TRack Speakers
SPEAKERS
Luis Pedro MartinsPresident Visit Porto & North - Convention & Visitors Bureau
Luís Pedro Martins has a long professional career marked by experience in marketing, communication, and civic engagement. He holds a degree in Design from ESAD and a Postgraduate degree in Marketing Management from Porto Business School, and he is currently completing the Executive MBA at Católica Business School.
Throughout his career, he has held prominent positions in different areas. He served as a Member of Parliament for two legislative terms and as an Advisor to a Minister of Justice. For four years, he was responsible for Communication and Marketing at Santa Casa da Misericórdia do Porto. Between 2014 and 2018, he was the Executive Director of Clérigos Tower, leading a remarkable period of growth in visitor numbers to this iconic landmark of Porto.
With extensive experience in Marketing and Communication, where he authored more than a hundred campaigns, he expanded his activity to teaching, lecturing in Marketing at Porto Business School.
On January 18, 2019, he was elected President of the Porto and North of Portugal Regional Tourism Board, and on September 17, 2020, he also assumed the Presidency of the Porto and North Tourism Association, the Regional Tourism Promotion Agency. Since then, he has been a transformative force in the region’s tourism industry, significantly enhancing its attractiveness and positioning it as a leading destination.
Under his leadership, Porto and Northern Portugal have embraced digitalization, innovation, and sustainability, establishing themselves as a prominent global tourism destination. Luís Pedro Martins and his team have driven numerous initiatives that combine modern technology with sustainable practices, ensuring that tourism growth benefits both the environment and the local community.
His strategic vision focuses on the lasting impact of the actions undertaken, promoting long-term benefits for the local population while preserving the region’s unique cultural heritage. His commitment to sustainable tourism and innovative promotion strategies has left a lasting legacy in Porto and Northern Portugal, making the region an unmissable destination for travelers from all over the world.
Luis Pedro Martins
President Visit Porto & North - Convention & Visitors Bureau
Luís Pedro Martins has a long professional career marked by experience in marketing, communication, and civic engagement. He holds a degree in Design from ESAD and a Postgraduate degree in Marketing Management from Porto Business School, and he is currently completing the Executive MBA at Católica Business School.
Throughout his career, he has held prominent positions in different areas. He served as a Member of Parliament for two legislative terms and as an Advisor to a Minister of Justice. For four years, he was responsible for Communication and Marketing at Santa Casa da Misericórdia do Porto. Between 2014 and 2018, he was the Executive Director of Clérigos Tower, leading a remarkable period of growth in visitor numbers to this iconic landmark of Porto.
With extensive experience in Marketing and Communication, where he authored more than a hundred campaigns, he expanded his activity to teaching, lecturing in Marketing at Porto Business School.
On January 18, 2019, he was elected President of the Porto and North of Portugal Regional Tourism Board, and on September 17, 2020, he also assumed the Presidency of the Porto and North Tourism Association, the Regional Tourism Promotion Agency. Since then, he has been a transformative force in the region’s tourism industry, significantly enhancing its attractiveness and positioning it as a leading destination.
Under his leadership, Porto and Northern Portugal have embraced digitalization, innovation, and sustainability, establishing themselves as a prominent global tourism destination. Luís Pedro Martins and his team have driven numerous initiatives that combine modern technology with sustainable practices, ensuring that tourism growth benefits both the environment and the local community.
His strategic vision focuses on the lasting impact of the actions undertaken, promoting long-term benefits for the local population while preserving the region’s unique cultural heritage. His commitment to sustainable tourism and innovative promotion strategies has left a lasting legacy in Porto and Northern Portugal, making the region an unmissable destination for travelers from all over the world.
Manuel Castro Almeida President at Porto and North of Portugal Tourism Board Minister of Economy & of Territorial Cohesion
Was born on 28 October 1957. He holds a Law Degree from Coimbra University. He began his professional life at 16 years of age as assistant clerk at São João da Madeira Town Hall and took his Law Degree as a worker-student. In 1982 he became senior staff and later director of the Northern Regional Coordination and Development Commission. He was Vice-Chairman of the Porto Metropolitan Council and Chairman of the Associations of Terras de Santa Maria municipalities. He was Secretary of State for Education and Sport from 1993 to 1995. He was a member of Parliament for the Social Democrats (PSD) from 1995 to 2002. He was Mayor of São João da Madeira from 2001 to 2011. He was Secretary of State for Regional Development from 2011 to 2015. He was Deputy Secretary-General, Vice-President, and National Adviser for the PSD. He was Minister in the Cabinet of the Prime Minister and of Territorial Cohesion in the previous Government.
Manuel Castro Almeida
President at Porto and North of Portugal Tourism Board Minister of Economy & of Territorial Cohesion
Was born on 28 October 1957. He holds a Law Degree from Coimbra University. He began his professional life at 16 years of age as assistant clerk at São João da Madeira Town Hall and took his Law Degree as a worker-student. In 1982 he became senior staff and later director of the Northern Regional Coordination and Development Commission. He was Vice-Chairman of the Porto Metropolitan Council and Chairman of the Associations of Terras de Santa Maria municipalities. He was Secretary of State for Education and Sport from 1993 to 1995. He was a member of Parliament for the Social Democrats (PSD) from 1995 to 2002. He was Mayor of São João da Madeira from 2001 to 2011. He was Secretary of State for Regional Development from 2011 to 2015. He was Deputy Secretary-General, Vice-President, and National Adviser for the PSD. He was Minister in the Cabinet of the Prime Minister and of Territorial Cohesion in the previous Government.
Impact & Sustainability Track
Alana Bicknell Director of Sales and Planning, New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC)
With a passion for people, a strategic sales leader with over 17 years cross sector experience. I am driven to lead and inspire teams across all areas of sales, proven track record in hospitality, events and venue sales, operations, account management and project management.
Strengths include business events international and domestic insight, complex stakeholder relationship environments, business development, innovative thought leadership, good governance, and strong networks.
Alana Bicknell
Director of Sales and Planning, New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC)
With a passion for people, a strategic sales leader with over 17 years cross sector experience. I am driven to lead and inspire teams across all areas of sales, proven track record in hospitality, events and venue sales, operations, account management and project management.
Strengths include business events international and domestic insight, complex stakeholder relationship environments, business development, innovative thought leadership, good governance, and strong networks.
Adeline LaroqueFounder of Ennov-Solutions
Adeline Larroque is a sustainability consultant with over 20 years of international experience in the events and tourism industry. She specialises in sustainable event management, corporate responsibility, and stakeholder engagement, with deep expertise in frameworks such as ISO 20121, ISO 26000, and Bilan Carbone®.
Adeline has led major projects across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. She spent three years at the Qatar Tourism Authority, where she was responsible for developing the national MICE strategy, and worked in China with Reed Exhibitions, managing large-scale international events. She is also a certified ICA auditor for social responsibility and has conducted numerous audits, evaluations, and training sessions to support organisations in implementing responsible practices.
As the founder of Ennov-Solutions (sustainability consulting), Adeline brings both strategic vision and operational insight to sustainable transformation in the event industry.
Adeline Laroque
Founder of Ennov-Solutions
Adeline Larroque is a sustainability consultant with over 20 years of international experience in the events and tourism industry. She specialises in sustainable event management, corporate responsibility, and stakeholder engagement, with deep expertise in frameworks such as ISO 20121, ISO 26000, and Bilan Carbone®.
Adeline has led major projects across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. She spent three years at the Qatar Tourism Authority, where she was responsible for developing the national MICE strategy, and worked in China with Reed Exhibitions, managing large-scale international events. She is also a certified ICA auditor for social responsibility and has conducted numerous audits, evaluations, and training sessions to support organisations in implementing responsible practices.
As the founder of Ennov-Solutions (sustainability consulting), Adeline brings both strategic vision and operational insight to sustainable transformation in the event industry.
Miranda JiExecutive VP of Sales, Destination Greater Victoria
Experienced Vice President of Sales with a demonstrated history of working in the leisure, travel & tourism industry. Skilled in Negotiation, Business Planning, Sales, Management, and Human Resources. Experience serving on various Boards and completing training courses from the Institute of Corporate Directors. Particularly interested in driving initiatives to promote Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the communities and organizations she serves in.
Miranda Ji
Executive VP of Sales, Destination Greater Victoria
Experienced Vice President of Sales with a demonstrated history of working in the leisure, travel & tourism industry. Skilled in Negotiation, Business Planning, Sales, Management, and Human Resources. Experience serving on various Boards and completing training courses from the Institute of Corporate Directors. Particularly interested in driving initiatives to promote Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the communities and organizations she serves in.
Caroline CardonaConvenings Manager at IUCN
Caroline is an event professional with over 15 years of experience, specialising in large-scale global events. As Convenings Manager at IUCN, she oversees the operational coordination of international events with a focus on sustainability and high standards. Caroline's previous roles with the International AIDS Society and other medical associations have strengthened her ability to deliver seamless onsite and virtual events, particularly in the non-profit and conservation sectors.
Caroline Cardona
Convenings Manager at IUCN
Caroline is an event professional with over 15 years of experience, specialising in large-scale global events. As Convenings Manager at IUCN, she oversees the operational coordination of international events with a focus on sustainability and high standards. Caroline's previous roles with the International AIDS Society and other medical associations have strengthened her ability to deliver seamless onsite and virtual events, particularly in the non-profit and conservation sectors.
Loren ChristieManaging Director of the BestCities Global Alliance
Loren Christie brings more than 25 years of experience in Tourism & Hospitality to his role as Managing Director of the BestCities Global Alliance. In this role, he works with 13 premier destinations and their community of clients and partners as they collectively work to ensure that business events are a force for positive impact. Previously, he held various leadership positions with Starwood Hotels & Resorts during his 17 year career with them including Director of Sales for International Congress, Business Transient and Leisure Sales at the Toronto Metro Market. From 2017 to 2020, he moved to Destination Toronto, the Destination Management Organization for Canada's largest city, where he led the International Congress and Canadian sales teams.
For the last five years he has been running his own consulting and project management company working with a number of clients including IAPCO - as faculty, #Meet4IMpact and the Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS) teaching parts of their masterclass on Legacy and Impact, and for Canada's 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce as their Director of Business Development and Strategy. He recently wrapped up two years as the Vice-Chair of the Global Business Travel Association's Meetings & Events Committee for Canada. He also sat on the inaugural Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee for the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario. Currently he sits on the Technical Advisory Committee for the GDS, Destinations International's Social Inclusion Committee and is the Vice-Chair of the Board for Ontario's Regional Tourism Organization 9.
Loren Christie
Managing Director of the BestCities Global Alliance
Loren Christie brings more than 25 years of experience in Tourism & Hospitality to his role as Managing Director of the BestCities Global Alliance. In this role, he works with 13 premier destinations and their community of clients and partners as they collectively work to ensure that business events are a force for positive impact. Previously, he held various leadership positions with Starwood Hotels & Resorts during his 17 year career with them including Director of Sales for International Congress, Business Transient and Leisure Sales at the Toronto Metro Market. From 2017 to 2020, he moved to Destination Toronto, the Destination Management Organization for Canada's largest city, where he led the International Congress and Canadian sales teams.
For the last five years he has been running his own consulting and project management company working with a number of clients including IAPCO - as faculty, #Meet4IMpact and the Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS) teaching parts of their masterclass on Legacy and Impact, and for Canada's 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce as their Director of Business Development and Strategy. He recently wrapped up two years as the Vice-Chair of the Global Business Travel Association's Meetings & Events Committee for Canada. He also sat on the inaugural Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee for the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario. Currently he sits on the Technical Advisory Committee for the GDS, Destinations International's Social Inclusion Committee and is the Vice-Chair of the Board for Ontario's Regional Tourism Organization 9.
Nigel Brown
Director of Marketing & Partnerships for BestCities Global Alliance
Nigel began his career 20+ years ago at the head office of the International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA) in Amsterdam, where he spent seven years as part of the events team. In this role, he helped deliver conferences across every continent, building strong project management expertise and pioneering the use of new technologies at ICCA events. After ICCA, Nigel was Project Manager with Singex Exhibition Ventures, the organising arm of Singapore EXPO, where he managed both trade and consumer shows as well as international conferences. This breadth of experience has given him valuable insights into the needs of both clients and suppliers within the meetings industry.
Today, Nigel serves as Director of Marketing & Partnerships for BestCities Global Alliance, a network of 13 leading convention destinations worldwide. In this role, he drives strategic partnerships, brand positioning, and global marketing initiatives, while championing programmes such as the Incredible Impacts Programme that showcase the positive legacies of international association events.
Nigel holds a bachelor’s degree in Hotel Administration and European Hospitality Management from Hotelschool The Hague, along with a culinary diploma from the Amsterdam College of Hotel and Gastronomy and is a Certified International Convention Specialist (CICS) from ICCA.
Nigel Brown
Director of Marketing & Partnerships for BestCities Global Alliance
Nigel began his career 20+ years ago at the head office of the International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA) in Amsterdam, where he spent seven years as part of the events team. In this role, he helped deliver conferences across every continent, building strong project management expertise and pioneering the use of new technologies at ICCA events. After ICCA, Nigel was Project Manager with Singex Exhibition Ventures, the organising arm of Singapore EXPO, where he managed both trade and consumer shows as well as international conferences. This breadth of experience has given him valuable insights into the needs of both clients and suppliers within the meetings industry.
Today, Nigel serves as Director of Marketing & Partnerships for BestCities Global Alliance, a network of 13 leading convention destinations worldwide. In this role, he drives strategic partnerships, brand positioning, and global marketing initiatives, while championing programmes such as the Incredible Impacts Programme that showcase the positive legacies of international association events.
Nigel holds a bachelor’s degree in Hotel Administration and European Hospitality Management from Hotelschool The Hague, along with a culinary diploma from the Amsterdam College of Hotel and Gastronomy and is a Certified International Convention Specialist (CICS) from ICCA.
Danielle Shanahan
Chief Executive at Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne
Dr. Danielle Shanahan is an internationally recognized leader in nature conservation and research, having pioneered new discoveries on the connection between human wellbeing and nature. Danielle is Chief Executive at Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne. Under her guidance Zealandia has become a leader in regenerative tourism, making Wellington, New Zealand, the place to visit to learn how we can collectively create a better future. Danielle will draw on insights from her as a wide and varied background in conservation practice and research in New Zealand and internationally, having worked on challenges including human-elephant conflicts in Myanmar, expanding the national park estate in Australia, to understanding how bird song affects people’s physical, mental and social wellbeing.
Danielle Shanahan
Chief Executive at Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne
Dr. Danielle Shanahan is an internationally recognized leader in nature conservation and research, having pioneered new discoveries on the connection between human wellbeing and nature. Danielle is Chief Executive at Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne. Under her guidance Zealandia has become a leader in regenerative tourism, making Wellington, New Zealand, the place to visit to learn how we can collectively create a better future. Danielle will draw on insights from her as a wide and varied background in conservation practice and research in New Zealand and internationally, having worked on challenges including human-elephant conflicts in Myanmar, expanding the national park estate in Australia, to understanding how bird song affects people’s physical, mental and social wellbeing.
Alexis KerelukTourism Strategist
As an innovative sustainable destination strategist, Alexis oversees tourism research, destination sales, sustainable development and special projects within ConnectSeven. She is a leader, speaker and innovator within regenerative tourism including community development and environmental sustainability. She works with various regenerative framework’s including ConnectSeven's Event Benefits Framework and Economic and Socio-Cultural Impact Model, Global Destination Sustainability Movement’s Destination Sustainability Index and #Meet4Impact's Legacy Framework. Alexis excels at managing complex tourism projects and implementing new and unique regenerative tourism initiatives.
Alexis has worked with global destinations to develop and promote their destination including Destination Canada, Destinations International, Atlantic Canada Tourism Partnership, Visit Copenhagen, Visit Monaco, Helsinki Tourism, Destination DC, Tourism Sun Peaks, Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development & Tourism, Travel Alberta, Explore Edmonton, and many more.
Prior to starting ConnectSeven, Alexis was the Manager of Tourism Development for Intervistas Consulting and previous to that was the top Sales Manager for MCI Group Canada. She has managed monumental programs including DestinationNEXT's Best Practices and the Atlantic Canada Travel Trade Readiness Toolkit. Alexis is an advisor with MeetingsMeanBusiness, and is also a founding member of the BC Meetings & Events Industry Working Group developed to help the industry recover from COVID-19.
Alexis Kereluk
Tourism Strategist
As an innovative sustainable destination strategist, Alexis oversees tourism research, destination sales, sustainable development and special projects within ConnectSeven. She is a leader, speaker and innovator within regenerative tourism including community development and environmental sustainability. She works with various regenerative framework’s including ConnectSeven's Event Benefits Framework and Economic and Socio-Cultural Impact Model, Global Destination Sustainability Movement’s Destination Sustainability Index and #Meet4Impact's Legacy Framework. Alexis excels at managing complex tourism projects and implementing new and unique regenerative tourism initiatives.
Alexis has worked with global destinations to develop and promote their destination including Destination Canada, Destinations International, Atlantic Canada Tourism Partnership, Visit Copenhagen, Visit Monaco, Helsinki Tourism, Destination DC, Tourism Sun Peaks, Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development & Tourism, Travel Alberta, Explore Edmonton, and many more.
Prior to starting ConnectSeven, Alexis was the Manager of Tourism Development for Intervistas Consulting and previous to that was the top Sales Manager for MCI Group Canada. She has managed monumental programs including DestinationNEXT's Best Practices and the Atlantic Canada Travel Trade Readiness Toolkit. Alexis is an advisor with MeetingsMeanBusiness, and is also a founding member of the BC Meetings & Events Industry Working Group developed to help the industry recover from COVID-19.
Arrut NavarajManaging Director, Suan Sampran | President, Thailand Organic Consumers Association (TOCA)
Mr. Arrut Navaraj is a leading advocate for sustainable agriculture and organic tourism in Thailand. As Managing Director of Suan Sampran, a 50-acre eco-cultural destination in Nakhon Pathom, he has transformed his family’s business into a national model for sustainable hospitality, blending organic farming with cultural tourism.
With a background in chemical engineering from Imperial College London and a strong foundation in finance, Arrut introduced the Sampran Model, a collaborative network of nearly 200 organic farmers. This model promotes economic sustainability and uses blockchain technology to ensure supply chain transparency and traceability.
Arrut also pioneered the Farm to Function initiative in partnership with the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), linking organic farmers directly with convention centers. This program has enabled the sale of over 300 tonnes of organic rice annually, proving the commercial viability of sustainable gastronomy in the MICE industry.
As President and founder of TOCA (Thailand Organic Consumers Association), Arrut connects farmers with tourism operators and consumers. Under his leadership, TOCA has launched a blockchain-powered platform and continues to develop tools like carbon footprint tracking to promote transparency in organic tourism.
His innovations also extend to waste management; his introduction of the Shoo Shoke machine turns food waste into fertilizer, supporting a closed-loop system in hospitality operations.
Arrut’s philosophy is that people should have personal farmers—just as they have trainers or doctors—fostering deeper relationships between consumers and food sources. His work has redefined sustainable practices as not just ethical, but strategic business choices that enhance resilience, profitability, and guest satisfaction.
Through visionary leadership, Arrut Navaraj is reshaping Thailand’s agricultural and tourism landscapes into more connected, sustainable, and future-ready industries.
Arrut Navaraj
Managing Director, Suan Sampran | President, Thailand Organic Consumers Association (TOCA)
Mr. Arrut Navaraj is a leading advocate for sustainable agriculture and organic tourism in Thailand. As Managing Director of Suan Sampran, a 50-acre eco-cultural destination in Nakhon Pathom, he has transformed his family’s business into a national model for sustainable hospitality, blending organic farming with cultural tourism.
With a background in chemical engineering from Imperial College London and a strong foundation in finance, Arrut introduced the Sampran Model, a collaborative network of nearly 200 organic farmers. This model promotes economic sustainability and uses blockchain technology to ensure supply chain transparency and traceability.
Arrut also pioneered the Farm to Function initiative in partnership with the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), linking organic farmers directly with convention centers. This program has enabled the sale of over 300 tonnes of organic rice annually, proving the commercial viability of sustainable gastronomy in the MICE industry.
As President and founder of TOCA (Thailand Organic Consumers Association), Arrut connects farmers with tourism operators and consumers. Under his leadership, TOCA has launched a blockchain-powered platform and continues to develop tools like carbon footprint tracking to promote transparency in organic tourism.
His innovations also extend to waste management; his introduction of the Shoo Shoke machine turns food waste into fertilizer, supporting a closed-loop system in hospitality operations.
Arrut’s philosophy is that people should have personal farmers—just as they have trainers or doctors—fostering deeper relationships between consumers and food sources. His work has redefined sustainable practices as not just ethical, but strategic business choices that enhance resilience, profitability, and guest satisfaction.
Through visionary leadership, Arrut Navaraj is reshaping Thailand’s agricultural and tourism landscapes into more connected, sustainable, and future-ready industries.
Natalie O'Brien
Chief Executive, Victorian Convention and Event Trust
Natalie is a dynamic leader with over 30 years’ experience driving change and growth in the organisations that she has led. Natalie has comprehensive experience in planning and implementing strategy, demonstrated high level negotiation and engagement skills across private and public sector together with exemplary communication skills that has secured many successful partnerships.
Natalie is a popular leader taking pride in developing high performing teams to engage in the corporate vision and deliver strong results. She mentors many young people to achieve their full potential. She is a current Board Director of Melbourne Convention & Marketing Bureau and William Angliss TAFE College. Natalie has held Non Executive Director roles on Parks Victoria, People & Parks Foundation and the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation.
Natalie is the former CEO of Food + Wine Victoria who produces Australia’s internationally acclaimed Melbourne Food & Wine Festival shining a light on Australian chefs, winemakers and producers positioning Melbourne globally. From 2019 to 2021 Natalie lead the visitor economy through post COVID recovery as CEO of Ballarat Regional Tourism and in 2022 took on the CEO role of Wine Victoria representing the Victorian Wine Sector domestically and in global trade markets.
Natalie O'Brien
Chief Executive, Victorian Convention and Event Trust
Natalie is a dynamic leader with over 30 years’ experience driving change and growth in the organisations that she has led. Natalie has comprehensive experience in planning and implementing strategy, demonstrated high level negotiation and engagement skills across private and public sector together with exemplary communication skills that has secured many successful partnerships.
Natalie is a popular leader taking pride in developing high performing teams to engage in the corporate vision and deliver strong results. She mentors many young people to achieve their full potential. She is a current Board Director of Melbourne Convention & Marketing Bureau and William Angliss TAFE College. Natalie has held Non Executive Director roles on Parks Victoria, People & Parks Foundation and the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation.
Natalie is the former CEO of Food + Wine Victoria who produces Australia’s internationally acclaimed Melbourne Food & Wine Festival shining a light on Australian chefs, winemakers and producers positioning Melbourne globally. From 2019 to 2021 Natalie lead the visitor economy through post COVID recovery as CEO of Ballarat Regional Tourism and in 2022 took on the CEO role of Wine Victoria representing the Victorian Wine Sector domestically and in global trade markets.
Marloes van de Berg
Chief People & Sustainability Officer
Chief People & Sustainability Officer at Royal Jaarbeurs, has played a pivotal role in driving our sustainability efforts. Under her leadership, Jaarbeurs was awarded the UFI Sustainable Development Award in 2022 for our innovative approach to reducing carbon emissions in hospitality activities and food waste. In 2024, Jaarbeurs was named a finalist for the same award, with the VSK trade show as a prime example of sustainability integration into business proposals. Marloes’ ambition is to make Jaarbeurs the most sustainable event and congress organizer in Europe, and her vision goes beyond climate action.
She is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment and has led several projects that integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles into our sustainability strategy. Equal pay, gender equality, accessibility and Jaarbeurs' social responsibility are also key focuses of hers.
With over 15 years of experience in the events industry, Marloes previously served as the commercial director at Jaarbeurs, where she was responsible for the brand portfolio. She is also a member of the board of directors at Royal Jaarbeurs and the president of the Business Peloton Utrecht, which is responsible for attracting major international cycling events such as the Giro, Tour de France, and La Vuelta to Utrecht. Her leadership continues to inspire sustainable and inclusive practices within the events industry.
Marloes van de Berg
Chief People & Sustainability Officer
Chief People & Sustainability Officer at Royal Jaarbeurs, has played a pivotal role in driving our sustainability efforts. Under her leadership, Jaarbeurs was awarded the UFI Sustainable Development Award in 2022 for our innovative approach to reducing carbon emissions in hospitality activities and food waste. In 2024, Jaarbeurs was named a finalist for the same award, with the VSK trade show as a prime example of sustainability integration into business proposals. Marloes’ ambition is to make Jaarbeurs the most sustainable event and congress organizer in Europe, and her vision goes beyond climate action.
She is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment and has led several projects that integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles into our sustainability strategy. Equal pay, gender equality, accessibility and Jaarbeurs' social responsibility are also key focuses of hers.
With over 15 years of experience in the events industry, Marloes previously served as the commercial director at Jaarbeurs, where she was responsible for the brand portfolio. She is also a member of the board of directors at Royal Jaarbeurs and the president of the Business Peloton Utrecht, which is responsible for attracting major international cycling events such as the Giro, Tour de France, and La Vuelta to Utrecht. Her leadership continues to inspire sustainable and inclusive practices within the events industry.
Jeremy SampsonCEO, The Travel Foundation
Jeremy Sampson is a globally recognized leader in sustainable tourism and CEO of The Travel Foundation, where he works with businesses, destinations, and key global entities to drive systemic change. He co-authored the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, chaired the Future of Tourism Coalition, and is known for sharing insights that inspire industry stakeholders and move ideas forward. Jeremy is a sought-after keynote speaker, having delivered provocative yet practical talks at high-profile events such as ITB Berlin, the Scottish Tourism Alliance’s Signature Conference, and COP29.
Jeremy Sampson
CEO, The Travel Foundation
Jeremy Sampson is a globally recognized leader in sustainable tourism and CEO of The Travel Foundation, where he works with businesses, destinations, and key global entities to drive systemic change. He co-authored the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, chaired the Future of Tourism Coalition, and is known for sharing insights that inspire industry stakeholders and move ideas forward. Jeremy is a sought-after keynote speaker, having delivered provocative yet practical talks at high-profile events such as ITB Berlin, the Scottish Tourism Alliance’s Signature Conference, and COP29.
Jelena MilovicDirector, Accounts & Sustainability
Jelena Milovic has over 15 years of experience in the international events industry, with a focus on financial management and legacy projects involving multiple stakeholders. She is an expert in partnership building and client services, excelling at cultivating lasting relationships. Jelena’s multilingual and intercultural skills enhance her ability to foster strong cooperation among clients, partners, and vendors. Jelena has successfully led strategic initiatives for global associations, managed multi-million-euro budgets, and implemented sustainable event practices in line with ISO 20121:2024 certification.
Jelena Milovic
Director, Accounts & Sustainability
Jelena Milovic has over 15 years of experience in the international events industry, with a focus on financial management and legacy projects involving multiple stakeholders. She is an expert in partnership building and client services, excelling at cultivating lasting relationships. Jelena’s multilingual and intercultural skills enhance her ability to foster strong cooperation among clients, partners, and vendors. Jelena has successfully led strategic initiatives for global associations, managed multi-million-euro budgets, and implemented sustainable event practices in line with ISO 20121:2024 certification.
Hugo LopesHead of Development and Sustainability at APDL
Hugo Lopes is currently the Head of Development and Sustainability at APDL; He is also a member of the Portuguese Delegation of PIANC Non-executive member of the board of ICS – institute for the Sustainable Construction at FEUP Member of the north Region board delegation of APRH. Teaches in the master of Geotechnical and Geo-Environmental Engineering at ISEP. He has an MBA – Master of Business Administration by the Porto Business School.
-Graduated in IMD on his Short course on Digital Discovery Expedition Program
- Civil Engineer by Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP), with a PhD Civil Engineering; also a MsC Environmental Engineering
Hugo Lopes
Head of Development and Sustainability at APDL
Hugo Lopes is currently the Head of Development and Sustainability at APDL; He is also a member of the Portuguese Delegation of PIANC Non-executive member of the board of ICS – institute for the Sustainable Construction at FEUP Member of the north Region board delegation of APRH. Teaches in the master of Geotechnical and Geo-Environmental Engineering at ISEP. He has an MBA – Master of Business Administration by the Porto Business School.
-Graduated in IMD on his Short course on Digital Discovery Expedition Program
- Civil Engineer by Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP), with a PhD Civil Engineering; also a MsC Environmental Engineering
Peter SavoffGeneral Manager, Darwin Convention Centre
Ia m a leader of people and processes with an emphasis on profitable returns, customer service and sustainable organisational growth. These career skills have been developed in International Hotels, Professional Services and Venue Management Industries.
I am a dynamic and results-driven manager who sets high standards of performance and communicates these openly.
My leadership demonstrates a proven ability to develop and maintain strong business relationships, backed by an Award winning track record that has been won by formulating marketing strategies that maximise outcomes for all key stakeholders. I also have extensive experience in managing multi-site operations.
Peter Savoff
General Manager, Darwin Convention Centre
Ia m a leader of people and processes with an emphasis on profitable returns, customer service and sustainable organisational growth. These career skills have been developed in International Hotels, Professional Services and Venue Management Industries.
I am a dynamic and results-driven manager who sets high standards of performance and communicates these openly.
My leadership demonstrates a proven ability to develop and maintain strong business relationships, backed by an Award winning track record that has been won by formulating marketing strategies that maximise outcomes for all key stakeholders. I also have extensive experience in managing multi-site operations.
Rashmi ShettyFounder Director of The Third Eye
Rashmi Shetty is the Founder Director of The Third Eye, a dynamic leadership presence coach, speaker, facilitator, visiting faculty to colleges in India and an awardwinning broadcaster. With a Master's in Public Administration and a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credential from the International Coaching Federation (ICF), Rashmi brings over two decades of cross-sectoral experience in coaching, communication, and leadership development.Currently serving as the Chairperson of the Global Board of the ICF Foundation, Rashmi has coached senior leaders and CXOs across India, the UK, UAE, Germany, USA, Canada, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
Her unique framework called VOICE is centred around Vocal Presence. It empowers individuals to tap into their authentic self-expression and communication power.Her signature women's coaching program VANI (Virtual Articulation Narrating Instrument) is designed to help women discover and amplify the #voiceinme – a transformative journey into inner leadership and vocal confidence.A certified DISC Assessor and trained in EFT, NLP, TA101, and the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, Rashmi integrates behavioral science and ancient wisdom into her leadership and coaching sessions.Her award-winning podcast, "U n' I with Rashmi Shetty," features inspiring personal journeys and was recognized by Anchor in the Top 5 podcasts in India (Anchor Spotlight, January 2023).
She is also a National and International Award recipient for scripting and narrating radio documentaries, and was honored by the Women Economic Forum as an Iconic Woman Making a Better World for All
Rashmi Shetty
Founder Director of The Third Eye
Rashmi Shetty is the Founder Director of The Third Eye, a dynamic leadership presence coach, speaker, facilitator, visiting faculty to colleges in India and an awardwinning broadcaster. With a Master's in Public Administration and a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credential from the International Coaching Federation (ICF), Rashmi brings over two decades of cross-sectoral experience in coaching, communication, and leadership development.Currently serving as the Chairperson of the Global Board of the ICF Foundation, Rashmi has coached senior leaders and CXOs across India, the UK, UAE, Germany, USA, Canada, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
Her unique framework called VOICE is centred around Vocal Presence. It empowers individuals to tap into their authentic self-expression and communication power.Her signature women's coaching program VANI (Virtual Articulation Narrating Instrument) is designed to help women discover and amplify the #voiceinme – a transformative journey into inner leadership and vocal confidence.A certified DISC Assessor and trained in EFT, NLP, TA101, and the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, Rashmi integrates behavioral science and ancient wisdom into her leadership and coaching sessions.Her award-winning podcast, "U n' I with Rashmi Shetty," features inspiring personal journeys and was recognized by Anchor in the Top 5 podcasts in India (Anchor Spotlight, January 2023).
She is also a National and International Award recipient for scripting and narrating radio documentaries, and was honored by the Women Economic Forum as an Iconic Woman Making a Better World for All
Zenab Mohamed
Senior Executive Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi
Zenab is a Marketing Research and Business Development professional with over 15 years of experience. She works at the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau, part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, where she contributes to the growth of the Emirate as a destination for international events.
Zenab Mohamed
Senior Executive Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi
Zenab is a Marketing Research and Business Development professional with over 15 years of experience. She works at the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau, part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, where she contributes to the growth of the Emirate as a destination for international events.
Ludivine Simon
Head of Division-Marketing, Communications & Engagement
Ludivine Simon brings over 15 years of experience in scientific congress management. She notably served as Project Director for the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2022 in Paris, successfully overseeing one of Europe’s largest space congresses with more than 10,000 participants. Ludivine also heads the marketing communications and engagement team, ensuring cohesive messaging and strong stakeholder involvement. Her leadership ensured seamless event delivery, exceptional content, and a strong sustainability focus.
Ludivine Simon
Head of Division-Marketing, Communications & Engagement
Ludivine Simon brings over 15 years of experience in scientific congress management. She notably served as Project Director for the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2022 in Paris, successfully overseeing one of Europe’s largest space congresses with more than 10,000 participants. Ludivine also heads the marketing communications and engagement team, ensuring cohesive messaging and strong stakeholder involvement. Her leadership ensured seamless event delivery, exceptional content, and a strong sustainability focus.
Eng. Said Salim Al ShanfariChief Executive Officer, Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre
Eng. Said Al Shanfari is the Chief Executive Officer of the Oman Convention and Exhibition, the Sultanate premier events venue. An expert in the business event industry, Al Shanfari also represents the wider region as Chairman of the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) for the Middle East and Africa chapter. This regional perspective along with his achievements at the OCEC led him to be recognised by Forbes Middle East as one of the Top 100 Travel and Tourism Leaders in 2024.
With over ten years in senior management roles, Al Shanfari started his career in the telecommunication sector, managing large marketing projects for Omantel and Oreedoo. In 2017, Al Shanfari completed Oman’s National CEO Programme which prepared Oman’s brightest talent to compete in the global marketplace with an aim to build the next generation of Omani leaders. A leading voice in Oman, Al Shanfari is continuously featured in Oman’s Top 100 Most Influential CEOs and was awarded OER’s Innovative CEO of the year award in 2023.
Al Shanfari holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Hull and a double Bachelor’s from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, in Computer Management and Information Systems, as well as Business Administration and International Business. He has completed additional leadership and management courses from the London Business School and the IMD Business School and is a qualified Associate Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation.
Eng. Said Salim Al Shanfari
Chief Executive Officer, Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre
Eng. Said Al Shanfari is the Chief Executive Officer of the Oman Convention and Exhibition, the Sultanate premier events venue. An expert in the business event industry, Al Shanfari also represents the wider region as Chairman of the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) for the Middle East and Africa chapter. This regional perspective along with his achievements at the OCEC led him to be recognised by Forbes Middle East as one of the Top 100 Travel and Tourism Leaders in 2024.
With over ten years in senior management roles, Al Shanfari started his career in the telecommunication sector, managing large marketing projects for Omantel and Oreedoo. In 2017, Al Shanfari completed Oman’s National CEO Programme which prepared Oman’s brightest talent to compete in the global marketplace with an aim to build the next generation of Omani leaders. A leading voice in Oman, Al Shanfari is continuously featured in Oman’s Top 100 Most Influential CEOs and was awarded OER’s Innovative CEO of the year award in 2023.
Al Shanfari holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Hull and a double Bachelor’s from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, in Computer Management and Information Systems, as well as Business Administration and International Business. He has completed additional leadership and management courses from the London Business School and the IMD Business School and is a qualified Associate Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation.
Tuya BeyersInternational Impact & Sustainability Expert at Flanders Convention Bureau
With over 20 years of experience in the global business events industry. She firmly believes that conferences are powerful catalysts for positive societal change — and she helps associations harness that potential through strategic, impact-driven congress design. Tuya advises international associations on how to generate this lasting, meaningful impact by hosting their congresses in Flanders. She leads the development and implementation of a unique methodology that engages national and international stakeholders throughout the process, ensuring a tailored and results-oriented approach. Flanders Convention Bureau is a founding member of the International Alliance for Impact, a growing initiative that unites destinations and associations to co-create long-term impact strategies.
Tuya is equally committed to minimizing the negative footprint of the business events industry and has developed a sustainability roadmap with clear sustainability targets and concrete actions towards 2030 by and for the business events sector. As a speaker, Tuya brings strategic insights, practical tools, and an inspiring vision for how the global events sector can become a force for sustainable transformation.
Tuya Beyers
With over 20 years of experience in the global business events industry. She firmly believes that conferences are powerful catalysts for positive societal change — and she helps associations harness that potential through strategic, impact-driven congress design. Tuya advises international associations on how to generate this lasting, meaningful impact by hosting their congresses in Flanders. She leads the development and implementation of a unique methodology that engages national and international stakeholders throughout the process, ensuring a tailored and results-oriented approach. Flanders Convention Bureau is a founding member of the International Alliance for Impact, a growing initiative that unites destinations and associations to co-create long-term impact strategies.
Tuya is equally committed to minimizing the negative footprint of the business events industry and has developed a sustainability roadmap with clear sustainability targets and concrete actions towards 2030 by and for the business events sector. As a speaker, Tuya brings strategic insights, practical tools, and an inspiring vision for how the global events sector can become a force for sustainable transformation.
Melissa HamiltonPrincipal Consultant – Sustainable Meetings & Events, EarthCheck
Melissa brings over a decade of global experience in events and stakeholder engagement, with a strong focus on operational performance and sustainability. At EarthCheck, she supports clients in embedding sustainable practices into event planning and delivery. Her background spans roles in Washington, D.C., including the Council on Foreign Relations and the U.S. Senate, as well as work in Australia at SkyPoint and Dreamworld.
Melissa Hamilton
Melissa brings over a decade of global experience in events and stakeholder engagement, with a strong focus on operational performance and sustainability. At EarthCheck, she supports clients in embedding sustainable practices into event planning and delivery. Her background spans roles in Washington, D.C., including the Council on Foreign Relations and the U.S. Senate, as well as work in Australia at SkyPoint and Dreamworld.
Kathleen Lihanda, MBADirector of Social Impact at the International Coaching Federation Foundation
Has 15 years of experience in association management. She leads global initiatives like the Ignite Program, offering pro bono coaching aligned with the UN Global Goals. Kathleen has supported chapter development in underrepresented African regions and holds an MBA in global sustainability. She is a certified coach from CDI Africa and a student excellence awardee from DePaul University.
Kathleen Lihanda, MBA
Has 15 years of experience in association management. She leads global initiatives like the Ignite Program, offering pro bono coaching aligned with the UN Global Goals. Kathleen has supported chapter development in underrepresented African regions and holds an MBA in global sustainability. She is a certified coach from CDI Africa and a student excellence awardee from DePaul University.
Future Leadership & Resilience
Anna CaseExecutive Manager Sales, Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre
With over 25 years of global senior leadership and management experience, Anna is a trusted advisor with a practical approach to strategic growth. Her track record has delivered sustainable strategies that enhance competitive company positioning. With highly tuned commercial, sales and marketing instincts, she thrives on bringing transformation to organisations by taking advantage of new opportunities. Having acquired international experience in both government and private sectors, specialising in stakeholder engagement and business development, she brings global context and local best practice to her work. A well-regarded business leader, a clear thinker with an ambitious spirit, she makes an impact by bringing insight and inspiration to maximise results.
Anna Case
Executive Manager Sales, Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre
With over 25 years of global senior leadership and management experience, Anna is a trusted advisor with a practical approach to strategic growth. Her track record has delivered sustainable strategies that enhance competitive company positioning. With highly tuned commercial, sales and marketing instincts, she thrives on bringing transformation to organisations by taking advantage of new opportunities. Having acquired international experience in both government and private sectors, specialising in stakeholder engagement and business development, she brings global context and local best practice to her work. A well-regarded business leader, a clear thinker with an ambitious spirit, she makes an impact by bringing insight and inspiration to maximise results.
Matthias SchultzeManaging Director, GCB German Convention Bureau
Matthias is passionate about driving change and innovation, focusing on future proofing meetings and events as vital platforms for knowledge exchange. With a degree in business administration, he started out in hotel and congress management at Hilton International in Germany and has now almost 20 years of management experience, including as CEO of the World Conference Center in Bonn, which is part of the United Nations Campus. In 2010, he took up his current role as managing director of the GCB German Convention Bureau that represents and markets the German meetings and conference sector on a na-tional and international level, with offices in Frankfurt, New York and Beijing. Together with industry partners, Matthias has initiated various projects, such as the “Future Meetings Space” innovation alli-ance, that focus on the opportunities and challenges brought about by the digital transformation and sustainability. Matthias Schultze is also spokesperson and co-chair of the "Strategic Alliance of the Na-tional Convention Bureaux of Europe", an association of 29 national European convention bureaux.
Matthias Schultze
Managing Director, GCB German Convention Bureau
Matthias is passionate about driving change and innovation, focusing on future proofing meetings and events as vital platforms for knowledge exchange. With a degree in business administration, he started out in hotel and congress management at Hilton International in Germany and has now almost 20 years of management experience, including as CEO of the World Conference Center in Bonn, which is part of the United Nations Campus. In 2010, he took up his current role as managing director of the GCB German Convention Bureau that represents and markets the German meetings and conference sector on a na-tional and international level, with offices in Frankfurt, New York and Beijing. Together with industry partners, Matthias has initiated various projects, such as the “Future Meetings Space” innovation alli-ance, that focus on the opportunities and challenges brought about by the digital transformation and sustainability. Matthias Schultze is also spokesperson and co-chair of the "Strategic Alliance of the Na-tional Convention Bureaux of Europe", an association of 29 national European convention bureaux.
Kurby CourtPresident & CEO, Calgary TELUS Convention Centre
A community minded corporate leader with an intuitive standard of excellence. Top level executive with experience in supporting his organization with a full range of operational functions including Human Resources, Finance, Customer Service, Administration and Risk Management. Areas of Excellence Include:
- Spearheading Change and Redesigning Business Practices
- Growing Revenue and Fiscal Responsibility
- Community and Stakeholder Relations
- Forming Strategic Alliances
- Leading and Developing Teams
- Risk Assessment and Mitigation
Kurby Court
President & CEO, Calgary TELUS Convention Centre
A community minded corporate leader with an intuitive standard of excellence. Top level executive with experience in supporting his organization with a full range of operational functions including Human Resources, Finance, Customer Service, Administration and Risk Management. Areas of Excellence Include:
- Spearheading Change and Redesigning Business Practices
- Growing Revenue and Fiscal Responsibility
- Community and Stakeholder Relations
- Forming Strategic Alliances
- Leading and Developing Teams
- Risk Assessment and Mitigation
Tommy GoodwinExecutive Vice President for the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA)
Tommy Goodwin is Executive Vice President for the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA), the advocacy association for the business events industry. In this role, he leads ECA’s work on behalf of the interconnected ecosystem of exhibitors, event and meeting organizers, suppliers, venues, and destinations that comprise the global business events landscape.
Prior to joining ECA, Tommy spent more than 20 years working for several globally recognized associations and corporations, including Oracle, AARP, and the Project Management Institute.
Recognized by The Hill in its list of association "Top Lobbyists" every year since 2020, Tommy has also received several industry awards including:
- CEO Update/Association Trends: Leading Association Lobbyist (2023)
- American Society of Association Executives (ASAE): ASAE Fellow (2022)
- DCA Live: Association Innovation Leader (2022)
- Trade Show news Network: Industry Support Award (2022)
- MeetingsNet: Changemaker (2022)
Tommy Goodwin
Executive Vice President for the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA)
Tommy Goodwin is Executive Vice President for the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA), the advocacy association for the business events industry. In this role, he leads ECA’s work on behalf of the interconnected ecosystem of exhibitors, event and meeting organizers, suppliers, venues, and destinations that comprise the global business events landscape.
Prior to joining ECA, Tommy spent more than 20 years working for several globally recognized associations and corporations, including Oracle, AARP, and the Project Management Institute.
Recognized by The Hill in its list of association "Top Lobbyists" every year since 2020, Tommy has also received several industry awards including:
- CEO Update/Association Trends: Leading Association Lobbyist (2023)
- American Society of Association Executives (ASAE): ASAE Fellow (2022)
- DCA Live: Association Innovation Leader (2022)
- Trade Show news Network: Industry Support Award (2022)
- MeetingsNet: Changemaker (2022)
Yoyo NgManager Event Services & Operations, Macau Expo Group Limited
ICCA Future Leaders Council 2025-2027 | CICS | IAEE CIEP | Runner-up of ICCA Asia-Pacific Business Events Youth Challenge 2025
PCO team of International Joint Conference on Artificial Intelligence, IEEE International Conference on Data Engineering, International Conference on Very Large Data Bases, International Conference on Knowledge Science, Engineering and Management, International Conference on Algorithms and Architectures for Parallel Processing, etc.
BD team of AdAsia, Macau International Tourism (Industry) Expo, Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum & Exhibition, etc.
Valedictorian graduate from Macau University of Science and Technology as top 1 in MICE specialization
Yoyo Ng
Manager Event Services & Operations, Macau Expo Group Limited
ICCA Future Leaders Council 2025-2027 | CICS | IAEE CIEP | Runner-up of ICCA Asia-Pacific Business Events Youth Challenge 2025
PCO team of International Joint Conference on Artificial Intelligence, IEEE International Conference on Data Engineering, International Conference on Very Large Data Bases, International Conference on Knowledge Science, Engineering and Management, International Conference on Algorithms and Architectures for Parallel Processing, etc.
BD team of AdAsia, Macau International Tourism (Industry) Expo, Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum & Exhibition, etc.
Valedictorian graduate from Macau University of Science and Technology as top 1 in MICE specialization
Lisa SchulteisFounder, Event Strategist & Producer at ElectraLime Marketing, LLC
Lisa Schulteis is the founder, event strategist, and producer at ElectraLime Marketing, LLC, where she specialises in creating impactful virtual, hybrid, and live events. With a background in neuropsychology and digital marketing, she blends strategy with science to design experiences that drive audience engagement. Lisa is also the creator of YourEventMarketplace, and serves as Executive Director of the Northwest Event Show. A recognised industry thought leader, she frequently speaks on event engagement, technology, and the future of event design.
Lisa Schulteis
Founder, Event Strategist & Producer at ElectraLime Marketing, LLC
Lisa Schulteis is the founder, event strategist, and producer at ElectraLime Marketing, LLC, where she specialises in creating impactful virtual, hybrid, and live events. With a background in neuropsychology and digital marketing, she blends strategy with science to design experiences that drive audience engagement. Lisa is also the creator of YourEventMarketplace, and serves as Executive Director of the Northwest Event Show. A recognised industry thought leader, she frequently speaks on event engagement, technology, and the future of event design.
Carina MontagutEvents Director, Feria Valencia
Carina Montagut, Events Director at Feria Valencia, has more than 20 years' experience in the meetings and events industry. She has held positions across multiple areas, including investment, development and events. She has taught postgraduate courses and is a frequent conference speaker and moderator. Carina is also a member of the ICCA Board of Directors.
Carina Montagut
Events Director, Feria Valencia
Carina Montagut, Events Director at Feria Valencia, has more than 20 years' experience in the meetings and events industry. She has held positions across multiple areas, including investment, development and events. She has taught postgraduate courses and is a frequent conference speaker and moderator. Carina is also a member of the ICCA Board of Directors.
Dr. Teh Pek YenSenior Lecturer in the School of Hospitality and Service Management at Sunway University, Malaysia
Dr Pek Yen, Teh is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Hospitality and Service Management at Sunway University, Malaysia. With a decade of experience in teaching and the business events industry, she previously served as Programme Leader for the Bachelor’s in Conventions and Events Management, establishing it as a leading programme among the few offered in Malaysia. Beyond her teaching responsibilities, Dr Teh is an active researcher specialising in sustainable and regenerative tourism, with a particular focus on heritage and cultural conservation in Malaysia. Her current projects include the I.P.O.H. Project (Ipoh Preservation of Heritage Project), the Social Innovation Project in Kampung Sungai Lima (a fishing village), and tourism planning for Hulu Langat Geopark. She recently published an interesting book chapter titled The Pinang Peranakan Mansion: Questions of Naming and the Interpretation of Material Culture, which explores museum studies in Malaysia.
Dr. Teh Pek Yen
Senior Lecturer in the School of Hospitality and Service Management at Sunway University, Malaysia
Dr Pek Yen, Teh is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Hospitality and Service Management at Sunway University, Malaysia. With a decade of experience in teaching and the business events industry, she previously served as Programme Leader for the Bachelor’s in Conventions and Events Management, establishing it as a leading programme among the few offered in Malaysia. Beyond her teaching responsibilities, Dr Teh is an active researcher specialising in sustainable and regenerative tourism, with a particular focus on heritage and cultural conservation in Malaysia. Her current projects include the I.P.O.H. Project (Ipoh Preservation of Heritage Project), the Social Innovation Project in Kampung Sungai Lima (a fishing village), and tourism planning for Hulu Langat Geopark. She recently published an interesting book chapter titled The Pinang Peranakan Mansion: Questions of Naming and the Interpretation of Material Culture, which explores museum studies in Malaysia.
Dr. Mun Yee Lai Hospitality and Tourism professional with a career spanning both industry and academia
Dr. Mun Yee Lai is a hospitality and tourism professional with a career spanning both industry and academia. At Starwood’s Sheraton Hotel, she served as Fine Dining Restaurant Manager and Catering Event Sales Manager, where her leadership was recognised with the Best Executive/Manager Award, and the Outstanding Achievement Award in Sales Productivity.
She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK) and holds a PhD in Food and Hospitality Management from Griffith University, Australia. Her research focuses on food tourism, destination branding, and visitor behaviour, with internationally published work in leading hospitality and tourism journals.
Dr. Lai has shared her expertise at international platforms, including the UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomic Tourism (2018), and the UNWTO Members’ Panel on Women’s Participation in Tourism (2024), contributing insights into how destinations and events engage global audiences.
Dr. Mun Yee Lai
Hospitality and Tourism professional with a career spanning both industry and academia
Dr. Mun Yee Lai is a hospitality and tourism professional with a career spanning both industry and academia. At Starwood’s Sheraton Hotel, she served as Fine Dining Restaurant Manager and Catering Event Sales Manager, where her leadership was recognised with the Best Executive/Manager Award, and the Outstanding Achievement Award in Sales Productivity.
She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK) and holds a PhD in Food and Hospitality Management from Griffith University, Australia. Her research focuses on food tourism, destination branding, and visitor behaviour, with internationally published work in leading hospitality and tourism journals.
Dr. Lai has shared her expertise at international platforms, including the UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomic Tourism (2018), and the UNWTO Members’ Panel on Women’s Participation in Tourism (2024), contributing insights into how destinations and events engage global audiences.
Mahir JulfarExecutive Vice President at Dubai World Trade Centre
Mahir Abdulkarim Julfar is the Executive Vice President at Dubai World Trade Centre after having served as the Senior Vice President for over 3 years. Since taking over the reins of one of DWTC’s core business lines, Mahir has managed the department’s commercial and operational arms, including the hospitality Division working to increase targeted commercial activities and provide excellent end-to-end services for all DWTC’ s external organisers, exhibitors and visitors.
His focus is on promoting DWTC as a world-leading destination for business tourism and as a commercial hub for international conferences, exhibitions and meetings. Mahir joined DWTC in 2005 and has since held commercial and leadership positions within the organisation, focused on client liaison, exhibitor and supplier relationships, and business development. In addition, he has been actively involved in various prestigious roles, including:
• 2006 appointed to Dubai Sports Council Investment and Projects Committee Board
• 2014 – 2018 was elected to the ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association)Board as the Geographic Representative for the Middle East.
• 2017 appointed by Executive Committee of IESE Alumni Association as president of the ISES Alumni Chapter Board in United Arab Emirates.
• 2018 appointed by the Riyadh Chamber on the board of directors to Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre
• 2018 appointed by the Crown Prince of Dubai on the Board of Hamdan Sports Complex
• 2023 – 2026 was elected to serve on the Board of Directors at UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry Prior to joining DWTC, Mahir gained experience at Dubai Convention Bureau and Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing.
He holds a degree in Exhibition Management from University of Cologne – Germany and has completed his Executive Program from IESE Business School –Barcelona/ University of Navarra.
Mahir Julfar
Executive Vice President at Dubai World Trade Centre
Mahir Abdulkarim Julfar is the Executive Vice President at Dubai World Trade Centre after having served as the Senior Vice President for over 3 years. Since taking over the reins of one of DWTC’s core business lines, Mahir has managed the department’s commercial and operational arms, including the hospitality Division working to increase targeted commercial activities and provide excellent end-to-end services for all DWTC’ s external organisers, exhibitors and visitors.
His focus is on promoting DWTC as a world-leading destination for business tourism and as a commercial hub for international conferences, exhibitions and meetings. Mahir joined DWTC in 2005 and has since held commercial and leadership positions within the organisation, focused on client liaison, exhibitor and supplier relationships, and business development. In addition, he has been actively involved in various prestigious roles, including:
• 2006 appointed to Dubai Sports Council Investment and Projects Committee Board
• 2014 – 2018 was elected to the ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association)Board as the Geographic Representative for the Middle East.
• 2017 appointed by Executive Committee of IESE Alumni Association as president of the ISES Alumni Chapter Board in United Arab Emirates.
• 2018 appointed by the Riyadh Chamber on the board of directors to Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre
• 2018 appointed by the Crown Prince of Dubai on the Board of Hamdan Sports Complex
• 2023 – 2026 was elected to serve on the Board of Directors at UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry Prior to joining DWTC, Mahir gained experience at Dubai Convention Bureau and Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing.
He holds a degree in Exhibition Management from University of Cologne – Germany and has completed his Executive Program from IESE Business School –Barcelona/ University of Navarra.
Jane CunninghamDirector of European Engagement - Destinations International
Jane loves life in the Nordics and the spirit of Scotland.
Her expertise is based on 20 years of experience across tourism and the global meetings industry. Over this time, she has been fortunate to have gained wonderful experience and friends from working for some great hotels, a convention centre, a destination organisation, a PCO, and alliance of convention before joining Destinations International in 2022 as Director of European Engagement.
Jane is proud to be a board member for Meet4Imapct and is a supporter of strategic legacy planning. In recent years she has extended her work to deliver facilitation, moderation as well as consulting projects related to meeting legacy and destination development.
She is passionate about the role of destination organisations and how through broad stakeholder engagement the visitor / event or meeting can have impact that improves the destination and quality of life for those who live, work, study, meet or visit.
Jane Cunningham
Director of European Engagement - Destinations International
Jane loves life in the Nordics and the spirit of Scotland.
Her expertise is based on 20 years of experience across tourism and the global meetings industry. Over this time, she has been fortunate to have gained wonderful experience and friends from working for some great hotels, a convention centre, a destination organisation, a PCO, and alliance of convention before joining Destinations International in 2022 as Director of European Engagement.
Jane is proud to be a board member for Meet4Imapct and is a supporter of strategic legacy planning. In recent years she has extended her work to deliver facilitation, moderation as well as consulting projects related to meeting legacy and destination development.
She is passionate about the role of destination organisations and how through broad stakeholder engagement the visitor / event or meeting can have impact that improves the destination and quality of life for those who live, work, study, meet or visit.
Anna SáResearcher, CEF.UP
Ana Isabel Sá is a Portuguese economist and researcher based in Porto. She holds a PhD in Economics and a master's degree in finance from the University of Porto. With more than a decade of experience in the banking sector — mainly in risk and regulatory compliance — she later transitioned to academia. Ana now works as a full-time researcher at CEF.UP and teaches at the University of Porto and Católica Porto Business School. Her academic focus lies in empirical banking, credit markets, and macroprudential regulation. Ana brings a unique blend of practical financial expertise and rigorous economic research to Portugal’s policy and academic spheres.
Anna Sá
Researcher, CEF.UP
Ana Isabel Sá is a Portuguese economist and researcher based in Porto. She holds a PhD in Economics and a master's degree in finance from the University of Porto. With more than a decade of experience in the banking sector — mainly in risk and regulatory compliance — she later transitioned to academia. Ana now works as a full-time researcher at CEF.UP and teaches at the University of Porto and Católica Porto Business School. Her academic focus lies in empirical banking, credit markets, and macroprudential regulation. Ana brings a unique blend of practical financial expertise and rigorous economic research to Portugal’s policy and academic spheres.
Ross SteeleGeneral Manager, Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre
Ross has over 25 years’ experience in business events and venue management and is currently General Manager of Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, New Zealand’s first international standard convention centre which opened in May 2022.
Prior to moving to Christchurch in March 2019, Ross was General Manager of the Cairns Convention Centre, which was voted International Association of Convention Centre’s (AIPC) World’s Best Congress Centre in 2014, and before that was with the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
With a background in finance, Ross is a Fellow of CPA Australia (FCPA), a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) and a Fellow Certified Venue Executive (FCVE). Ross has experience across several industries and extensive board and governance experience directly aligned to Tourism, Economic Development and Business Events and is currently a Director of the International Association of Convention Centers (AIPC).
Ross Steele
General Manager, Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre
Ross has over 25 years’ experience in business events and venue management and is currently General Manager of Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, New Zealand’s first international standard convention centre which opened in May 2022.
Prior to moving to Christchurch in March 2019, Ross was General Manager of the Cairns Convention Centre, which was voted International Association of Convention Centre’s (AIPC) World’s Best Congress Centre in 2014, and before that was with the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
With a background in finance, Ross is a Fellow of CPA Australia (FCPA), a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) and a Fellow Certified Venue Executive (FCVE). Ross has experience across several industries and extensive board and governance experience directly aligned to Tourism, Economic Development and Business Events and is currently a Director of the International Association of Convention Centers (AIPC).
Purposeful Business Models & Start-Ups
Jessica HaireCo-founder, Connection Awaits
Jessica Haire is a business development professional and co-founder of Connection Awaits, a regenerative tourism consultancy dedicated to sustainable and community-driven travel experiences. She is also the founder and Chief Fun Officer of Axis 360 Solutions, providing project management and optimisation services since 2018. Jessica previously worked with Edmonton Economic Development Corporation (formerly Explore Edmonton), where she developed strategic plans and research frameworks to grow Edmonton’s meetings, incentives, conferences, and events (MICE) sector. She collaborated with local stakeholders to set performance metrics and evaluate the impact of tourism initiatives. Passionate about authentic storytelling and sustainable tourism, Jessica helps communities and destinations thrive by connecting people to meaningful experiences while promoting environmental and cultural stewardship.
Jessica Haire
Co-founder, Connection Awaits
Jessica Haire is a business development professional and co-founder of Connection Awaits, a regenerative tourism consultancy dedicated to sustainable and community-driven travel experiences. She is also the founder and Chief Fun Officer of Axis 360 Solutions, providing project management and optimisation services since 2018. Jessica previously worked with Edmonton Economic Development Corporation (formerly Explore Edmonton), where she developed strategic plans and research frameworks to grow Edmonton’s meetings, incentives, conferences, and events (MICE) sector. She collaborated with local stakeholders to set performance metrics and evaluate the impact of tourism initiatives. Passionate about authentic storytelling and sustainable tourism, Jessica helps communities and destinations thrive by connecting people to meaningful experiences while promoting environmental and cultural stewardship.
Hwabong LeeProfessor, Hallym University Graduate School
Professor Hwabong Lee is a scholar-practitioner in the MICE industry with nearly two decades of hands-on experience at COEX, Korea’s top convention center. Before joining COEX, he earned his master’s degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), and later pursued his Ph.D. at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University while still working in the field. A rare blend of theory and practice in motion.
Now a professor at Hallym University Graduate School, the first in Korea to formalize MICE as an academic discipline. The pioneers the “Town MICE” model, rethinking events as tools for community-driven economic and social revitalization. His work brings together urban regeneration, AI, and governance with a touch of wit and global perspective. Off campus, he finds inspiration in quiet moments with his daughter, where education, care, and curiosity naturally converge.
Hwabong Lee
Professor, Hallym University Graduate School
Professor Hwabong Lee is a scholar-practitioner in the MICE industry with nearly two decades of hands-on experience at COEX, Korea’s top convention center. Before joining COEX, he earned his master’s degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), and later pursued his Ph.D. at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University while still working in the field. A rare blend of theory and practice in motion.
Now a professor at Hallym University Graduate School, the first in Korea to formalize MICE as an academic discipline. The pioneers the “Town MICE” model, rethinking events as tools for community-driven economic and social revitalization. His work brings together urban regeneration, AI, and governance with a touch of wit and global perspective. Off campus, he finds inspiration in quiet moments with his daughter, where education, care, and curiosity naturally converge.
Claire SmithVice President, Sales and Marketing Vancouver Convention Centre
Claire Smith is a recognized voice and passionate leader in the global meetings industry over the last 30 years. As the Vice President, Sales & Marketing at the award-winning Vancouver Convention Centre, Claire is responsible for strategic business development, leading and directing the sales and marketing teams, as well as positioning the facility in the global marketplace. Under her leadership, the Convention Centre has earned an enviable reputation worldwide, attracting some of most sought-after conventions and events from around the globe. Prior to the Convention Centre, Claire ran her own consulting firm where she provided business development strategies, process improvement and training for convention venues, bureaus, associations and event management companies. Claire has worked with organizations around the world, including Meeting Professionals International (MPI), based in Dallas Texas, as their VP, Marketplace Performance where she helped transform their advertising and sponsorship sales.
An industry thought leader, Claire has been a featured speaker and session facilitator at meeting industry conferences in Asia, North America and Europe, exploring the most prevalent opportunities and challenges facing the meetings industry. Claire is committed to playing a role to advance the industry, regularly mentoring students and other meetings professionals as well as actively participating in various industry associations. Claire was the 2018 Chair of the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Board of Directors, the first-ever supplier and non-U.S.-based member to hold this position. In 2016, Claire also co-chaired the PCMA Convening Leaders Conference in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Claire is being inducted into the Events Industry Council Hall of Leaders in October 2025, a global distinction recognizing lifetime achievement and service to shaping and advancing the industry.
Claire Smith
Vice President, Sales and Marketing Vancouver Convention Centre
Claire Smith is a recognized voice and passionate leader in the global meetings industry over the last 30 years. As the Vice President, Sales & Marketing at the award-winning Vancouver Convention Centre, Claire is responsible for strategic business development, leading and directing the sales and marketing teams, as well as positioning the facility in the global marketplace. Under her leadership, the Convention Centre has earned an enviable reputation worldwide, attracting some of most sought-after conventions and events from around the globe. Prior to the Convention Centre, Claire ran her own consulting firm where she provided business development strategies, process improvement and training for convention venues, bureaus, associations and event management companies. Claire has worked with organizations around the world, including Meeting Professionals International (MPI), based in Dallas Texas, as their VP, Marketplace Performance where she helped transform their advertising and sponsorship sales.
An industry thought leader, Claire has been a featured speaker and session facilitator at meeting industry conferences in Asia, North America and Europe, exploring the most prevalent opportunities and challenges facing the meetings industry. Claire is committed to playing a role to advance the industry, regularly mentoring students and other meetings professionals as well as actively participating in various industry associations. Claire was the 2018 Chair of the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Board of Directors, the first-ever supplier and non-U.S.-based member to hold this position. In 2016, Claire also co-chaired the PCMA Convening Leaders Conference in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Claire is being inducted into the Events Industry Council Hall of Leaders in October 2025, a global distinction recognizing lifetime achievement and service to shaping and advancing the industry.
Anna LookCo-founder, Connection Awaits
Anna Look is a regenerative tourism consultant and co-owner of Rabbit Hill Snow Resort in Canada. She is also co-founder of Connection Awaits, an initiative that helps destinations adopt sustainable and community-driven models. Her approach combines heritage storytelling, local collaboration, and long-term planning. She has led creative projects to document local histories and embed them into tourism strategy, empowering communities to thrive through cultural preservation and ecological responsibility. Anna supports destinations that wish to move beyond extractive tourism and into deeper, place-based transformation.
Anna Look
Co-founder, Connection Awaits
Anna Look is a regenerative tourism consultant and co-owner of Rabbit Hill Snow Resort in Canada. She is also co-founder of Connection Awaits, an initiative that helps destinations adopt sustainable and community-driven models. Her approach combines heritage storytelling, local collaboration, and long-term planning. She has led creative projects to document local histories and embed them into tourism strategy, empowering communities to thrive through cultural preservation and ecological responsibility. Anna supports destinations that wish to move beyond extractive tourism and into deeper, place-based transformation.
Hagar Saad
Head of the Tel Aviv-Yafo Convention Bureau at Aviv Global & Tourism
Hagar leads the city’s efforts to position Tel Aviv-Yafo as a resilient and forward-looking destination for international conferences - even amidst complex and shifting regional realities. With over 30 years of experience in the business meetings industry, Hagar has held senior roles across all levels of professional conference organization, from project management to Vice President of a leading PCO. Her extensive career spans both local and international work, across the public and private sectors alike. She has led global teams, managed hundreds of conferences worldwide, and mentored the next generation of meeting professionals.
Hagar is known for her practical, can-do approach and her belief that meaningful change comes from people working together. She brings creativity and fresh thinking into a field often shaped by tradition, and focuses on creating event experiences that are not only innovative and impactful, but also help connect global organizations with the unique energy and vision of Tel Aviv-Yafo.
Hagar Saad
Head of the Tel Aviv-Yafo Convention Bureau at Aviv Global & Tourism
Hagar leads the city’s efforts to position Tel Aviv-Yafo as a resilient and forward-looking destination for international conferences - even amidst complex and shifting regional realities. With over 30 years of experience in the business meetings industry, Hagar has held senior roles across all levels of professional conference organization, from project management to Vice President of a leading PCO. Her extensive career spans both local and international work, across the public and private sectors alike. She has led global teams, managed hundreds of conferences worldwide, and mentored the next generation of meeting professionals.
Hagar is known for her practical, can-do approach and her belief that meaningful change comes from people working together. She brings creativity and fresh thinking into a field often shaped by tradition, and focuses on creating event experiences that are not only innovative and impactful, but also help connect global organizations with the unique energy and vision of Tel Aviv-Yafo.
Mario Ferreira
Chairman of the Pluris Investments Group
Mário Ferreira, a visionary Portuguese entrepreneur and Chairman of the Pluris Investments Group, has led a transformative journey over three decades. Starting out as a small river cruise company, Pluris Investments now encompasses more than 40 companies in the tourism, media, real estate, insurance and renewable energy sectors, with a strong international presence.
As Chairman and majority shareholder of Media Capital, Mário oversees prominent television channels in Portugal and has been recognized internationally with two EMMY awards for outstanding television productions. In addition to business, he champions entrepreneurship, namely as a key investor in the Portuguese version of the Shark Tank program.
Mário’s adventurous spirit is reflected in his various activities, from conquering the Dakar rally to completing the London Marathon. A diver since the age of 20, he has a zest for life that extends to various sports.
With an undergraduate degree in Tourism Business Management and a graduate degree in Advanced Management, Mário’s leadership extends to the Luso-American Development Foundation.
Decorated as a “Commander” by the President of Portugal in 2003, he feels fulfilled as the husband of Paula Ferreira and father of four children. Mário Ferreira’s story is synonymous with innovation, resilience and a commitment to excellence.
Mario Ferreira
Chairman of the Pluris Investments Group
Mário Ferreira, a visionary Portuguese entrepreneur and Chairman of the Pluris Investments Group, has led a transformative journey over three decades. Starting out as a small river cruise company, Pluris Investments now encompasses more than 40 companies in the tourism, media, real estate, insurance and renewable energy sectors, with a strong international presence.
As Chairman and majority shareholder of Media Capital, Mário oversees prominent television channels in Portugal and has been recognized internationally with two EMMY awards for outstanding television productions. In addition to business, he champions entrepreneurship, namely as a key investor in the Portuguese version of the Shark Tank program.
Mário’s adventurous spirit is reflected in his various activities, from conquering the Dakar rally to completing the London Marathon. A diver since the age of 20, he has a zest for life that extends to various sports.
With an undergraduate degree in Tourism Business Management and a graduate degree in Advanced Management, Mário’s leadership extends to the Luso-American Development Foundation.
Decorated as a “Commander” by the President of Portugal in 2003, he feels fulfilled as the husband of Paula Ferreira and father of four children. Mário Ferreira’s story is synonymous with innovation, resilience and a commitment to excellence.
Tara Miller
Director of Global Sales, Destination DC
Applying over a decade of diverse industry experience, Tara Miller, global accounts director, executes the strategy to attract international meetings and conventions to Washington, DC for Destination DC, the city’s official destination marketing organization. Tara rejoined Destination DC in 2017 as the senior manager of international sales, after she helped launch its international convention sales program several years prior through bid development. Tara now leads international MICE sales, marketing, business development, and strategic programs, including Washington DC’s Ambassador Circle and International Business Events Council.
She started her career at MCI USA supporting the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI), and expanded her knowledge of corporate events and incentive travel at CSI DMC, a leading event and destination management firm. As this dynamic industry continues to evolve, Tara remains committed to promoting the benefits and legacies of international meetings.
Tara Miller
Director of Global Sales, Destination DC
Tara rejoined Destination DC in 2017 as the senior manager of international sales, after she helped launch its international convention sales program several years prior through bid development. Tara now leads international MICE sales, marketing, business development, and strategic programs, including Washington DC’s Ambassador Circle and International Business Events Council.
She started her career at MCI USA supporting the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI), and expanded her knowledge of corporate events and incentive travel at CSI DMC, a leading event and destination management firm. As this dynamic industry continues to evolve, Tara remains committed to promoting the benefits and legacies of international meetings.
Glenton de Kock
CEO of SAACI
Glenton De Kock is a prominent leader in South Africa’s Meetings, Events, and Tourism industry, currently serving as CEO of SAACI. With extensive experience across both public and private sectors, he is instrumental in elevating the industry’s professionalism, sustainability, and global competitiveness.
His expertise includes tourism development, destination management, stakeholder engagement, and organisational transformation. Glenton is a passionate advocate for collaborative, sustainable event practices that prioritise community benefit and balance environmental stewardship with human impact.
Glenton de Kock
CEO of SAACI
Glenton De Kock is a prominent leader in South Africa’s Meetings, Events, and Tourism industry, currently serving as CEO of SAACI. With extensive experience across both public and private sectors, he is instrumental in elevating the industry’s professionalism, sustainability, and global competitiveness.
His expertise includes tourism development, destination management, stakeholder engagement, and organisational transformation. Glenton is a passionate advocate for collaborative, sustainable event practices that prioritise community benefit and balance environmental stewardship with human impact.
Elisabetta Degiampietro
European Commission's Directorate-General for Interpretation
Elisabetta works at the European Commission's Directorate-General for Interpretation, where she leads the team in charge of conference services. With more than 20 years of experience inside the European Institutions, she is a seasoned manager who has been working for various departments, mainly in the area of internal and external communication and project and programme management. She holds a master’s degree in German and English literature and languages from the University of Trento in Italy and a postgraduate in Human Resources Management from Kingston University.
Elisabetta Degiampietro
European Commission's Directorate-General for Interpretation
Elisabetta works at the European Commission's Directorate-General for Interpretation, where she leads the team in charge of conference services. With more than 20 years of experience inside the European Institutions, she is a seasoned manager who has been working for various departments, mainly in the area of internal and external communication and project and programme management. She holds a master’s degree in German and English literature and languages from the University of Trento in Italy and a postgraduate in Human Resources Management from Kingston University.
Ksenija Polla, CMP, CICE
Director of International Development, Talley Management Group
Ksenija Polla, CMP, CICE is the Director of International Development at Talley Management Group, bringing over 30 years of expertise in international association meetings. Her extensive experience encompasses membership recruitment and retention, product development, event management, sales, marketing, and relationship development. Since joining Talley in June 2024, Ksenija has been instrumental in expanding the firm's global reach and enhancing client engagement strategies. Her leadership has significantly contributed to Talley's growth in international markets, especially through partnerships in Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Prior to Talley, Ksenija held several pivotal roles at the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), where she spearheaded initiatives like the ICCASkills certification and the Association Impact Masterclass. She began her career in Croatia’s congress sector before joining ICCA in 1997, ultimately leading the Association Community (2013–2020), serving as Regional Director for North America (2021), and later as Head of Education and Legacy Programmes (2023), overseeing global education and the acclaimed Incredible Impacts Programme.
A passionate advocate for human-centric leadership, gender equality, and sustainable impact in the business events industry, Ksenija is a frequent speaker at international conferences including IMEX, Business Events Industry Week, and the ICCA Congress. She is actively involved in shaping conversations around association transformation, global trends, and legacy measurement .In 2025, she was honored with the Smart Women in Meetings: Stellar Performer Award by Smart Meetings Magazine, recognizing her dedication to mentorship and transformative leadership. At her core, Ksenija believes in the power of connections to create meaningful, scalable impact —locally and globally
Ksenija Polla, CMP, CICE
Director of International Development, Talley Management Group
Since joining Talley in June 2024, Ksenija has been instrumental in expanding the firm's global reach and enhancing client engagement strategies. Her leadership has significantly contributed to Talley's growth in international markets, especially through partnerships in Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Prior to Talley, Ksenija held several pivotal roles at the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), where she spearheaded initiatives like the ICCASkills certification and the Association Impact Masterclass. She began her career in Croatia’s congress sector before joining ICCA in 1997, ultimately leading the Association Community (2013–2020), serving as Regional Director for North America (2021), and later as Head of Education and Legacy Programmes (2023), overseeing global education and the acclaimed Incredible Impacts Programme.
A passionate advocate for human-centric leadership, gender equality, and sustainable impact in the business events industry, Ksenija is a frequent speaker at international conferences including IMEX, Business Events Industry Week, and the ICCA Congress. She is actively involved in shaping conversations around association transformation, global trends, and legacy measurement .In 2025, she was honored with the Smart Women in Meetings: Stellar Performer Award by Smart Meetings Magazine, recognizing her dedication to mentorship and transformative leadership. At her core, Ksenija believes in the power of connections to create meaningful, scalable impact —locally and globally
Jelmer van AstFounder & CEO, Conference Compass
Jelmer van Ast is a seasoned professional in the event technology space, with extensive experience in driving innovation and digital transformation in the meetings and events industry. As the founder and CEO at Conference Compass, Jelmer has played a significant role in shaping the future of event technology, particularly in mobile event apps, interactive conference solutions, and inclusive technology-driven experiences. Jelmer is deeply connected to a global network of entrepreneurs in the events industry as a member of ICCA, a founding member of MESA (The Meetings and Events Support Association) and a member of EO (Entrepreneurs’ Organisation).
He regularly collaborates with startups and small businesses that are at the forefront of event tech innovation. Additionally, Jelmer has moderated and spoken at numerous industry events, including the ICCA Future of Healthcare Meetings, two ICCA France-Benelux Chapter meetings, IAPCO Edge, IBTM, IMEX, multiple MESA events and the European Association Summit.
Jelmer van Ast
Founder & CEO, Conference Compass
Jelmer van Ast is a seasoned professional in the event technology space, with extensive experience in driving innovation and digital transformation in the meetings and events industry. As the founder and CEO at Conference Compass, Jelmer has played a significant role in shaping the future of event technology, particularly in mobile event apps, interactive conference solutions, and inclusive technology-driven experiences. Jelmer is deeply connected to a global network of entrepreneurs in the events industry as a member of ICCA, a founding member of MESA (The Meetings and Events Support Association) and a member of EO (Entrepreneurs’ Organisation).
He regularly collaborates with startups and small businesses that are at the forefront of event tech innovation. Additionally, Jelmer has moderated and spoken at numerous industry events, including the ICCA Future of Healthcare Meetings, two ICCA France-Benelux Chapter meetings, IAPCO Edge, IBTM, IMEX, multiple MESA events and the European Association Summit.
Sissy Lignou President & CEO, AFEA Congress, President, IAPCO, Board Member, Immediate Past President, HAPCO & DES
Born in Athens, Sissi Lignou brings over two decades of experience in the Meetings & Events Industry. She began her career in 2001 with the Athens 2004 Olympic Games Organizing Committee, which sparked her passion for large-scale event management. In 2004, she joined the family business AFEA Congress, where she is now CEO and President of the Board, leading one of Greece’s most established Professional Congress Organizers (PCOs). Since 2021, Sissi has taken on a stronger international role, elected to the IAPCO Council in 2021 and re-elected in 2023. In 2024, she became IAPCO President-Elect and in 2025 assumed the role of IAPCO President (2025–2027) at the Annual Meeting in Taiwan. She has volunteered with IAPCO since 2010, contributing to its growth and serving as Faculty Member, mentor, and speaker for national and international organizations. In Greece, she has been active with HAPCO & DES since 2007, serving as President (2022–2025) and re-elected in 2025 as Board Member. Her journey reflects both strong leadership and a deep commitment to advancing the Meetings Industry.
Sissy Lignou
President & CEO, AFEA Congress, President, IAPCO, Board Member, Immediate Past President, HAPCO & DES
Born in Athens, Sissi Lignou brings over two decades of experience in the Meetings & Events Industry. She began her career in 2001 with the Athens 2004 Olympic Games Organizing Committee, which sparked her passion for large-scale event management. In 2004, she joined the family business AFEA Congress, where she is now CEO and President of the Board, leading one of Greece’s most established Professional Congress Organizers (PCOs). Since 2021, Sissi has taken on a stronger international role, elected to the IAPCO Council in 2021 and re-elected in 2023. In 2024, she became IAPCO President-Elect and in 2025 assumed the role of IAPCO President (2025–2027) at the Annual Meeting in Taiwan. She has volunteered with IAPCO since 2010, contributing to its growth and serving as Faculty Member, mentor, and speaker for national and international organizations. In Greece, she has been active with HAPCO & DES since 2007, serving as President (2022–2025) and re-elected in 2025 as Board Member. Her journey reflects both strong leadership and a deep commitment to advancing the Meetings Industry.
Michael Clancy
Head of Sales at the Royal Dublin Society Venue
Malcolm Clancy is the Head of Sales at the Royal Dublin Society Venue. The RDS is Ireland largest events venue and it's oldest charity - a 43-acre campus in the heart of Dublin, offering 22,000 sqm of event space and a 20,000-seat arena, with all of its profits going into its Foundations activities to see Ireland thrive culturally and economically. Malcolm has worked across the UK, Australia, US, Canada and Ireland in roles spanning luxury hotels, convention bureaux and major conference sales. Known for balancing business development with Australian wit and humour (he hopes) - he enjoys working with everyone from marine scientists to tech bros to bring their events to life.
Michael Clancy
Head of Sales at the Royal Dublin Society Venue
Malcolm has worked across the UK, Australia, US, Canada and Ireland in roles spanning luxury hotels, convention bureaux and major conference sales. Known for balancing business development with Australian wit and humour (he hopes) - he enjoys working with everyone from marine scientists to tech bros to bring their events to life.
Vanessa Russell
Group Marketing Director - ICC Wales and The Celtic Collection
With more than 30 years of combined marketing, sales and operations experience gained within the meetings, events and hospitality industries, Vanessa Russell has been a key member of The Celtic Collection’s management team since 2006. Vanessa has helped establish the Celtic Manor Resort as one of the world’s leading destinations for business events, leisure and golf, and played a key part in the global profile achieved by hosting successful major international events at the 2010 Ryder Cup and the 2014 NATO Summit.She has been responsible for creating strong new brands and driving marketing strategy as the resort has expanded into The Celtic Collection of 10 hotels across South Wales and ICC Wales has established itself as a world-class convention centre. Vanessa has steered successful campaigns that have seen the ICC Wales claim the prestigious ICCA Best Marketing Award for its pioneering educational work on Martyn’s Law, to enhance public safety in the meetings industry and Celtic Manor Resort be crowned the UK’s Best Hotel at the M&IT Awards no fewer than 10 times.
Vanessa Russell
Group Marketing Director - ICC Wales and The Celtic Collection
With more than 30 years of combined marketing, sales and operations experience gained within the meetings, events and hospitality industries, Vanessa Russell has been a key member of The Celtic Collection’s management team since 2006. Vanessa has helped establish the Celtic Manor Resort as one of the world’s leading destinations for business events, leisure and golf, and played a key part in the global profile achieved by hosting successful major international events at the 2010 Ryder Cup and the 2014 NATO Summit.She has been responsible for creating strong new brands and driving marketing strategy as the resort has expanded into The Celtic Collection of 10 hotels across South Wales and ICC Wales has established itself as a world-class convention centre. Vanessa has steered successful campaigns that have seen the ICC Wales claim the prestigious ICCA Best Marketing Award for its pioneering educational work on Martyn’s Law, to enhance public safety in the meetings industry and Celtic Manor Resort be crowned the UK’s Best Hotel at the M&IT Awards no fewer than 10 times.
Juan José Garcia MBA, CICE
Global Chief Sales & Marketing Officer BCO Congresos
Juan José is a distinguished business events professional with over 37 years of experience, holding an MBA and deep expertise in project management, business strategies, and association management. Beginning his career in 1987 in the PCO sector, he has ascended to his current role as Global Chief Sales & Marketing Officer of BCO Congresos, where his visionary leadership has elevated the organization into a globally recognized brand in meetings management and business events consulting. A former 1st Vice-President and Treasurer of ICCA (2010–2018) and Co-chair of the Meetings Management Sector since 2024, Juan José has also played a pivotal role as an instructor and author for the ICCASkills program launched in 2021, reflecting his unwavering commitment to fostering industry growth and nurturing talent. Recognized as “Best Event Organizer” in 2009 by the Spanish Association of Hotel Managers, his enduring dedication and transformative contributions continue to shape the business events landscape worldwide.
Juan José Garcia MBA, CICE
Global Chief Sales & Marketing Officer BCO Congresos
Juan José is a distinguished business events professional with over 37 years of experience, holding an MBA and deep expertise in project management, business strategies, and association management. Beginning his career in 1987 in the PCO sector, he has ascended to his current role as Global Chief Sales & Marketing Officer of BCO Congresos, where his visionary leadership has elevated the organization into a globally recognized brand in meetings management and business events consulting. A former 1st Vice-President and Treasurer of ICCA (2010–2018) and Co-chair of the Meetings Management Sector since 2024, Juan José has also played a pivotal role as an instructor and author for the ICCASkills program launched in 2021, reflecting his unwavering commitment to fostering industry growth and nurturing talent. Recognized as “Best Event Organizer” in 2009 by the Spanish Association of Hotel Managers, his enduring dedication and transformative contributions continue to shape the business events landscape worldwide.
Innovation & Technology
Agnes Opitzer
Director of Hosted events Sales - Hungexpo
I hold a degree in Tourism and Hotel Management, and even as early as high school, I was certain that I wanted to work in an international environment—drawn especially to the hotel industry. I have been working in tourism for nearly 20 years, gaining experience first in hospitality and later in the world of large-scale events.
Since 2010, I have been part of Hungexpo, where I’ve had the privilege of contributing to the growth and development of hosted event sales team almost from the very beginning. I also worked as a project manager, which gave me firsthand insight into every detail involved in organizing international events. Since 2018, I have been leading the sales team, which has since expanded to include a new area of activity: the film studio business. In addition, the opening of our new Congress Center in 2021 has created exciting new opportunities for sales and plays a key role in positioning both Budapest and Hungexpo among the top international congress destinations and venues.
Outside of this dynamic and multifaceted work, I’m also the mother of three young children—gaining daily experience in time management and achieving work-life balance.
Agnes Opitzer
Director of Hosted events Sales - Hungexpo
I hold a degree in Tourism and Hotel Management, and even as early as high school, I was certain that I wanted to work in an international environment—drawn especially to the hotel industry. I have been working in tourism for nearly 20 years, gaining experience first in hospitality and later in the world of large-scale events.
Since 2010, I have been part of Hungexpo, where I’ve had the privilege of contributing to the growth and development of hosted event sales team almost from the very beginning. I also worked as a project manager, which gave me firsthand insight into every detail involved in organizing international events. Since 2018, I have been leading the sales team, which has since expanded to include a new area of activity: the film studio business. In addition, the opening of our new Congress Center in 2021 has created exciting new opportunities for sales and plays a key role in positioning both Budapest and Hungexpo among the top international congress destinations and venues.
Outside of this dynamic and multifaceted work, I’m also the mother of three young children—gaining daily experience in time management and achieving work-life balance.
Christophe Leyvraz
Director Vaud Promotion
I believe in the power of listening and understanding. I have worked with a variety of organizations, including the SwissTech Convention Center in Lausanne, Switzerland, and currently as Director of tourism and local products promotion, and previously with Swiss and international media groups. My work is guided by a deep understanding of how collaboration can lead to exceptional results. By focusing on developing meaningful solutions, I thrive at the intersection of ideas, teams, and clients, championing initiatives that drive growth and shared success. I like to explore how we can turn challenges into opportunities for transformation, fostering creativity throughout the process. Together, we can redefine what's possible in our industries!
Christophe Leyvraz
Director Vaud Promotion
I believe in the power of listening and understanding. I have worked with a variety of organizations, including the SwissTech Convention Center in Lausanne, Switzerland, and currently as Director of tourism and local products promotion, and previously with Swiss and international media groups. My work is guided by a deep understanding of how collaboration can lead to exceptional results. By focusing on developing meaningful solutions, I thrive at the intersection of ideas, teams, and clients, championing initiatives that drive growth and shared success. I like to explore how we can turn challenges into opportunities for transformation, fostering creativity throughout the process. Together, we can redefine what's possible in our industries!
Alexandre Meyrieux
Director Vaud Promotion
Alexandre Meyrieux is an experienced Conference Director and Strategic Event Leader based in Berlin, Germany. With a strong background in planning and delivering large-scale international conferences, he currently works at K.I.T. Group GmbH. Alexandre is passionate about driving innovation in event strategy and execution, empowering each project and operation to reach new levels of excellence. Over the years, he has built a solid network within the global meetings industry and is recognized for his leadership and results-oriented approach.
Alexandre Meyrieux
Director Vaud Promotion
Alexandre Meyrieux is an experienced Conference Director and Strategic Event Leader based in Berlin, Germany. With a strong background in planning and delivering large-scale international conferences, he currently works at K.I.T. Group GmbH. Alexandre is passionate about driving innovation in event strategy and execution, empowering each project and operation to reach new levels of excellence. Over the years, he has built a solid network within the global meetings industry and is recognized for his leadership and results-oriented approach.
Robert Heimbach
Vice-President of Gala Systems Inc
A graduate Mechanical Engineer, from Concordia University Montreal with an MBA from McGill University. He joined Gala in 1992 where he’s been actively involved with architects, consultants, contractors, and owners to find automated and semi-automated solutions for flexible event centers. Working from conceptual design right through to final turnkey installations, Robert also works closely with venue operators to increase the diversity and quantity of events in their spaces to generate more events and ultimately increase overall revenue.
Robert Heimbach
Vice-President of Gala Systems Inc
A graduate Mechanical Engineer, from Concordia University Montreal with an MBA from McGill University. He joined Gala in 1992 where he’s been actively involved with architects, consultants, contractors, and owners to find automated and semi-automated solutions for flexible event centers. Working from conceptual design right through to final turnkey installations, Robert also works closely with venue operators to increase the diversity and quantity of events in their spaces to generate more events and ultimately increase overall revenue.
Juliano Lissoni
Director at MCI Group
Senior executive with over 25 years of experience in the global meetings industry. As Managing Director at MCI Group, he leads strategic events across the Americas. A graduate of the MIT Sloan ACE program in Management, Innovation, and Technology, he also holds an MBA from ESPM and an MSc from UFSC. He is focused on leveraging artificial intelligence to transform experiences and drive engagement.
Juliano Lissoni
Director at MCI Group
Senior executive with over 25 years of experience in the global meetings industry. As Managing Director at MCI Group, he leads strategic events across the Americas. A graduate of the MIT Sloan ACE program in Management, Innovation, and Technology, he also holds an MBA from ESPM and an MSc from UFSC. He is focused on leveraging artificial intelligence to transform experiences and drive engagement.
Stephanie Cheung
Regional Sales Director - EMEA
In Stephanie Lynn Cheung’s current role at MarketID as Director of Strategy & Insights, she leads marketing and business development initiatives for international destinations to North American associations, corporations, and intermediaries. Prior to joining MarketID, she has worked as a consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers, Teach for America, and marketing strategy roles across industries. In her free time, Stephanie is on the search for her next adventure. From trekking through sand dunes tucked in northeast Brazil to exploring the golden temples of Myanmar, Stephanie fearlessly pursues her passions. Stephanie has a Masters of Education and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Villanova University.
Stephanie Cheung
Regional Sales Director - EMEA
In Stephanie Lynn Cheung’s current role at MarketID as Director of Strategy & Insights, she leads marketing and business development initiatives for international destinations to North American associations, corporations, and intermediaries. Prior to joining MarketID, she has worked as a consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers, Teach for America, and marketing strategy roles across industries. In her free time, Stephanie is on the search for her next adventure. From trekking through sand dunes tucked in northeast Brazil to exploring the golden temples of Myanmar, Stephanie fearlessly pursues her passions. Stephanie has a Masters of Education and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Villanova University.
Pavvi Singh - EventsAir
Regional Sales Director - EMEA
Pavvi comes with over 15 years of experience in Event Technology, training, client support and consultation primarily for clients based in UK, Europe, USA and UAE. He has a passion for uncovering the unique and compelling ways in which event planners are using technology, service and revel in knowing that he can help thousands of other event planners hear those stories. He loves inventing new, more powerful, innovative & profitable ways to increase revenue and decrease cost of an event using software solutions.
Pavvi Singh - EventsAir
Regional Sales Director - EMEA
Pavvi comes with over 15 years of experience in Event Technology, training, client support and consultation primarily for clients based in UK, Europe, USA and UAE. He has a passion for uncovering the unique and compelling ways in which event planners are using technology, service and revel in knowing that he can help thousands of other event planners hear those stories. He loves inventing new, more powerful, innovative & profitable ways to increase revenue and decrease cost of an event using software solutions.
Vamshi Velmajala
Director of Snapsight
Vamshi is the Managing Director of Snapsight, leading the charge in AI implementation and innovation within the business events industry. As one of the key contributors to the development of cutting-edge AI tools, Vamshi has been instrumental in revolutionizing how events are planned, managed, and experienced. With a strong background as a Product Head at Gevme and other prominent organizations, he brings a wealth of expertise in product development, AI technologies, and their practical application in the events space.
Over the past several years, Vamshi has worked at the intersection of artificial intelligence and the business events industry, leveraging his deep understanding of both fields to create solutions that enhance efficiency, personalization, and engagement. A visionary in real-time AI, he is passionate about driving innovation and shaping the future of events through technology.
Vamshi Velmajala
Director of Snapsight
Vamshi is the Managing Director of Snapsight, leading the charge in AI implementation and innovation within the business events industry. As one of the key contributors to the development of cutting-edge AI tools, Vamshi has been instrumental in revolutionizing how events are planned, managed, and experienced. With a strong background as a Product Head at Gevme and other prominent organizations, he brings a wealth of expertise in product development, AI technologies, and their practical application in the events space.
Over the past several years, Vamshi has worked at the intersection of artificial intelligence and the business events industry, leveraging his deep understanding of both fields to create solutions that enhance efficiency, personalization, and engagement. A visionary in real-time AI, he is passionate about driving innovation and shaping the future of events through technology.
The creative Edge
Meg Williams
Chief Executive, World of WearableArt
Meg Williams is a highly experienced leader in the creative industries and the Chief Executive of World of WearableArt ™ (WOW), the globe’s premier wearable art competition and New Zealand’s largest arena spectacle. She leads WOW’s team of over 300 to deliver its iconic show in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, which attracts over 60,000 visitors annually and in 2024 delivered over $30 million to the Wellington regional economy. Meg has over 20 years’ experience in organising festivals and major events in the UK, Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, including the Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts, Wellington Jazz Festival and Te Hui Ahurei Reo Māori. She is a coaching peer mentor for a small group of creative arts leaders in Aotearoa and is a member of the Te Rōpū Mana Toi advocacy advisory for Creative New Zealand.
Meg Williams
Chief Executive, World of WearableArt
Meg Williams is a highly experienced leader in the creative industries and the Chief Executive of World of WearableArt ™ (WOW), the globe’s premier wearable art competition and New Zealand’s largest arena spectacle. She leads WOW’s team of over 300 to deliver its iconic show in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, which attracts over 60,000 visitors annually and in 2024 delivered over $30 million to the Wellington regional economy. Meg has over 20 years’ experience in organising festivals and major events in the UK, Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, including the Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts, Wellington Jazz Festival and Te Hui Ahurei Reo Māori. She is a coaching peer mentor for a small group of creative arts leaders in Aotearoa and is a member of the Te Rōpū Mana Toi advocacy advisory for Creative New Zealand.
Max Oliveira
Artist
Born in Porto, Portugal, Max Oliveira is a world-renowned Bboy, Choreographer, Entrepreneur, and Producer, recognized for his artistic excellence, cultural innovation, and global impact on urban dance. Founder of MXM ArtCenter, Momentum Dance Studios, and internationally acclaimed events such as World Battle, Eurobattle, and Breaking Gala, he has been a driving force in both artistic creation and cultural entrepreneurship. Max has collaborated with Red Bull on Dance Your Style and BC One, choreographed major productions including Luís de Matos’ Impossível, and performed at the National Theatre São João. His career highlights include hosting Breaking at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, serving as International Representative for Breaking at the World DanceSport Federation, and earning top titles at IBE, World Battle Pro, and Warsaw Challenge. Awarded the Gold Medal of Merit by the City of Porto in 2024, Max continues to shape the worlds of sport, art, and culture through his leadership, creativity, and dedication.
Max Oliveira
Artist
Born in Porto, Portugal, Max Oliveira is a world-renowned Bboy, Choreographer, Entrepreneur, and Producer, recognized for his artistic excellence, cultural innovation, and global impact on urban dance. Founder of MXM ArtCenter, Momentum Dance Studios, and internationally acclaimed events such as World Battle, Eurobattle, and Breaking Gala, he has been a driving force in both artistic creation and cultural entrepreneurship. Max has collaborated with Red Bull on Dance Your Style and BC One, choreographed major productions including Luís de Matos’ Impossível, and performed at the National Theatre São João. His career highlights include hosting Breaking at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, serving as International Representative for Breaking at the World DanceSport Federation, and earning top titles at IBE, World Battle Pro, and Warsaw Challenge. Awarded the Gold Medal of Merit by the City of Porto in 2024, Max continues to shape the worlds of sport, art, and culture through his leadership, creativity, and dedication.
Mariana Duarte
Founder of GRIFfiN
Mariana Duarte is an artist, architect, and scenographer, founder of GRIFfiN, a creative studio dedicated to transforming events into unique sensory experiences and living works of luxury. Her work begins with storytelling that comes to life through a blend of craftsmanship, innovation, and visual poetry, creating exclusive scenographies that transcend the obvious and challenge conventions. More than forms or structures, Mariana is devoted to designing emotions and immersive atmospheres, exploring the sensitive universe that distinguishes us as humans from machines and algorithms. Her vision embraces creativity as an act of freedom — to see the invisible, feel before thinking, and transform the impossible into reality.
Mariana Duarte
Founder of GRIFfiN
Mariana Duarte is an artist, architect, and scenographer, founder of GRIFfiN, a creative studio dedicated to transforming events into unique sensory experiences and living works of luxury. Her work begins with storytelling that comes to life through a blend of craftsmanship, innovation, and visual poetry, creating exclusive scenographies that transcend the obvious and challenge conventions. More than forms or structures, Mariana is devoted to designing emotions and immersive atmospheres, exploring the sensitive universe that distinguishes us as humans from machines and algorithms. Her vision embraces creativity as an act of freedom — to see the invisible, feel before thinking, and transform the impossible into reality.
Miguel Guedes
President of the Porto Ageas Coliseum and Director of GDA (Management of Performing Artists' Rights)
Miguel Guedes was born in Porto and holds a law degree from the University of Coimbra. He is President of the Porto Ageas Coliseum and Director of GDA (Management of Performing Artists' Rights) in Porto, specializing in the management, collection, and distribution of Neighboring Rights, and is a member of the monitoring group for the Statute of Professionals in the Cultural Sector.
He is a musician, songwriter and performer for Blind Zero, a portuguese rock band with an extensive discography and over 30 years of experience. He was the programmer of "Porto Best Of" at the Rivoli Theater, a concert series that combined much of the best of Porto´s music, past and present, across a wide range of genres. Since 2014, he has been a weekly political columnist for Jornal de Notícias and a political commentator for TVI and Porto Canal television channels. He writes a weekly sports column for “O Jogo” and “Jornal de Notícias”, and since 2010 has been a panelist for "Trio d'Ataque" on RTP3 television channel (a four-year hiatus in 2018, when he served as a political and sports commentator on TVI). He is a columnist and lecturer on topics related to politics, culture, sports, and social sciences, and has been a weekly columnist for “Público”, “Jornal I”, and “Focus” magazine. He was a member of the jury for the program "Factor X" on SIC television channel, director of the Center for Cinematographic Studies of Coimbra, and a radio host for Rádio Universidade de Coimbra and Antena 1 from 2004 to 2018. He was awarded the Porto Municipal Medal of Merit, Gold Grade, in 2014.
Miguel Guedes
President of the Porto Ageas Coliseum and Director of GDA (Management of Performing Artists' Rights)
Miguel Guedes was born in Porto and holds a law degree from the University of Coimbra. He is President of the Porto Ageas Coliseum and Director of GDA (Management of Performing Artists' Rights) in Porto, specializing in the management, collection, and distribution of Neighboring Rights, and is a member of the monitoring group for the Statute of Professionals in the Cultural Sector.
He is a musician, songwriter and performer for Blind Zero, a portuguese rock band with an extensive discography and over 30 years of experience. He was the programmer of "Porto Best Of" at the Rivoli Theater, a concert series that combined much of the best of Porto´s music, past and present, across a wide range of genres. Since 2014, he has been a weekly political columnist for Jornal de Notícias and a political commentator for TVI and Porto Canal television channels. He writes a weekly sports column for “O Jogo” and “Jornal de Notícias”, and since 2010 has been a panelist for "Trio d'Ataque" on RTP3 television channel (a four-year hiatus in 2018, when he served as a political and sports commentator on TVI). He is a columnist and lecturer on topics related to politics, culture, sports, and social sciences, and has been a weekly columnist for “Público”, “Jornal I”, and “Focus” magazine. He was a member of the jury for the program "Factor X" on SIC television channel, director of the Center for Cinematographic Studies of Coimbra, and a radio host for Rádio Universidade de Coimbra and Antena 1 from 2004 to 2018. He was awarded the Porto Municipal Medal of Merit, Gold Grade, in 2014.