Company & Role: EVT Media, Founder

With over 25 years of experience in media, healthcare, and event management, I have led global projects for Fortune 500 companies and collaborated on events involving world leaders, including presidents. My career is defined by innovative solutions, seamless operations, and impactful events that drive meaningful connections and lasting impressions.

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

I'm most excited to see bold, innovative ideas that push boundaries while demonstrating a clear understanding of the audience and objectives. Submissions that showcase creativity, attention to detail, and a compelling narrative stand out. I'm drawn to concepts that inspire, engage, and leave a lasting impact on connection and mother nature.

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

A Clear Vision: Clearly outlined concept, including purpose, audience impact, and how it aligns with the project goals.

Creativity: Showcase originality and innovative thinking.

Execution Plan: Provide practical details on how it can be successfully implemented, including timelines and resources.

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

Work life balance for event planners.

I want to see the industry prioritize mental health and work-life balance, fostering environments that support well-being and creativity. Addressing burnout, promoting flexibility, and ensuring inclusivity can drive sustainable success. A healthier industry culture will empower professionals to thrive, innovate, and create meaningful, impactful work without compromising their personal lives.

Company & Role: CTL Communications, Founder

A 25-year industry veteran, I am the Founder and CEO of CTL Communications, a leading marketing, communications and live events agency. Building a team of over 100 events professionals, I creatively lead and deliver multiple award-winning events and exhibitions for clients across life sciences and FMCG clients.

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

Passion and a strong point of view. Young talent is the lifeblood of the events industry, and it’s not easy to grow and learn in today’s ever-changing working environment. I want to see someone with a clear dedication for our industry and a view on how to evolve it for the future.

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

1. Examples of their work and creativity, and specifically the role they played in creation and delivery.
2. Their future vision for the industry, and what they want to do to influence and direct that.
3. How they have contributed to business development and growth of their agency or work.

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

Sustainability of the events industry, and staging events. Our clients are increasingly concerned with this, and we have an opportunity to pivot and ensure we can deliver engaging, interactive connections in ways that are sympathetic to the environment. The balance of live vs virtual and hybrid is critical.

Company & Role: Principal Global Events, Director of Business Development & Growth

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 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

My journey started at sixteen, hosting house parties that ignited my passion for bringing people together. After university, I worked with brands like PlayStation and Pepsi worldwide. In 2020, I founded Nobody’s Café to elevate the industry - now an award-winning agency creating culture-driven activations for Red Bull, Netflix, and more.

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

I’m excited to understand what is making the next generation of events talent care about our industry - what do they see as their biggest achievements and challenges, where do they want to go,and where do they want the industry to go? What’s the future?

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

What has been your favourite experience so far, the moment(s) that made you fall in love with events? Why did you choose this career in events or did you just fall into it? Where do you see yourself and the industry in the next 3 years?

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

There needs to be more diversity, equity and inclusion within the industry - we’re all doing something about sustainability (another pressing concern). But I don’t think enough is being done with DE&I - hopefully, the future diversity in the industry will shine through in the up-and-coming talent in these awards.

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: Hanson Wade Group, Senior Manager - Events

Annie is a Senior Manager in Events 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 7 amazing Event Managers. Annie won a CN30UnderThirty award in 2021 and is delighted to be joining us in 2024, 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 prioritisation 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: Premier Events, Founder

I started a Mobile Disco company at University in 2002 and have grown that to become a £7m turnover, fully integrated, full-service event agency that is trusted by global brands to deliver their events with a team of 40 people operating out of our offices in Leicester.

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

Drive and Passion. Working in events is hard work, you don’t do it for the money, you do It because you like delivering events for your clients and seeing the months of planning turn into a reality on-site.

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

Examples of work that they have delivered for their clients.

An explanation of why they like working in the events industry, and, where they see themselves in the future, and what they plan to do to achieve that.

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

Productivity and Sustainability.

I’m a big believer that as an industry, we should embrace technology to not only deliver better events for our clients but also to make them more sustainable both in terms of cost and the environment by embracing AI and technology.

Company & Role: The Intrepid Collective, Co-Founder, Director

I've worked in events for over a decade now - from venues, to in-house for brands like American Express, and founded my own placemaking events agency The Intrepid Collective nearly 5 years ago. My specialism is creating experiential event programmes that build connection to places and communities.

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

Alongside genuine excitement and enthusiasm at being a part of this amazing industry, I'm looking for a sense of personality, drive, achievements and a sense of 'what's next?' What problem needs solving, what experience does someone want to deliver?

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

Their USP - what makes them different from anyone else submitting an application.

Their 'why' - what is it about events that makes them tick?

Their future - where do they want to go, what is their purpose?

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

I'd love to see greater representation of marginalised groups in event content - speakers, artists, performers - and it would be brilliant to be at a point where having broad representation was so embedded that it's no longer an objective to actively work towards.

Company & Role: Aspect Communications, CEO & Founder

Jo's judge profile will be available shortly.

Company & Role: Taylor Bennett Partners LLP

Christine's judge profile will be available shortly.

Company & Role: mcm creative group, Client Engagement Director

With over 2 decades of experience in the events & communications industry, I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible clients and brands delivering impactful events around the world.

As part of the SLT at mcm creative group, I’m focused on driving the agency’s growth and ensuring we create innovative, meaningful, and engaging experiences for our clients. My passion lies in pushing boundaries and encouraging bold ideas because that’s where the truly exceptional happens.

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

I’m excited to see how nominees are blending traditional event management principles with forward-thinking, innovative approaches.

I love submissions that showcase the smart use of film, content, technology and creativity to craft unforgettable experiences that stand out in a crowded marketplace.

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

It would be great to see:

Innovation: Clear examples of how they’ve demonstrated initiative and strategic problem-solving.

Vision: A forward-looking perspective on embracing emerging technologies or trends in the events industry.

Resilience: A standout example of how they tackled a challenge through creativity, adaptability, and determination.

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

I’d love to see our industry make bold strides toward true sustainability—integrating eco-friendly practices into everything we do while using technologies like AI to create smarter, greener events.

Equally important is nurturing emerging talent to bring fresh, diverse ideas that will shape the future of events and ensure our industry continues to evolve in exciting and meaningful ways.

Company & Role: Smyle Group, Senior Marketing Manager

Laura's full judge profile will be available shortly!

Company & Role: asembl.group, Managing Director

Peter's judge profile will be available shortly.