Celebrating Excellence: The Event School London Awards for Excellence 2026
- The Event School London
- Feb 23
- 5 min read
Yesterday, The Event School London community came together at Novotel London ExCeL for the Awards for Excellence, an evening dedicated to recognising achievement, professionalism and the people who continue to shape the School’s story.
The Awards for Excellence are an important moment in the School’s calendar. They celebrate students, graduates and industry partners whose commitment, talent and contribution reflect the very best of The Event School London community.
This year’s ceremony was especially meaningful. Alongside the awards, the School also marked its 21st anniversary and welcomed members of its Industry Advisory Board, who had gathered earlier in the day for the first board meeting of 2026.
With graduates, lecturers, industry professionals, suppliers, students and friends of the School in attendance, the evening was a celebration not only of individual success, but of the relationships and shared ambition that sit at the heart of event education.
Recognising Academic Excellence
The Academic Awards for Excellence honoured students whose work demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, professional discipline and strong potential for future success in the events industry.
Clare Randle was recognised for her outstanding achievement on the Diploma in Wedding Planning, which she completed with Distinction. Clare’s work demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of both the strategic and creative dimensions of contemporary wedding design. With experience in London’s luxury hospitality and event sector, and the forthcoming launch of her own boutique planning studio, Clare Randle Weddings, her award reflected both academic strength and professional ambition.
Also recognised with Academic Awards for Excellence were Héloïse Sanderson and Anh Nguyen, who received their awards in absentia. Héloïse completed her Advanced Diploma in Wedding Planning with a qualification level Distinction and has since progressed into event management roles within leading luxury venues. Anh completed her Advanced Diploma in Wedding and Event Planning with Distinction, demonstrating hard work, natural aptitude and strong promise for the next stage of her events career.
Whether celebrated in the room or from afar, each academic award reflected the dedication, quality and professionalism that The Event School London seeks to inspire in every learner.
Celebrating Graduate Achievement
The Graduate Awards for Excellence celebrated alumni who have continued to progress, contribute and make their mark within the events industry.
Jimmy Jani received a Graduate Award for Excellence in recognition of his continued professional momentum within the live events sector. As an Event Manager at Zeppelin Entertainment Limited, Jimmy delivers live shows, concerts and large-scale cultural events across the UK and Europe.
Having executed more than 40 events, while also continuing to invest in his professional development through further studies with the School, Jimmy’s award recognised his drive, resilience and contribution to live entertainment.
Hayley Clarke was also recognised with a Graduate Award for Excellence. Having previously been part of the student team responsible for organising the Awards for Excellence in 2024, Hayley’s return as an award recipient was a particularly special moment.
Since completing the Advanced Diploma in Event Management, she has progressed into her role as Groups and Events Executive at Good Hotel London, where she continues to demonstrate care, composure and a high standard of client-led event delivery.
Graduate Awards for Excellence were also awarded in absentia to Karla Grijalva, Naureen Khan, Wayne Parsons and Olivia Greenwood.
Karla, a previous Academic Award winner, became the School’s first two-time Awards for Excellence recipient. Having achieved Distinctions in both the Advanced Diploma in Wedding Planning and the Advanced Diploma in Event Management, she is now building her career internationally as an Event Designer and Event Stylist.
Naureen has continued to develop Naureen Khan Events, building a reputation within the wedding industry and receiving recognition as a rising talent.
Olivia has progressed through senior event roles while also launching Eleno Weddings and Events, demonstrating the entrepreneurial energy and professional capability that characterise so many of the School’s graduates.
Wayne received a Graduate Award for Excellence for his creativity, innovation and contribution to the cultural events sector. Through his work in cultural production and as founder of VOXED, he continues to demonstrate how events can connect artistic vision with community engagement.
For those unable to attend, the reason was itself a testament to their success, with several award recipients committed to delivering events for their own clients on the evening.
Honouring Student Leadership
The Student Ambassador Award for Excellence was presented to Dima Khalaily, the School’s first Digital Student Ambassador.
Introduced in 2025, the Digital Student Ambassador role was created to help prospective students experience student life, industry learning and the School’s ethos through contemporary digital platforms including TikTok, Reels and YouTube Shorts.
Dima embraced the role with creativity, professionalism and authenticity. Her content brought student experience to life with clarity and confidence, positioning her as a positive role model for both current and future students. Her commitment was further demonstrated by travelling from overseas to attend the ceremony and accept her award in person.
Appreciating Industry Support
The Industry Appreciation Awards recognised the professionals and organisations whose support helps create meaningful learning experiences for students.
Sonia Smart, Business Development Manager at Ministry Venues, received an Industry Appreciation Award for her continued support of education and her commitment to the development of future event professionals.
Through site tours, hosted events and behind-the-scenes access, Sonia has provided students with valuable insight into real venue environments and helped them build confidence, perspective and industry connections.
An Industry Appreciation Award was also presented to Novotel London ExCeL, recognising a partnership with The Event School London that spans more than 21 years. The award was accepted by staff members from the Novotel team.
For more than two decades, Novotel London ExCeL has played a formative role in the School’s journey.
Generations of students have learned in its meeting spaces, networked in its public areas and, in many cases, stayed at the venue during intensive programmes. This award recognised not only longevity, but a genuine commitment to supporting future talent in the events industry.
A Community Built Around Excellence
The Awards for Excellence 2026 brought together the people who make The Event School London community so distinctive: students, graduates, lecturers, industry supporters, suppliers and friends of the School.
The event was also supported by a talented student event management team, with Tallulah Richards, Gina Namugaya, Salma ElAlami and Beatrice Scalzo contributing to the planning and delivery of the evening. Their involvement reflected one of the School’s strongest principles: that event education should be applied, practical and connected to real professional experience.
Thanks are also extended to:
Siobhan Craven-Robins, who hosted the ceremony as MC;
Nick Oxborrow, Lead Event Management Lecturer;
Pokok Design for brand design;
Nudge Photography for photography and videography;
Corvin Pictures for videography; and Novotel London ExCeL for venue and catering.
As The Event School London continues into its 21st year, the Awards for Excellence offered a moment to pause, reflect and celebrate the achievements of a growing community. The evening honoured individual success, but it also highlighted something larger: the power of education, industry connection and shared commitment in shaping the next generation of event professionals.
Congratulations to all Awards for Excellence 2026 recipients.
