary Doctorate for her services to the sector from UWL. And in 2022 an OBE for her work in Equality and Diversity

A Mum of 2, Fay is also passionate to support good causes, completing numerous charity challenges. She has worked with a number of key universities in promoting women in events and from 2013 - 2020 was voluntary Chair of Trustees of the Muscle Help Foundation.

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

The candidate had demonstrated continuous development, achievements can be small or large but recognition of putting themselves outside their comfort zone.

What are three things that each nominee should include in their entry?

• Achievements personally and at work
• Future Goals
• Giving back

What pertinent industry issue do you want to see a positive change in over the next 10 years?

Sustainability

Company & Role: Principal Global Events, Director of Sales and Marketing

Lidia brings extensive expertise in Event Logistics, Sponsorship, PR, Sales, and Marketing, plus over 12 years in the UK and almost 8 years in China. Part of Principal's leadership since 2015, she led the Sales and Marketing department, spearheading account development across Europe, North America, and Asia. Proficient in English, Spanish, and Chinese Mandarin, Lidia offers valuable cultural awareness for global events. A seasoned judge for industry awards, her contribution has been integral to the event industry.

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

The CN 30underThirty Awards have been designed to celebrate outstanding young talent in our industry. I'm thrilled to hear the accomplishments, creativity, and initiatives of the next generation. I will be anticipating standout winners who will vividly demonstrate their passion for the industry through their work and contributions to their organizations.

What are three things that each nominee should include in their entry?

Awards entries should be creative and a representation of each individual, their contributions and achievements. Make sure to include images and videos if you have them. Don’t be afraid to write less but keep to the point.

What pertinent industry issue do you want to see a positive change in over the next 10 years?

Over the next decade, I'm eager to see a positive shift towards sustainability in the event industry which will be driven by younger industry leader. Embracing eco-friendly practices, reducing carbon footprints, and promoting responsible sourcing can contribute to a healthier planet while enhancing the industry's reputation. I envision events and young event professionals becoming beacons of sustainability, setting new standards for impactful practices.

Company & Role: Nobody's Café, Founder

With over 15 years of experience in experiential and event marketing, activating in the UK, Europe, Middle East and USA. David founded Nobody's Café in 2020, an award-winning agency that brings people together to create unforgettable experiences and has delivered campaigns for brands such as Amazon, Spotify, Netflix, and trivago.

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

I’m excited to hear about the creative achievements and what matters to young talent within the industry. How has that shifted from when I entered the events industry and what does that mean for where this younger group of talent want to take their skills in the future?

What are three things that each nominee should include in their entry?

1) Why they are passionate about the industry?

2) What they would like to achieve in the industry?

3) What achievement are they most proud of and why?

What pertinent industry issue do you want to see a positive change in over the next 10 years?

Without a doubt, I want to see positive change in diversity and inclusion within the events industry (both within agencies and at events). Within agencies, it’s through diversifying beyond the junior staff and into senior management and at events it’s through putting in the work to ensure events are inclusive.

Company & Role: The Zoo XYZ, global event and experience architect & consultant

Nadu, a seasoned international Director of Events, with 16+ years of experience has collaborated with notable clients such as Spotify, SoundCloud, Universal Music, Afropunk and Stormzy, showcasing expertise in event management and education. Nadu founded ‘The Zoo XYZ’ in 2091, a creative agency empowering aspiring individuals in the industry. Her commitment extends to supporting brands across Africa, emphasising impactful, culturally sensitive and sustainable events.

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

Your journey, learning about you, your challenges, wins and what has brought you to this point in your career.

What are three things that each nominee should include in their entry?

Your passion, where does this stem from, how visible is it so we can understand your why.

Your future, how you see yourself in the industry over the coming years.

Something we don't know that is unique to you, show us who you are!

What pertinent industry issue do you want to see a positive change in over the next 10 years?

Diversity, Inclusion and Equity. More people that reflect the event industry.

Company & Role: Identity, Managing Director

As Managing Director, Olivier champions Identity’s strategic and creative vision to deliver best in class innovative brand building programmes for some of the world's leading companies.

Olivier has a track record of inspiring and building strong agency teams to deliver transformational work to global clients across various sectors. He believes that collaboration creates an environment for success and has successfully led and grown several leading brand experience agencies (GPJ, 2Heads, Nteractive) through partnerships with top talent.

His passion lies in people management and providing the leadership and guidance to enable his team(s) to be the best version of themselves and to deliver exceptional work.

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

The passion and the collaboration - unique stories of success are usually due to the people they are surrounded by

What drove the individuals to success and why they think they were successful

What are three things that each nominee should include in their entry?

Achievements, passion and thoughts about the future challenges of the industry

What pertinent industry issue do you want to see a positive change in over the next 10 years?

• Sustainability
• People & talent attraction, retention and building

Company & Role: Noble Events, Chief Executive Officer

A leading events industry founder who has been associated with our industry for over 30 years. Hugely committed to excellence, I am passionate about the future of our industry and believe in equality across the board. Frequenting our offices both in the UK and Dubai keeps me on my toes!

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

Consideration for the future of our industry, new market initiatives, innovation and diversification. What will the business look like in say 5 and 10 years time?

What are three things that each nominee should include in their entry?

How will compliance shape the future of our industry?

Will climate change affect the current trend for face to face meetings, and how can we mitigate this?

What do you want to see put in place to protect the future of our industry?

What pertinent industry issue do you want to see a positive change in over the next 10 years?

I would like to see a notable change in the industry's approach to Social Sustainability including DE&I and accessibility. Whilst sustainability is and should be at the heart of what we now do, we need to be going that one step further into the social side of this important topic.

Company & Role: Chorus, Director of Events and Operations

Cassidy is the Director of Operations and Events at London based creative agency Chorus where she leads the operations of the business as well as supports the project delivery team in delivering for high profile projects for global clients.

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

Going above and beyond, outside the ordinary expected role delivery. Ambition and drive.

What are three things that each nominee should include in their entry?

Greatest achievement and why, their impact on the team and their projects/clients and what their goals for the future are.

What pertinent industry issue do you want to see a positive change in over the next 10 years?

Sustainability! Net Zero being delivered across all events by every single company in the UK.

Company & Role: ZiaBia Events Consultancy, Director

I have always worked in the events industry, starting in hotel management for 10 years before moving agency side. I was an Account Manager for Global Clients before co founding ZiaBia Events Consultancy in 2012! We work with a variety of clients managing events for 20 people up to 1,500.

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

Excited to see passion, creativity, energy and the desire to build on leadership skills to date. Showcase your achievements and your passions within the industry. What values do you hold, what is important to you. Show us who you are!

What are three things that each nominee should include in their entry?

• Achievements to date
• Share your passions and how you would like to shape the industry
• Why you should win an award

What pertinent industry issue do you want to see a positive change in over the next 10 years?

A big thing for me is young talent - helping and engaging with school and colleagues to bring fresh talent to the sector and helping them get in at entry level, when I am hearing its so hard if you don't have experience to get a foot in the door.

Company & Role: Profeshonali, Presenter

I love our industry so much! I have over 25 years of large-scale, international event experience, 10 years of lecturing in events management at Universities, am a mentor on FF15 (the event industry mentoring scheme) and on the Board of Meeting Needs (the event industry charity). Through Profeshonali, I help people be their best selves at work.

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

The industry looks to those under 30 to bring fresh ideas and unique perspectives to events and the workplace. I want to see entries from passionate individuals that apply a mindset of innovation and continuous improvement to their work, and go beyond their work to the betterment of the industry.

What are three things that each nominee should include in their entry?

Show your passion for your work and for the events industry

Provide evidence of how you go beyond your day job and in the events industry and what effect it is having

Demonstrate the efforts you are making towards your personal growth

What pertinent industry issue do you want to see a positive change in over the next 10 years?

Post-COVID we have re-embraced imagination and are starting to re-learn the true power of human connection. As technology evolves, I’d like to see us use our best human skills in creating innovative, imaginative ways to not just deliver events and experiences, but to truly support meaningful human connections and transformations.

Company & Role: Lincoln West, Event Director - National Sales Conference

B2B event geek of 20+ years, following time spent backpacking and working at sea for Disney Cruise Line. I’m a trustee for Alopecia UK and ambassador for my local 'Hospice in the Weald’, where my body sometimes allows me to fundraise through swimming, cycling or running.

You can find me on Linkedin & strava, although only in the warmer months 😉

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

Courage to try something new, make mistakes and step outside their comfort zone to challenge the best version of themselves, with the purpose of delivering an unrivalled event experience. To have the confidence to celebrate a mistake, but equally understanding what you learnt from it!

What are three things that each nominee should include in their entry?

1) ROI for key stakeholders: a) Your Attendees, b) Your Sponsors/Partners c) Your Business. Consider your customers’ customers!

2) Collaboration & Culture: How do you impact & mentor those around you, such as creating a community of leaders with a shared purpose?

3) Personal & Professional Development: How are you protecting & investing in the asset, i.e. yourself?

What pertinent industry issue do you want to see a positive change in over the next 10 years?

Event 'Essentialists' & the 'Ronseal Effect' - a conversation on the importance of delivering & maintaining quality events, not more events! If there's one thing that the last few years has taught us, it is that time is precious. Let's not waste it.

Company & Role: Principal. Global Events, Director

Anupa is Director and Co-Founder of Principal. Global Events. With over 30 years’ experience and extensive expertise in both live events and digital brand experiences, Anupa is the driving force behind the company’s strong innovative service ethos.

With a passion for creating award winning live experiences, Anupa holds a genuine passion for events. Leading from the front she continues to put people at the core of the agency and with a passion for nurturing new talent, she enjoys mentoring and providing guidance within her own team creating a path of becoming senior leaders of today.

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

I am excited to see new talent

those making waves in our industry, those that will be influential leaders of the future in how they lead our industry to even greater heights.

I’m looking for unique, talented individuals with the ambition and drive to succeed

those that can demonstrate fresh ideas, quality, hard work and dedication.

What are three things that each nominee should include in their entry?

I would love to see nominees demonstrating not only their greatest achievement to date, but also some of the challenges they face as individuals or with the industry as a whole. What insight can they give me as to what inspires them.

What pertinent industry issue do you want to see a positive change in over the next 10 years?

I’m keen to see how the integration of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality, and other innovative technologies will enhance the attendee experience over the coming years.

What does AI mean for our industry and how can we integrate this in a positive and effective way? How can we strike the right balance between technological innovation and whilst maintaining a human touch to ensure a positive and inclusive event experience.

Company & Role: Meet & Potato, Founder and Chief Executive Officer

After 20 years of experience, Jon founded M&P to become a creative powerhouse transforming internal brand communications with unforgettable event experiences, content, creative design, and video production. M&P always delivers beyond expectations, bringing creativity, personality, and innovation to clients across retail, automotive, manufacturing, and health sectors.

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

Most importantly ambition and how the new generation of event producers push boundaries and emphasise creativity to stand out. Excited to see unique approaches that require a forward-thinking mindset and innovative solutions that set new standards in our industry.

What are three things that each nominee should include in their entry?

Statistics are important to back up the submission. I’m looking for the details, the facts and figures behind a project. I also want to see if the person demonstrates a passion and enthusiasm for their work and conveys a sense of this energy in their entry.

What pertinent industry issue do you want to see a positive change in over the next 10 years?

Goes without saying, sustainability is paramount moving forward. We’re already seeing changes starting to be implemented across the industry but we need a more joined up approach to our thinking, connecting venues, agencies, production companies and their suppliers in one common goal.

Company & Role: Diversity Alliance, Founder

Gabby Austen-Browne is a multi award winning diversity and inclusion expert, delivering consultancy, education, training and impactful initiatives such as the REACH scholarship fund for the events and hospitality sectors, as founder and director of Diversity Alliance and co-founder of the Diverse Speaker Bureau.

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

I'm keen to see this generation of event profs' dedication to the industry and its future. I would like to see entries that show fresh ideas and perspectives, creative solutions, and an understanding of cultivating inclusive events in design and delivery. I hope to see future event industry leaders who are working towards making our industry more sustainable and inclusive.

What are three things that each nominee should include in their entry?

1.Clear evidence of impact through measurable results showcasing how their work has positively influenced their workplace and the events industry.

2. Clearly defined aims and aspirations that show future plans, emphasising their commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in their roles and the industry as a whole.

3. I'd like to see leadership qualities and collaborative efforts, showcasing how they've inspired others, driven change or enhanced their workplace.

What pertinent industry issue do you want to see a positive change in over the next 10 years?

I'd like to see a significant shift towards enhanced diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices within the events industry. Promoting accessibility, inclusive environments, and ensuring equal opportunities for all individuals, will be pivotal for driving positive social sustainability and reshaping industry norms for the better.

Company & Role: Brighelm, Managing Director

Rob Eveleigh is Managing Director of Brightelm - The Event Agency for Associations and has over 30 year's experience in events and hospitality.

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

Someone who shows innovation and passion

What are three things that each nominee should include in their entry?

Something personal, quantitative results (we love statistics), qualitative results (why are you so good?)

What pertinent industry issue do you want to see a positive change in over the next 10 years?

Improvement of relevance and design of events

Company & Role: Cvent, Director, Europe Marketing

Felicia, Marketing Director at Cvent Europe, brings 18 years’ sales and marketing expertise in tech. Experienced in CIM, she drives Cvent’s flagship event, CONNECT Europe. Responsible for Cvent’s European marketing strategy, she leads expansions, brand management, digital experiences, campaigns, and event execution. An advocate for technology-driven creativity, Felicia champions personalized customer experiences and speaks on marketing, events, technology, and DE&I. Co-founder of the Diverse Speaker Bureau, she promotes diversity in business events and serves on Cvent’s Diversity and Inclusion Council. Passionate about leveraging technology for creative innovation and personalized customer experiences across digital and offline channels, Felicia encourages marketers to push boundaries and reduce wastage.

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

I'm excited to witness innovative event strategies, demonstrating exceptional creativity and impact in the application for the 30 under 30 award. I look forward to seeing evidence of leadership, groundbreaking initiatives, and a genuine commitment to shaping the future of the events industry through fresh perspectives and remarkable achievements.

What are three things that each nominee should include in their entry?

Highlight impactful achievements in event campaigns, projects, or contributions, showcasing leadership and innovation.

Demonstrate leadership, innovation, and proactive involvement in driving change or improvement within the events sector.

Communicate passion for the industry, illustrating dedication, enthusiasm, and a forward-thinking approach shaping the future of events, emphasizing continued growth and contribution.

What pertinent industry issue do you want to see a positive change in over the next 10 years?

Over the next decade, I'm eager to witness substantial strides in fostering diversity, inclusion, and equity within industries. I anticipate a transformation where organizations commit to genuine representation, equal opportunities, and an inclusive environment for underrepresented groups, ensuring diverse perspectives thrive and inequities diminish across all sectors.

Company & Role: Hanson Wade Group, Senior Events Manager

Annie is a Senior Event Manager at Hanson Wade Group. As a senior leader in the operations team, most of her role focuses on strategy, process, and customer experience, while managing a team of 5 amazing Event Managers. Annie won a CN30UnderThirty award in 2021 and is delighted to be joining us in 2023, this time as a judge!

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

I'm excited to shine a light on the unsung heroes within our industry. These awards not only highlight the top talent in our industry but also recognise what those individuals are doing to make sure we stay on trend and become role models for the event profs to come. I want to hear about all the challenges as well as the wins as these are just as important when shaping our industry.

What are three things that each nominee should include in their entry?

I want to see examples of excellence, going above and beyond your average day to day to create the most memorable experiences. Stakeholder testimonials also go a long way - If you've received great feedback, we want to hear it too! Finally, we are in a creative industry so get creative with your entry and stand out from others.

What pertinent industry issue do you want to see a positive change in over the next 10 years?

I want to see a positive transformation in the prioritization of mental health and well-being within the event industry over the next 10 years. Implementing measures such as stress reduction initiatives, mindfulness spaces, and mental health support services can create a more supportive and nurturing environment for both event organizers and participants, fostering a healthier overall event experience.

Company & Role: mcm creative group, Client Engagement Director

An events professional with 20+ years in the industry, working with clients and delivering events all around the world.

As part of the SLT at mcm creative group I supports the agencies growth and ambitious plans making sure we deliver innovative and engaging experiences for our clients.

Always committed to driving industry evolution and I am excited when people are prepared to take risks and push boundaries, because this is where truly exceptional work happens.

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

I'm eager to see how nominees blend traditional event management principles with modern, innovative approaches.

I'm particularly interested in submissions that showcase how technology and creativity can work in tandem to create unforgettable experiences.

What are three things that each nominee should include in their entry?

It would be great to see evidence of where they have demonstrated initiative with innovative or strategic problem-solving. Provide a forward-looking vision for embracing new technologies and trends in the events industry and showcase an example of a challenge they have overcome through creativity and adaptability.

What pertinent industry issue do you want to see a positive change in over the next 10 years?

Over the next ten years, I would love to witness the event industry making bold advances in sustainability, whilst leveraging new technologies like AI to drive eco-friendly practices and sustainable growth.

Furthermore, I'm keen on us all fostering emerging talent and bringing interesting and varied ideas to the forefront of our industry's evolution.

Company & Role: You Search & Select and Co-Founder at You Exclusive, Fitability® Recruiter

Robert Kenward is a recruitment expert specialising in senior hires within the events, mice and experiential sectors. He is an experienced speaker, moderator, industry commentator and EDI advocate who is able to convey his expertise and experience to an audience with a vibrant, passionate and vehemently honest approach.  

Robert has over 21 years’ experience of the recruitment and events sectors and brings a unique perspective of hiring from all angles - as a candidate, a client and a Fitability® recruiter. Robert brings a direct and pragmatic approach to recruitment, matching the personal and career aspirations of candidates to a company’s business growth plans.

Company & Role: The Turner Agency (TTA), Managing Director

Liz's full judge profile will be available shortly!