Company & Role: Conference News, Editor

Cameron Roberts is the editor of Conference News, the UK’s leading publication for event professionals. In his decade-long career in journalism, Cameron has occupied numerous editorial roles, writing about oil and gas, information services, automation, robotics and travel.

In his current role, Cameron focuses on how the events industry interacts with government; the implementation of technology in events; and how diversity and inclusion impacting events businesses.

Cameron has appeared on stage at numerous events, including International Confex and Reset Connect, aiming to guide discussion and provide insight into the meetings and events space.

Company & Role: BCD Meetings & Events, Senior Director, Global Programme Lead

I have worked within the hospitality / events industry for 28 years with a focus for the last 15 years on Strategic Meetings Management. In recent years I have been working on developing best practices in the area of sustainability for SMM programmes and am the co-chair of BCD M&E’s sustainability committee.

Company & Role: event:decision, Founder

Matt Grey founded event:decision in early 2021. event:decision exists to support the event industry in making better decisions, after a 25-year background in event management and production.

event:decision works with brands such as AZ, BP, Defra, EY, Google, Mastercard, Samsung, Vodafone, VW and YouTube in helping events teams plan and deliver more sustainably.

The team at event:decision, consisting entirely of #eventprofs with agency, brand, venue & event marketing backgrounds, works alongside partners in understanding, measuring, reporting, mitigating and frankly navigating the labyrinth that is event sustainability.

Company & Role: You. Smart. Thing., Chief Executive Officer

Chris leads the vision and strategy for low-carbon travel demand management platform, ‘You. Smart. Thing.’ (“YST”).

After 7-years in telecoms, Chris weaved in his Commercial Music BA and founded Digital Animal, a direct-to-consumer retail platform for major-label recording artists that powered loyalty campaigns for brands including NatWest and Nintendo. DA won 4 UKTI Creative Industries Awards in 3 consecutive years and Chris was shortlisted for the O2 Arena Entrepreneur of The Year award.

He’s held responsibility D2C strategy for PIAS, Europe’s largest independent entertainment distributor, and prior to establishing YST helped engineer CRM campaigns for JLR, Halfords, ATOS, Google and Vodafone.

Company & Role: Open Audience, Senior Project Manager (Events)

Lisa's full speaker profile will be available shortly!

Company & Role: Exclusive Collection, Managing Director

Respected hotelier, Danny Pecorelli, has championed Exclusive Collection to becoming the UK’s first B Corp certified hotel group.

Founded 40 years ago, Exclusive has always taken a conscientious approach to business as underlined by awards including the AA Eco Friendly Hotel Group and Danny’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Sustainability.

Danny is a leading voice in hospitality, a visionary and an advocate of socially conscious businesses. He values and invests in his people, prioritises a customer-centric offering and forward-thinking delegate experiences, is ESG driven, and mindful of the footprint and impact the hotel’s actions have on the environment and society

Company & Role: HelmsBriscoe, Director, Global Accounts (Independent Licensee)

Femke's profile will be available shortly!

Company & Role: Worlds Better, Founder & Event Sustainability Consultant

Christianne has nearly 20 years of experience within the events industry including working at large scale agencies, suppliers and with in-house corporate events teams before setting up events industry sustainability consultancy Worlds Better.

Worlds Better provides events and experiential industry business leaders with bespoke sustainability consultation; offering strategic advice, knowledge and resource to make written policies become reality and create change.

Company & Role: Top Banana, Managing Director

Jemma's full speaker profile will be available shortly!

Company & Role: Whitespace Group, Managing Director

Mary has over 30 years’ experience working in the exhibition industry in sales and marketing and since 2003 as the co-founder and CEO of The Whitespace Group, an exhibition design and production company based in SW London.

Throughout Mary’s career in exhibitions, she has always worked with modular systems that are designed for reuse and provide a far more sustainable approach to exhibition stand production. In recent years, the company has seen considerable growth due to the general change in corporate thinking and understanding around decarbonization.

Company & Role: Immersive AV, Commercial Director

Known for his enthusiasm and commitment to the conference, awards show and exhibition sectors, Scott Holman, Commercial Director for Immersive AV, believes that partnerships and collaborations are key to the industry's success and forward-thinking opportunities.

Scott firmly trusts that the synergy created from these collaborations, not only empowers shows and events to meet objectives, it facilitates a succession plan for those entering the industry, creating the next generation of professionals and forging a foundation for the future. It also plays a huge part in being able to promote, educate and support sustainable change within the events industry with the aim of reducing carbon emissions and planning for a net zero outlook.

Scott is also a member of ESSA, the ESSA Sustainability Committee and Future Focus working groups.

Company & Role: Norman Richmond & Co, Director

Jerzy's full speaker profile will be available shortly!

Company & Role: HireSpace, Co-founder & Chief Commercial Officer

Edward Poland is co-founder of event technology platform Hire Space, which offers venue sourcing and events services to businesses in the UK and globally. The platform works with 100,000 venues, and supports venues and clients on sustainability initiatives through its Hire Space 360 enterprise sourcing product.

Company & Role: mia, Chief Executive Officer

Kerrin MacPhie became chief executive of the mia in November 2021. Having previously held senior posts in destinations, associations, hotels and convention centres as well as a number of voluntary board positions across the sector’s national and international associations, her extensive knowledge and infectious passion for business meetings and events provides the perfect background to support members while ensuring the mia continues to grow and adapt to the future needs of the industry.

Kerrin is inspired by doing new things, developing new ideas and taking a new approach to deliver growth and development, building strong relationships and creating new opportunities.

Company & Role: Twickenham Stadium, Head of Business Development

A forward thinking, experienced leader in sales having worked across unique venues for the last 20 years. Passionate about always stretching the capabilities of venues and identifying future opportunities. Experienced in launching new venues and refurbishment projects to the events industry and keeping up to date with trends and challenges.

Company & Role: Easyfairs, Chief Sustainability & Customer Experience Officer

A graduate of NYU School of Law, I started my career as a corporate lawyer in the New York office of Cleary Gottlieb and later joined McKinsey as a strategy consultant in Brussels. I then worked for seven years in New York in the restaurant and sustainable food sector.

In 2015, I joined Easyfairs where I worked on venue management and event sales and operational efficiency programmes. I became Chief Sustainability and Customer Experience Officer in 2021.

Company & Role: 15Hatfields, Deputy General Manager

Since joining 15Hatfields in 2012, Joe Harris has been a key part of the Southbank venue’s continued success story.

Recently promoted to deputy general manager, Joe’s passion to help set a blueprint for others in the events sector to follow, means he has his finger on the pulse of any new sustainable initiatives or products as he and the team continually seek new ways to further improve 15Hatfields’ own sustainability credentials.

Like all staff at the venue, Joe has achieved Level 2 in the CIEH course for Environmental Principles and Best Practice. He also represents 15Hatfields in Greengage’s Platinum Inner Circle, a group of the UK’s leading sustainable venues, all of which have been accredited with ECOsmart platinum.

Company & Role: The Jockey Club Venues, Sustainability and Corporate Social Values Manager

Kirstin is the Sustainability and Corporate Social Values Manager for The Jockey Club Group delivering significant reductions in energy consumption and improvements in waste management for more than 10 years.

With a background in maths and operational research, data has been a fundamental tool in encouraging and demonstrating the achievements. Kirstin launched the award-winning employee engagement programme ‘Going Green’ in 2012 and believes involving as many people as possible is key to making an impact for any event.

Company & Role: BMA House, Business Development Event Manager

Hannah Robinson is Business Development Event Manager at BMA House, a grade II listed event space in the heart of Bloomsbury. Hannah has been at the venue for four years, across three roles, and is responsible for creating and delivering a strategy to drive new business into the venue.

Hannah works closely with Sales and Marketing to increase BMA House's presence as one of London’s most sustainable event spaces, who most recently were awarded Greengage’s ECOsmart Platinum accreditation.

Company & Role: Conference News, Deputy Editor

Louisa Daley is the Deputy Editor of Conference News magazine. She has been part of the brand for four years, which has seen her build up a strong and diverse network of event professionals.

She regularly interviews eventprofs and interacts with the wider events community to discover key trends and common challenges.

Louisa is also an experienced presenter, and has previously hosted panel discussions, roundtables and commercial videos.

Company & Role: DRPG, Chief Executive Officer

Dale has been in the comms industry for over 40 years.
He is CEO of drpg which is recognised as one of the leading integrated, full service creative communication groups, with a team of over 420 across the globe.

He works with major brands in the development of communication strategies and is passionate about creating sustainable future for everyone. In 2015 he was presented with the industry personality of the year and in 2016 honoured with a fellowship award for services to Communication. In 2022 Dale was also awarded CIPR Leader of the Year.

Company & Role: emc3, Account Director

Saskya has over ten years experience in global event management, Saskya is a well-respected and highly sought-after voice within the event sustainability movement. Saskya is an advocate for sustainability within the industry, and believes that we can all be the catalyst for bigger change.

Company & Role: Sodexo Live!, UK Sales Director

As a lover of all things food, drink and experience, with a 16 year background in restaurant, bar and casino management, I decided to leave the late nights behind and transfer my skills and expertise into the world of venue sales with Sodexo Live. Working with some of the most iconic venues in the UK, my 9-year career has seen me develop from sales coordinator to sales manager, regional manager, and since September 2022, Sales Director. Responsible for the strategic direction and growth of venue sales in the UK, our sustainability initiatives not only assist in our essential global goal of reducing our impact on the environment but are also now a key element in driving new business and in turn reaching our sales targets.

Company & Role: Searcys, Business Development Director

Kathryn's full speaker profile will be available shortly!

Company & Role: Conference News, Editor

Cameron Roberts is the editor of Conference News, the UK’s leading publication for event professionals. In his decade-long career in journalism, Cameron has occupied numerous editorial roles, writing about oil and gas, information services, automation, robotics and travel.

In his current role, Cameron focuses on how the events industry interacts with government; the implementation of technology in events; and how diversity and inclusion impacting events businesses.

Cameron has appeared on stage at numerous events, including International Confex and Reset Connect, aiming to guide discussion and provide insight into the meetings and events space.

Company & Role: Noble Events, Managing Director

Having specialised in both conferences and exhibition management earlier in my career, I now lead a boutique events agency delivering experiences in the automotive, luxury, fintech, beauty and health sectors. I am passionate about people development, innovation and quality. There's always a better way!

Company & Role: Identity, Executive Project & Sustainability Director, and member of the isla Advisory Board

With over 25 years delivering live high-profile global events, Faye brings first hand insight into how the event industry can create world-class human experiences without compromising the planet and the local communities we work in. Having worked client, agency and association side, Faye promotes collaboration to share sustainable and responsible best practices and drive positive change.

Company & Role: Sledge, Managing Director

Sarah is an experienced event professional and agency leader. Throughout her 22+ year career she has supported globally renowned brands in sectors such as automotive, financial, retail, telecommunications and technology, to deliver award-winning experiences throughout the globe.

Sarah’s project work and versatility is expansive, and includes exclusive VIP dinners through to large, high-profile conferences for thousands of attendees, in locations ranging from iconic beaches and rooftops, to renowned stadiums.

In her role at Sledge, Sarah oversees the day-to-day operation of the agency, in line with its core DNA of people, planet and entrusted growth, develops key accounts, and provides strategic and creative planning on client projects.

Outside of her work managing Sledge, Sarah champions the event industry and connects with event professionals to share ideas and creative best practice, via speaking at and attending industry events, awards judging, and sharing her insights and learnings with the media.

Company & Role: Responsible Events, Founder/Director

I am an event professional with over 20 years' experience in strategic planning, production and project management of events (conferences, corporate events, forums, training programmes, professional networks' events, charity events, webinars, hybrid events and online conferences). I also have a sustainable event business helping organisations with sustainable event management and event sustainability consultancy.

I am personally responsible for a number of key successes, including:
- Delivering a carbon neutral hybrid conference and exhibition event. This involved carbon footprint measurement, a waste management plan, sustainable suppliers management, setting-up and managing the Cvent platform and on-site project management.

- Searching and liaising with sustainable venues in London and Birmingham and suppliers for entertainment and carbon measurement, offering a sustainable private dinner package with suitable sustainable venues, menu suggestions and a magic act aiming to position the client as an expert in the hospitality sector and a leader in sustainability.

- Conducting a review for a client evaluating:
Its operations including event location visits to determine the way in which sustainability issues were relevant to the company’s unique business
Its existing practices and opportunities through staff interviews
The sustainable events approach taken by competitors

The review assessed the current management approach and identified opportunities for improvement in sustainable event processes.

Company & Role: Chorus, Operations Manager

Aarron McGurk is Operations Manager at the creative agency Chorus. There he works across the business's people operations, including working on specific client delivery, executing the marketing activity, and supporting its leadership team.

He has helped develop key relationships with Chorus’ global clients, working on world-renowned projects such as EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year, Hammersmith & Fulham’s Art on the High Street initiative and Diageo’s Investment Showcases.

Aarron has also been integral in establishing Chorus’ extensive sustainability credentials. Tasked with supporting the business in developing a living and breathing sustainability policy that is constantly updated in line with the agency’s operations and business strategy.

His role has mirrored that of a sustainability officer as he has helped to establish relationships with leading industry bodies such as Isla, Ecolibrium and the SEA. As part of his focus, Aarron has tracked all of the team’s business travel and worked independently to ensure the agency is effectively offsetting emissions. In 2021 this equated to balancing more than two tonnes of CO2 during the past year - the equivalent of 11,000 car miles.

Aarron is setting his sights to creating a combined people policy this year and continuing to share his thoughts on wellbeing, DE&I and sustainability at key industry events.

During his down time he is also creating his own event empire via his curated London club night. Monster Queen (MQ) has established itself as the mainstay of the LGBTQ+ calendar and is positioned as a welcoming and safe space for the community to celebrate Goth culture.

Company & Role: One Tribe, Chief Executive Officer

Ric Porteus is a seasoned marketing professional and CEO renowned for his dynamic leadership and creative prowess in the global climate action movement. An experienced and captivating speaker, Ric matches his charisma with profound insights into the intersection of sustainability and marketing to help businesses improve their carbon footprint and ESG practices. His talks inspire a better approach to climate action, focusing on leveraging the power of nature-based solutions to combat climate change.

Company & Role: Identity, Head of Strategy

Shéa is a highly experienced holistic brand strategist with 15 years of history and a proven track record in live events, providing strategic consultancy and direction for major companies and global brands, across multiple disciplines and sectors. He has delivered innovative campaigns and immersive sustainable experiences across a number of verticals, including finance, government, retail, fashion, entertainment, sports and esports.

Company & Role: Identity, Executive Project & Sustainability Director, and member of the isla Advisory Board

With over 25 years delivering live high-profile global events, Faye brings first hand insight into how the event industry can create world-class human experiences without compromising the planet and the local communities we work in. Having worked client, agency and association side, Faye promotes collaboration to share sustainable and responsible best practices and drive positive change.