Role & Company: Founder & Managing Director, Ten Thousand Hours

I’m what people might call a late developer.

When I left college I didn’t know what I wanted to do.

I fell into the world of events by chance.

Over 20 years, I listened and I learned … and I learned a lot. I became bloody good at leading and producing amazing events and teams.

But I was overlooked for promotions because I was unconventional in my approach.

So I decided to promote myself to Managing Director and build a new agency that takes an unconventional approach to event production.

And it’s worked quite well.

Our agency is seen as a ‘top challenger’ in our industry, and our clients are seeing improved opportunities and growth as a result of our work.

Our ideas and concepts are focused on getting audiences talking to, or about, our clients.

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

Ambition, measured achievements, attitude, originality, opinion.

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

The industry needs to grow up.

Role & Company: Managing Director, MCI UK

I have been in this industry for over 20 years. I've worked in every role and understand what it takes to stand out and push yourself forward for success. I've seen the shifts in our industry, and the changes in those coming into it!

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

Someone who is always looking to learn, to grow and take the client experience to the next level. To really take a step forward in this industry you have to be brave, but you have to be accountable to. Someone who really stands out will be someone who owns their success.

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

Honesty - don't over do it. If you're brilliant you won't need too. What's it like working with you - how do your team support your application? What do your clients say about you?

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

Change overall is good. Positive impact on people.

Role & Company: Founder, Nobody's Cafe

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.

Role & Company: CEO, asembl.group

Gavin’s the co-founder and CEO of full-service events group, asembl.group. The group was launched to provide the best in class service for a range of services required to deliver any element of a live event. One contact, one solution. The group has grown to over eight members and exceeds £40m of combined revenues, with locations in UK, EMEA, UAE and APAC, with no plans to slowing down the growth and future acquisitions and members joining. Gavin leads the vision of the group to provide clients with a truly unique proposition that delivers a level of originality, service and value. Gavin’s a serial entrepreneur with new innovative products, services and concepts constantly under development, these include the recently launched integrated event logistics, storage and stock management platform, LogisKIT and no doubt there’s more bubbling away.

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

Fresh thinking

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

Their personality and unique approach to a challenge - be real - stop trying to be something you're not

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

Considering this industry as a career choice

Role & Company: CEO & Founder, Ashley Gladman Events

I am the Founder and CEO of Ashley Gladman Events, a bespoke corporate event management agency. With extensive experience delivering impactful conferences and retreats, I also serves as a Baccus Mentor and Guest Speaker at Oxford Brookes University and also deliver industry guest talks on Event Management at Campion School.

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

Each applicant should clearly highlight their unique talents and how they use them to make an impact, demonstrate measurable achievements or contributions within their industry, and show their potential for growth and leadership. Authenticity, purpose-driven action, and evidence of inspiring or serving others are key to a strong entry.

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

1. Their unique talents or skills and how they are applied.
2. Concrete achievements or contributions that demonstrate impact within their industry.
3. Examples of leadership potential or growth, showing how they inspire, support, or positively influence others around them.

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

Over the next 10 years, I hope to see more women on event industry boards, a truly inclusive and diverse workforce, competitive salaries for female counterparts, and increased government funded training and mentoring opportunities from high school level. I want young talent to be empowered, supported, and ready to lead.

Role & Company: Managing Director, MGN Events

With over two decades in the creative events industry, I lead a global agency delivering high-impact corporate and private experiences for leading brands and HNW clients. My focus on innovation, design excellence and client experience has helped shape award-winning events and nurture emerging talent across the sector.

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

I’m most excited to see authenticity and genuine passion , individuals who are hungry to learn, push boundaries and try new things. I value creativity grounded in purpose, curiosity about the industry’s future and the courage to experiment and lead with fresh and original thinking

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

1. Clearly demonstrate their impact - how they’ve made a real difference in their role or the wider industry.
2. Creativity and originality in their approach.
3. A sense of purpose or vision that reflects where they want to take the events industry next.

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

I would love to see real progress in sustainability not the buzzword version ... meaningful change in how we design and deliver events. We have such a powerful platform as an industry and I think the next decade should be about creating incredible experiences with genuine responsibility

Role & Company: Marketing Director, Evolve Creative Solutions

As Marketing Director at Evolve Creative Solutions, a leading exhibition design agency, I've witnessed firsthand what separates good talent from great. My FMCG and agency background gives me a unique perspective on B2B events, where I champion the storytelling and brand principles that drive real impact. I'm passionate about identifying emerging leaders who challenge conventions and elevate our industry. Collaborative and curious, I believe diverse perspectives fuel innovation—and I'm always up for talking events strategy.

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

People who see problems and fix them. I'm excited by candidates who demonstrate ownership and initiative, backed by a genuine growth mindset. Show me how you've tackled challenges collaboratively, communicated your vision effectively, and brought others along with your enthusiasm. I want to see evidence of learning from setbacks and driving tangible change through proactive problem-solving.

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

I want to see excellent communication skills, evidence of a real passion for the industry and some concrete examples of how you stepped up to solve a problem.

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

This industry is in the middle of a huge period of change with environmental pressures and AI reshaping the world around us. I'd like to see future leaders who are looking ahead at ways to make the challenges into opportunities - particularly around how we transform the industry to reach net zero without losing the human connection at the heart of it that makes this so special.

Role & Company: Head of Meetings & Events, Emota

I am the Head of Meetings & Events, EU at Emota. I have 20+ years’ experience in event strategy and leadership. I oversee a team of 150 event planners, specialising in Pharmaceutical events. I am a member of the CN Agency100.

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

I’m most excited to see authenticity and ambition paired with hard work, dedication, and belief in themselves from the submissions. I admire talent who not only strive for excellence in themselves but also find ways to help others better themselves.

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

1. Each entry should include a clear sense of purpose, showing what drives their work
2. tangible examples of impact, demonstrating how they've made a difference
3. and personal qualities like authenticity, ambition, and dedication. These elements reveal not just what they’ve done, but who they are and why it matters.

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

I’d love to see greater recognition for those who manage event logistics - the unsung heroes whose precision, resilience, and problem-solving ensure every detail runs smoothly. Their skills are invaluable, and it’s time clients truly understand the strategic impact they deliver. Respect and appreciation should match the excellence they consistently provide.

Role & Company: Director, Principal. Global Events

I'm proud to have been part of the Principal. Global Events team for 28 years. I work closely with the owners of the business on strategy, planning and workplace culture. Its been incredibly exciting to see and be part of everything the agency has achieved during this time - our team, our clients and all the innovation, and growth. I work closely with the marketing and business development teams and I'm also responsible for sustainability. Over the past year we've implemented our environmental management system, based on the principles of ISO 14001. I also lead The Green Room - our team of amazing sustainability leaders, who shape sustainable practices and engagement across the agency.

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

I'm excited to see the fresh perspectives and ideas of the next generation of event profs, their ideas, their ambitions, and their thoughts about our industry - where they would like to take themselves, how they see themselves influencing and evolving what's around them

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

Passion, achievements, ambitions - personal and a wider contribution to the industry

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

I think the recognition and championing of next generation voices and linking this to senior leadership is so important to keep ourselves and the industry, fresh, innovative, relevant and connected. I have seen we have started to do this, but we need to do more and awards like this are so important to celebrate, inspire and shine a light on the ambitions of the next generation of event profs.

Role & Company: Managing Director, YES

Natalie Glasgow’s 20+ year global events career spans MICE, media, SaaS, and pharma. My strategic leadership, cultural fluency, and creative excellence have driven high-impact experiences across continents. From New York to Hong Kong, I've built resilient teams, scaled operations, developed young talent and shaped YES into a multi-award-winning agency with enduring client trust.

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

Authenticity, ambition, and impact. I’m excited to see how young event professionals are pushing boundaries, solving real challenges, and creating memorable experiences. Submissions that show bold thinking, resilience, and a clear sense of purpose will stand out — especially when backed by tangible results and team collaboration.

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

A standout event or initiative they led, with measurable outcomes.
Evidence of innovation and how they approached challenges creatively.
Their contribution to team culture or industry development, showing leadership beyond logistics.

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

Over the next decade, I want to see real investment in developing and retaining emerging talent, especially women. With 75% of our workforce being female but only 15% in leadership, we must build inclusive pathways, mentorship, and visibility to ensure the next generation thrives and leads with confidence

Role & Company: Global Director of Events, DRPG

Matt Franks is the Global Director of Events at DRPG and CEO of the DRPG America. With 25 years in live events and communications, he leads award-winning teams delivering exceptional in-person, virtual, and hybrid experiences. A respected industry leader, he drives innovation and global growth across DRPG’s expanding footprint.

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

To be inspired by the next generation. I'm lucky to work with some incredible people spanning all ages and often those under 30 can feel age can be against them which I strongly disagree with. I actively encourage a younger team to have a voice and feel safe in sharing their thoughts and ideas. We actively sense check ideas with our younger team members they often see if differently and add value.

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

1. Their three biggest achievements to date
2. Where they see themselves in 5 and 10 years
3. What they want to leave as a legacy

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

Respect from clients in valuing talent, creativity and responses without it being procurement driven.

Enhancing the in person experiences so they are fully accessible all of the time

Role & Company: Head of Events, asembl.

I have been in the industry for 12 years now, from event executive to client services director and now head of events at a growing and evolving agency. Managing a range of client sectors and event types I have been fortunate to gain a wide range of experience and am passionate about the growth of people within the industry and where it is going.

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

How someone has developed and overcome the challenges of the industry and how they have grown into who they are now/where they're going.

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

1. What they have done to be different in the industry.
2. What are they most excited about in the industry.
3. Their best moment to date.

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

Work life balance and how it can be managed.

Role & Company: Director of Operations & Customer Success, veSpace International

With 30 years in the global events industry, I’ve led end-to-end event delivery, team development, and operational growth. Highlights include managing Wimbledon’s hospitality villages, delivering law firm conferences in Singapore, and building the Operations department of veSpace. Passionate about mentoring, excellence, and creating impactful experiences.

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

A proactive, creative, and passionate professional with strong communication skills and a hands-on approach. Demonstrates a genuine eagerness to learn, collaborate with peers, and actively contribute to team success. Consistently goes above and beyond to deliver exceptional results for both clients and the business.

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

1. Examples of key achievements with full details, focusing on what they managed / contributed too
2. How they network within the industry
3. what they are looking to achieve in the future

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

Over the next 10 years, I want to see greater investment in attracting and nurturing young talent. We need to better showcase the creativity, impact, and career potential within the events industry—highlighting real stories and pathways to inspire the next generation and ensure a thriving, diverse future workforce.

Role & Company: Executive Creative Director, Cheerful Twentyfirst

I've been doing this for three decades (don't judge the maths). I bounced from design and advertising into events. Now, I lead the amazing team at Cheerful Twentyfirst. We specialize in audience engagement using insight and sheer creativity.

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

The personality shining through, not just stats.

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

1. Show their personality,
2. Examples of where they were innovative,
3. Taking responsibility, a "bring it on attitude"

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

The use of tech to engage people but not dehumanise the experience

Role & Company: CEO & Founder, CTL Communications

A passionate entrepreneur, Catherine Turner started CTL Communications in 2009, building it from start-up to 100+ people. CTL is a global, multi-award-winning agency supporting clients on marketing, communications and events. She is honored to receive the Agency Pioneer Award, as well as being featured in the Sunday Times Business Section.

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

I’m most excited to see raw passion for events. Creativity, inquisitiveness, and a genuine desire to elevate experiences for both the client and attendees. I’d like to see bold applications that show a clear love for our industry. It’s not just what they do, it’s why they do it.

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

I’d like to hear about an event they’ve been involved in that they’re proud of – what made it meaningful and memorable and how their contribution made a difference. I want to understand their vision for making positive change in the industry and the overall career goals that they’re working towards.

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

As technology improves, especially with AI increasingly changing and accelerating how we work, younger professionals face mounting pressure to keep up. I’d like to see the industry prioritise the wellbeing and offering mentorship and support to emerging talent to protect and empower the next generation.

Role & Company: Founder, Noble Events

A former hotelier who transitioned into events. 18 years working for large agencies before taking the leap and forming my first agency. I formed Noble Events in 2012 and opened a Dubai office in 2014. I sold the business in February 2025, but am more actively involved than ever.

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

Innovation, energy and cool initiatives to take our industry into the next decade. We need our future leaders to be demonstrating their ability to navigate the future whilst embracing the basics of business best practice.

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

Their own original thoughts, not that of others in their agencies! Be brave. Be controversial. Be challenging. You are members of this Class of 2026 for a reason - show us what that means in your own words.

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

The effective management of Procurement departments and with that a return to the era of end client and not price-led purchasing. (Highly unlikely to ever happen but it would be amazing if it did!)

Role & Company: Client Services Director, Rapiergroup

I’m a passionate and results-driven professional with a strong track record in delivering high-impact events, exhibitions, and experiences. Since joining Rapiergroup straight from university in 2002, I have seized every opportunity to experience every aspect our amazing industry has to offer, resulting now in my position as a Board Director.

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

The diversity, passion and talent that is shaping the future of the events industry. Understanding what makes an individual unique and to hear their best achievements.

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

What was the passion that inspired you to develop a career within our industry? What unique opportunity have you undertaken to provide personal development? What words of wisdom would you share with senior leaders within the event industry so we can learn from this years CN30underThirty Class of 2026 personal growth/journey?

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

The industry faces workforce gaps and needs new skills for tech-driven events. How can we attract diverse talent by creating pathways for underrepresented groups to enter the industry.

Role & Company: Managing Director, HeadBox

With almost a decade in the events industry, my career spans event sales, account management and product development, bringing together people and technology. I am a values-based leader, purpose-driven and fuelled by my passions. My passion is for transforming the events industry for the better, through innovation, D&I and sustainability. My goal is to champion the next generation to drive real change.

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

I'm excited to see passion, creativity and curiosity in the submissions. Passion for the projects, job roles and causes that align with their personal values. Creativity in how they go about making a change in the industry. Curiosity to always push the boundaries of what they think is achievable.

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

I'd like to see from applicants:

1. A dedication to consistent learning and continuous improvement of their skillset, widening their network or expanding their mindset.
2. Overcoming challenges and not giving up.
3. An optimistic view of the future and a belief in their power and ability to make a change.

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

The pertinent issue I'd like to see progress in is D&I. The events industry would be a much better, smarter, more innovative place if different people had a seat at the table. A diversity in ideas and values, with different (often unheard) voices, that would make for a much more exciting industry.

Role & Company: Global Director, Reed & Mackay

With over 20 years in the travel and events industry, I’ve built my career on innovation, collaboration, and delivering exceptional experiences. As Global Director of R&M Events, I lead global operations and account management, proudly championing an extraordinary team whose passion, creativity, and dedication continue to elevate our global success.

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

I’m most excited to see creativity and fresh ideas. I love when submissions bring something new and inspiring — it pushes me to think bigger and better. With so many emerging players in the market, I’m eager to see new talent step up and make their mark.

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

Each applicant should bring honesty, creativity, and passion to their entry. Be authentic about your journey and what drives you. Showcase your creativity — think beyond the obvious and make it memorable. And let your passion shine through.

Genuine enthusiasm always makes an entry stand out.

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

I’d love to see greater support for the next generation entering the events industry, as well as for working mothers. Events can be a constant juggling act, and flexibility is key. Creating an environment that nurtures growth, balance, and opportunity will help sustain and strengthen our industry for the future.

Role & Company: CEO, Made Human

Founder and CEO of Made Human, Matt Culverhouse is a multi-award-winning event leader with over 15 years’ experience delivering global brand experiences. Formerly CEO of TEN6 Creative and senior leader at Opus Agency, he champions people-centric, sustainable, and high-impact live experiences

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

I’m excited to discover the thinkers and doers redefining what live experiences can be - those blending creativity with purpose, sustainability with impact, and human connection with measurable results. The next wave of talent will shape our industry’s future, and I can’t wait to be inspired by them.

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

Three essentials: Impact, authenticity, and growth.

Show the tangible difference you’ve made, be real about your journey, not just the wins - - and share how you’ve grown along the way.

We’re not looking for perfection. We’re looking for passion, purpose, and proof that you’re shaping the future of events.

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

I want to see a lot more cross over of teams, so experiences are not so siloed. The tech team, the creative team, the production team. Way more collaboration from day dot to create a holistic attendee experience, rather than constant hurdles to jump.

Role & Company: CEO, Fresh Approach UK

Over 20 years experience and accomplishment in all phases of Sales, Management, Marketing, Strategic Planning and Leadership.Having worked with the board of The fresh Group since 2015 it is a great honour to now be formally part of the team as the groups Chairman and CEO driving the strategic direction and growth of this fantastic business.

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

Passion, experience, growth and future potential

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

Their own journey and plans from now going forward. How they have made a difference.

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

Measurement, true authentic human experience in the age of AI and true environmental awareness.

Role & Company: CXO, Goose Live Events

Sam Trevenna is one of the Co-Founders of Goose and, with over 30 years of experience in corporate events, brand activations and experiential, she is an accomplished Event Director with a passion for logistics, event production and event styling.

Her role as Chief Experience Officer (CXO) is a newly created position which focuses on the quality of the experiences that Goose creates for its clients, as well as driving business growth.  

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

Passion and enthusiasm for their role and the industry

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

• Their personality – write from the heart
• Their impact – what they have achieved personally, not just within a team or a project
• Their ambition - what’s their dream?!

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

I have 2 issues to spotlight

Greater support for personal growth & development.  Wider coaching and mentoring opportunities, flexibility for working parents to show it’s possible to have a career you love and a family life – whatever that balance looks like for you.  

A better RFP process - An honest approach to the pitching and procurement process, creating a charter that promotes fairness, respect and value, not a race to the bottom on rates, or a beauty parade of creativity that is then wasted, or worse - given to someone else to deliver. 

Role & Company: Director, ZiaBia Events Consultancy

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.

Role & Company: Group Managing Director, Live Group

A Proud Canadian, bringing Global Business Experience to the UK Events industry

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

People that are looking to make a positive impact and bring a different voice to our industry.

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

Their personal and professional USP, The impact they have had on the 'elder's in the industry' and how they are helping to pull the industry forward.

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

Open collaboration between industry organisations to help lift the industry up. sharing challenges as much as wins.

Role & Company: CEO, SevenEvents

With over 16 years leading SevenEvents, I’ve built a reputation for delivering creative, high-impact experiences for global clients. Passionate about innovation, talent development, and the evolution of our industry, I’m committed to recognising and championing the next generation of event professionals shaping the future of live experiences.

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

I’m excited to see authenticity, creativity, and measurable impact. I want to see how young professionals have driven change—whether through bold ideas, leadership, or sustainable thinking—and how they’ve elevated both client outcomes and industry standards. Real passion, backed by tangible results, always makes a submission stand out.

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

1. A clear example of innovation or original thinking.
2. Evidence of measurable results and impact.
3. A personal reflection on lessons learned and how they’re shaping future ambitions.

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

I’d like to see real progress in sustainability, diversity, and work-life balance. The events industry must lead by example—embracing inclusive hiring, reducing environmental impact, and creating cultures that nurture wellbeing and long-term careers rather than burnout. Purpose-led business should become the norm, not the exception.

Role & Company: Commercial Director, Production Bureau

A poacher turned gamekeeper having made the transition from a wide variety of roles in the Pharmaceutical Industry, to now being agency based Passionate about people with over 30 years of leading teams and developing talent. I also have an MSc in Executive Coaching.

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

As Commercial Director at Production bureau, I also have overall responsible for people. Talent management and people development are crucial to our business and so I am interested to see and hear about aspiring talent in our industry

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

I would like to see their passion for the industry, some tangible metrics as to what makes them successful and a vision for their career.

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

A wider responsibility to delivering events which truly deliver on the ESG front and not just 2 green events"

Role & Company: Managing Director, Bray Leino Events

Across a decade as Bray Leino Events MD, Luke Brown has seen the agency flourish into an international brand experience powerhouse. Importantly, that scale has come without losing the culture of support, respect and kindness that consistently puts Bray Leino Events on ‘best places to work’ lists. Luke is an award winning leader, industry speaker and University guest lecturer.

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

One of the greatest things about events is how much opportunity there is for young people with talent. Luke says he’s excited to get a glimpse of our sector’s potential leaders and a feel for what the future looks like with them at the helm.

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

Creativity, problem solving, and innovation contributing to successes.

Passion – for their events, their team, their employer, and our industry.

In potential leaders, awareness of the future and its wider strategic picture.

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

• Sustainability and Impact – how will our sector be a force for good?
• Accessibility and inclusion – how do we ensure everybody benefits?
• Measurement – how will we continue to prove the effectiveness of our work?
• Wellbeing – how can we ensure the mental and physical health of event delivery professionals given the pressures of the industry?
• Technology – how will AI and next gen technologies impact the industry?

Role & Company: Director, Strive Events Agency

I have worked on the agency side of b2b events for over 15 years and currently I am a director and co-founder at Strive Events Agency. I live in the Essex countryside with my husband and two dogs.
Strive was established in 2021, we’re a young, growing event agency on a mission. I am passionate about building an events business with wellbeing at the very heart of it and I believe we can run exceptional events AND look after our people.
I was given lots of responsibility at a young age and took my first MD role aged 24, I am passionate about spotting young talent, supporting them, and nurturing leadership skills. I am really excited to meet all our candidates for 2026.

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

Someone who has ideas and makes them happen, who isn't afraid to put themselves out there to deliver a new concept, change a process, solve problems or make something happen. A go getter!

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

1. What do their clients and or colleagues say about them.
2. What do they think their own super powers are.
3. What are they excited about in the future of the event industry.

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

I would love to see less people 'falling into' events and it being more of an official chosen career path from a young age. When I was at school everyone wanted to be a doctor, a lawyer or whatever and no one even knew events was a career, let's change that as it's a super rewarding and exciting one.

Role & Company: Director, Eureka Events

Role & Company: Managing Director, Pure Communications Group

Janine Hart is a dynamic leader with over 18 years of global experience in the events and communications industry. As Managing Director of Pure Communications Group, she leads award-winning teams to deliver innovative, high-impact experiences while championing emerging talent, collaboration, and diversity across the industry.

What are you most excited to see in a submission?

I’m most excited to see submissions that showcase emerging leaders with a clear sense of purpose, originality, and ambition. I look for candidates who demonstrate impact beyond their role, embrace collaboration and inclusion, and show a genuine commitment to personal growth, leadership development, and shaping the future of the events industry.

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

Applicants should clearly articulate their impact and achievements, demonstrate leadership through collaboration and initiative, and share an authentic personal story. Strong entries show measurable outcomes, reflect values such as creativity and inclusion, and highlight a commitment to growth, learning, and positively shaping the future of the events industry.

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

Over the next decade, I want to see meaningful progress in diversity across the events industry. This includes equitable representation, inclusive leadership pathways, and supportive environments where diverse voices are valued. True change will come from intentional action, accountability, and a commitment to wellbeing, ensuring the industry reflects the audiences and communities it serves.