Students and Graduates Connect with Industry Professionals at The Biltmore Mayfair
Students and graduates from The Event School London joined wedding and event planners, suppliers and venue professionals at The Biltmore Mayfair for an evening of education, discussion and networking with the UK Wedding Association.
The October 2026 event explored Cultural Intelligence - Building Confidence and Credibility in the Multicultural Wedding Market, offering our next generation of event professionals an opportunity to learn from experienced industry voices and make new connections.
Understanding Cultural Intelligence in Wedding Planning
Understanding a couple’s cultural and religious traditions is an important part of planning a wedding that reflects their values, families and wishes.
Hosted by Milan Thakrar and moderated by LaToya Patel, the evening brought together panellists Chenai Bukutu from ByChenai Events, Rebecca Marsh from Four Seasons Hampshire and Sammir Saroya from GreenLeaf Events.
The panel explored how cultural understanding shapes every stage of the wedding journey, from initial enquiries and sales conversations through to planning, supplier collaboration and wedding day delivery.
For students preparing to enter the industry, and graduates developing their careers, the discussion offered valuable perspectives on working confidently and respectfully with couples from different backgrounds.
Continuing the Conversation
Following the panel, facilitated roundtable discussions gave attendees the opportunity to share experiences, ask questions and explore ideas in smaller groups.
The Event School London’s Lead Wedding Planning Lecturer, Siobhan Craven-Robins, who is also a member of the UK Wedding Association’s Advisory Board, was among the roundtable facilitators. She joined Elegante by Michelle J, Richard Eagleton, Rugie Wurie, Mrs Tobi Yusuf and Maya Jain in guiding open conversations around the evening’s theme.
This format created opportunities for our students and graduates to contribute to the discussion while hearing directly from professionals working across the wedding industry.
Connecting Our Students and Graduates with the Industry
Also representing The Event School London were Director Maria O’Dea and Sandra Agyapong, who lectures in luxury events and event styling.
Our student group represented the following programmes:
Diploma in Wedding Planning
Diploma in Event Management
Advanced Diploma in Event Management
Degree Alternative in Event Management
“Attending prestigious industry events gives our students the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, build their confidence and make valuable connections. As they prepare for their careers, it’s important that they feel part of the industry and can contribute to the conversations shaping its future.”
Maria O’Dea, Director, The Event School London
Joining industry events gives learners the opportunity to connect their studies with current professional conversations. It also provides a setting in which to practise networking, meet potential industry contacts and develop a broader understanding of the sector.
Reflecting on their attendance, the UK Wedding Association said:
“It was a pleasure to host the next generation of event planners for such an important industry conversation.”
About the UK Wedding Association
The Event School London are a FOunding Member of The UK Wedding Association (UKWA)
The UKWA is a not-for-profit membership organisation supporting and promoting professional, sustainable and trusted wedding venues, planners and suppliers.
Its work centres on recognising professionally run businesses through industry-recognised badges, alongside education and networking that support sustainable business growth. Its goal is to empower the industry.
The Cultural Intelligence event brought this educational purpose to life, creating space for wedding professionals at different stages of their careers to learn from one another.
Thank You to Our Hosts
Our thanks to the UK Wedding Association for welcoming our students and graduates, and to Emelia Sintim and the team at The Biltmore Mayfair for hosting the evening in their ballroom.
Thank you also to the host, moderator, panellists, roundtable facilitators and event supporters Gather, Eugene Kovtun and Servo Creatives.
We were delighted to see our next generation of event professionals taking part in a conversation that matters to the future of wedding planning.
