Industry Advisory Board Meets to Shape the Future of Event Management Education

Last month we welcomed the first meeting of our refreshed 2026 Industry Advisory Board.

Held on 23 February, the meeting brought together experienced event professionals, educators, graduate and student representatives to contribute insight into the future direction of event management education.

Their role is central to ensuring our programmes remain academically credible, professionally relevant and closely connected to the real needs of the events industry.

The meeting took place on a landmark day for the School, alongside our Awards for Excellence 2026, 21st anniversary celebration and the launch of our new Ofqual-regulated ATHE Level 4 to Level 7 Diplomas in Event Management.

Connecting industry insight with curriculum development

The February meeting focused on the development of our new Ofqual-regulated ATHE Diplomas in Event Management from Level 4 to Level 7, with the Board contributing directly to the selection of optional units across the qualification pathway.

This input was particularly valuable at a key stage of curriculum development. As the events industry continues to evolve, employers are looking for graduates who are commercially aware, operationally capable and confident in professional settings.

By drawing on expertise from across the sector, the Board helped identify areas of study that reflect current industry expectations and future skills needs. Their contribution ensures the new diploma pathway combines academic structure with practical, career-focused learning, preparing students for the professional environments they are working towards.

A refreshed Board for 2026

The 2026 Industry Advisory Board brings together a strong mix of senior event professionals, specialist educators, industry practitioners, graduates and current student representatives.

Members include professionals with expertise across venue sales, conference and business events, luxury weddings, corporate events, international event education, event production, logistics, hospitality and graduate employability.

The Event School London's Industry Advisory Board includes:

• Nick Oxborrow, Chair (Lead Event Management Lecturer and Independent Event Business Success Coach, previous Director Fabulation and Lecturer at William Angliss Institute and University of Nevada)

• Siobhan Craven-Robins, Industry and Academic Representative (Lead Wedding Planning Lecturer, Luxury Wedding Planner and Advisory Board Member UK Wedding Association)

• Medina Williamson, Industry and Academic Representative (Luxury Event Management Lecturer, Luxury Event and Hospitality Consultant, Trustee The PM Trust, previous The Lansdowne Club and The Dorchester)

• Sandra Maureder, Industry Representative (StressFreeWeddings by SandraM, previous European Events Specialist at Siemens)

• Jennifer Patrice, Industry Representative (Jennifer Patrice, International Celebrant)

• Daven Abrahams, Industry Special Guest (Business Development Manager DSV Global Transport and Logistics, previous Olympia London and ExCeL London)

• Mark Green, Industry Representative (UK & European Business Development Manager at QEII Centre, Ambassador Meeting & Events Network)

• Liam Farrelly Swanston, Industry Representative (Global Business Development Lead at Central Hall Westminster and Westminster Venue Collection Director)

• Georgia Wood, Industry Representative (Luxury Event Planner, Director Georgia Barbara Events, Consultant Extreme Production Group, previous The Savoy and Harrods)

• Lyndsey Taylor, Industry Representative (London Venue Finder, Director Park Lane Events, previous Royal Garden Hotel Kensington, Thistle, Hilton and Pillar Hotels and The Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa St Andrews)

• Rita Conde Luis, Specialist Advisor Corporate Events (Senior Manager, Corporate Communications & Events, VISA CEMEA previous Event roles with PwC UK, Accenture Global and Marcus Evans)

• Maria O’Dea, Event School Director

• Rachel Williams, Industry and Academic Representative (Lead Venue and Leadership Lecturer, Corporate Events & Hospitality Consultant, Director Lenio Hospitality)

• Sharifa Wilkinson, Specialist Advisor Major and Sports Events (Teaching Professor and Programme Lead Mega Events, Events and Entertainment Florida International University, VP Board of Directors Ontario Basketball, previous 2022 FIFA World Cup, The Arafura Games, Gold Coast Commonwealth Games 2018, Pan/Parapan American Games)

• Jimmy Jani, Graduate Representative (Graduate Event Management, Business Events and Brand Experiences and Conference and Exhibitions programmes, now Event Manager, Zeppelin Entertainment)

• Felix Orr, Student Representative (Studying the Higher Diploma in Sports Event Management and ATHE L5-6 Diploma in Events Management Pathway programme)

The breadth of experience on our advisory board is essential. Event education must prepare students for a sector that is diverse, fast-moving and increasingly demanding. The Board’s insight helps ensure our curriculum reflects both current employer expectations and the future direction of the industry.

From top left: Mark Green, Jennifer Patrice, Sandra Maureder, Liam Farrelly-Swanston, Medina Williamson, Siobhan Craven-Robins, Nick Oxborrow, Maria O'Dea, Daven Abrahams, Rachel Williams, Georgia Wood, Sharifa Wikinson, Lyndsey Taylor, Rita Conde-Luis

Wider input from members beyond London

While the majority of the Board attended the London meeting in person, members who were unable to attend came together for a virtual follow-up meeting the following week.

This ensured all members had the opportunity to contribute to the development process and allowed the School to benefit from wider industry input beyond those able to be in London on the day.

The virtual meeting added further perspective from professionals working across different Uk and global locations and specialist areas, strengthening the overall consultation process and reinforcing the value of a Board with broad, sector-wide expertise.

Connecting the Advisory Board with Students and Graduates

Following the in-person meeting, Board members also attended the Awards for Excellence 2026, where they joined students, graduates, lecturers, families and industry partners in celebrating achievement across The Event School London community.

This connection between advisory input and student celebration was especially meaningful. It reflected the School’s belief that event education should not sit separately from industry, but should be shaped by it, connected to it and continually informed by those working within it.

The day also marked the School’s 21st anniversary and the official launch of the new qualification suite, making it a significant milestone in the School’s ongoing development.

Shaping event education for the future

The first 2026 Industry Advisory Board meeting played an important role in shaping the next chapter of The Event School London.

The Board’s contribution will help guide the delivery of our new Ofqual-regulated ATHE Diplomas in Event Management and ensure that our students continue to benefit from education that is relevant, applied and connected to the expectations of the industry.

As the events sector continues to change, industry collaboration remains essential. Through the guidance of our Advisory Board, The Event School London continues to strengthen its commitment to preparing students for confident, capable and successful futures in events.