LEADERSHIP TEAM

Meet the board behind the MPI UK & Ireland chapter.


MPI UK & IRELAND LEADERSHIP TEAM

The UK & Ireland Chapter of Meeting Professionals International has counted on its members to step forward and fill leadership roles. We are proud of our leadership team and thank them for their time and expertise. They work hard to provide current industry news, quality events and networking sessions, a diversity of meeting sites, membership information and benefits, as well as keep an eye toward the future.

Are you interested in becoming a committee member or taking a leadership role? Contact one of our Board Members with questions.

PRESIDENT'S OFFICE

Contact Details: presidentsoffice@mpiuki.org

cathy-joyce

CATHY JOYCE
President

Global Sales MICE Specialist

Global Sales MICE Specialist with 20+ years’ experience in Hospitality with renowned Hotels and brands across Ireland, UK and The Middle East, Including Marriott Hotels International, Ritz-Carlton, Minor Hotels – Anantara Hotels & Resorts, Melia Hotels International and Hyatt Hotels & Resorts.

My role is mainly responsible for delivering the UK MICE market to destinations globally. I understand the unique needs and requirements of clients in the MICE Sector, and I work tirelessly to provide customized solutions that exceed client expectations. Building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, such as event planners, corporate clients, DMC, tourist boards and travel agencies is a crucial part of my job. By collaborating closely with these partners, I ensure the seamless execution of MICE programs and maximise revenue opportunities. I'm extremely passionate about creating and delivering amazing event experiences and have developed strong relationships with MICE planners globally built on trust and respect. I love to travel and have extensive knowledge and experience working with client's to understand their needs and match their events in perfect destinations around the globe.

I was invited to join Meeting Professionals International (MPI) UK, Ireland chapter Board as Director of Communications in 2020 and proud to serve as your President in 2023.
brian-hand

BRIAN HAND
President-Elect

Founder & Project Manager, Eventcomms Agency

Brian is Founder & Project Manager at Eventcomms Agency. He and his team help corporate event planners organise and manage their global events. Based in Dublin, 

Brian has worked hotel and agency side in the events industry since 2003 and enjoys sourcing the perfect venues for his global clients and operating memorable and impactful events all around the world. 

Brian is a proud MPI member and is very excited to be President-Elect for the 2023-2024 year and is looking forward to supporting the entire board to deliver quality membership, community & events for MPI Members across the UK & Ireland.

dan-noyce

DAN NOYCE
Past President

Senior Relationship Manager, IMEX Group

Dan Noyce is the Senior Relationship Manager for IMEX Group, where he is responsible for delivering the Hosted Buyer Program for both IMEX Frankfurt and IMEX America. 

He is an advocate for disrupting the status quo and empowering our future generations to lead fearlessly. A passionate believer in emerging leadership driving change and shaping the future of the business events industry. 

Dan serves on the Board of Directors for Meetings Professional International, UK & Ireland as Chapter President. He is also a member of the Global Leadership committee for Destinations International. 

Noyce was also selected as an honouree for PCMA’s 20 in their Twenties Class of 2021 and Exhibition News 30 under Thirty class of 2021. As part of MPI’s 50th Anniversary, he was also recognised as the first MPI50 Up-and-Comer. 


MEMBERSHIP & COMMUNITY TEAM

Contact Details: membership@mpiuki.org

dan-aguero

DAN AGUERO
VP, Membership & Community

Director of Global Sales, Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI)

Daniel serves as a Director of Global Sales for Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI).   ALHI is a Global Sales Organization with a team of nearly 80 professionals located among 26 offices across North America and Europe, ALHI’s serves a membership group of hotels that are Independent Hotels & Independent Brands that are an exclusive luxury collection. Daniel has over 20 years of hospitality experience in the U.S. and Europe, working exclusively within the luxury market. Prior to ALHI, Daniel served as the Assistant Director of Sales at Hotel Café Royal for Set Hotels with previous management roles at the Savoy in London, Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons and more. Daniel has experience within all market segments however his true passion is the MICE industry.

After being a part of MPI for a few years now, Daniel is absolutely delighted to be serving on the board as Director of Communications for a second year.

mark-beverlo

MARK BEVERLO
Director, Community - UK

Director of Group Sales, Europe, Preferred Hotels & Resorts

Mark Beverlo brings over 20 years of international sales experience to his role as Director of Group Sales-  Europe for Preferred Hotels & Resorts. In this position, he has a hands on approach to developing MICE business out of the United Kingdom, The Netherlands and Scandinavia for 650 member hotels world wide.

After completing his studies and earning a degree in hospitality management, Mark began his career Beijing working in the diplomatic segment as Sales Manager for Shangri-La’s Kerry Centre Hotel. In 2009, Beverlo moved to London where he focused on the local corporate market to develop business at various Red Carnations Hotels including The Rubens at The Palace Hotel, Hotel 41, and The Egerton House.

Prior to joining Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Beverlo held various senior sales positions for prestigious luxury hotels including The Ritz London, Shangri-La London, and Rocco Forte Brown’s Hotel, where he honed his international sales expertise and broadened his network managing a variety of key markets including Europe, Russia, Asia Pacific, and the Americas. Mark speaks Dutch, English, German and Mandarin Chinese.

In January 2020, HSMAI Region Europe awarded Mark the Sales Professional Of The Year Award 2019.
lou-hindley

LOU HINDLEY
Director, Membership

Commercial Director, CHS Events

Lou is Commercial Director for CHS Events delivering two annual exhibitions for the MICE industry in Leeds and Birmingham plus a range of hosted buyer events for venues, hotels and event suppliers across the UK.

She has over 20 years’ experience in the events industry as a sales leader in the UK Hotel industry before working for SquareMeal and then CHS Events, selling commercial product packages to support individual venues sales and marketing requirements.

Lou is passionate about delivering events that offer both a tangible return on investment for clients and a return on experience for buyers and attendees.  Over a 20-year career she has developed many relationships with event organisers, venues and hotels across the UK and Europe and is keen to engage with and learn more about their needs.

Post Covid, Lou wanted to be part of an organisation that supported and developed the industry whilst developing her own skills.  With a thirst for learning and personal development, she is incredibly proud to be invited to the Board of the MPI UK and Ireland Chapter from 2023.

donna-brogan

DONNA BROGAN
Director, Community - Ireland

Luxury and Business Tourism Officer, Meet in Ireland

Donna entered the business tourism sector immediately after completing college in 2004, when she landed her first position at the Dublin Convention Bureau. Since then, her passion for this industry has remained unwavering. Even after 19 years, she still finds as much enjoyment working in this sector as she did when she first started in October 2004.

Throughout her career she has witnessed various changes and encountered numerous challenges within the industry. However, one constant that has remained is the incredible individuals she has the opportunity to interact with and the dynamic nature of this fast-paced sector. Each day brings new and unique experiences, and the opportunities it has presented her, both in the past and present, makes it the most exciting and gratifying field to be a part of.

She has been fortunate enough to participate in international trade shows, engage in sales missions, attended the Irish pavilion at Expo2020 in Dubai.

She has relished the opportunity to present Irish hospitality worldwide while promoting Ireland as a world class business destination on a global scale. This truly is the job of her dreams!
ciara-feely

CIARA FEELY
Director, Onboarding & Engagement

Director, Keynote Speaker & Sales Enablement Trainer

Ciara is the subject matter expert for MPI in the area of sales growth for hotels, agencies and CVBs.  Ciara has been a member of MPI for a number of years having held volunteer positions as President Elect, Director of Education, and VP of Education.  She is also on the MPI International Small Business Advisory Board.

She is described by Jessie States, Director of the MPI Academy as having revolutionised the sales process for hotels, agencies and CVBs around the world.  She runs her own business, based in Cork, Ireland, showing teams how to be leaders in the sales process in the MICE industry.  She brings her warm Irish welcome to everything she does focusing teams on how to get the EDGE on their competitors and generate sustained revenue results faster.

Ciara is a best-selling author of “Steps to WIN in the Meetings Market”. The Steps to WIN™ Program is a framework and methodology that shows teams how the Buyer Buys.  

She is a mother of twins and lives in a little village in Ireland where the native language of Ireland “Gaeilge” is still spoken.  Community is very important to her both in her work and home life.  That is why MPI is a great fit for Ciara.


EVENTS TEAM

Contact Details: events@mpiuki.org

carlos-oliveira

CARLOS OLIVEIRA
VP, Events

Global Events Strategist, Producer, Sustainability and Social Impact Advisor

Experienced and creative event professional with over 15 years of global expertise, Carlos leads the strategy and execution of events across 6 continents.

With a track record of success in leading strategy and organising award winning conferences, team building activities, social events, arts festivals, incentive trips, award ceremonies, leadership meetings, branding activations, and digital events for global companies, he brings a diverse range of skills and certifications.

Known for his versatility, he possesses a strong foundation in TV, audio-visual production, dance, theatre, executive production, hospitality, and artist management.

ali-molloy

ALI MOLLOY
Director, Events

Founder, High Tide Experience Management

Ali Molloy is Founder of High Tide Experience Management - a leading provider of employee and customer engagement programs to businesses of all sizes across Ireland, EMEA and North America. High Tide create bespoke activations such as partner conferences, product launches, employee & customer engagement programs, company strategic announcements, award ceremonies and company roadshows. 

Ali is a highly creative and strategically focused Experience Director with over 18 years international experience management. She brings this experience and passion into each project she undertakes with High Tide. 
High Tide are a trusted vendor who provides strategic direction and becomes an extension of your team making each experience a massive success. We thrive on being creative, responsive and experts in our field.

Ali is delighted to join the MPI Board as Director of Event Experiences and is looking forward to working alongside the board to bring many more MPI experiences to life in a meaningful way!
jennifer-mccormack

JENNIFER MCCORMACK
Director, Events

Owner, Spark - The Events Agency

Jennifer is the owner of Spark - The Events Agency, a boutique events agency located in Ireland that delivers events both locally and internationally for its clients. Our areas of expertise include Corporate Events, Conference and Meeting Planning, Employee Workplace Experiences and Team Incentives and Travel.

Having spent over 16 years working in luxury hospitality, offering Ireland as a destination for meetings, incentives, conferences and events, Jennifer turned her passion for connecting people through experiences into Spark – The Events Agency.

She is renowned for her professionalism, attention to detail, excellent customer service and creative flair. 

As a busy mum of three, when she is not delivering global events for her clients, she regularly finds herself on the sidelines of many GAA and soccer pitches!!

Jennifer is delighted to be joining the MPI Board for 2023/24 and to work alongside some talented fellow professionals in the meeting and hospitality industry.

tracey-chatters

TRACEY CHATTERS
Director, Events

Freelance Event Project Manager

Tracey has a varied background within the events and hospitality sector that includes: end-to-end event management; MICE sales and communications. Tracey has worked in Canada and the United Kingdom within the Four Seasons, Marriott and the Hyatt as well as several events agencies and a non-profit, government funded initiative.

Tracey is new to the MPI UK & Ireland chapter and is joining as the Director, Events.

felicia-asiedu

FELICIA ASIEDU
Director, Event Registration

Marketing Director Cvent Europe

Felicia has over 16 years’ sales and marketing experience in fast-moving technology organisations and is an experienced CIM qualified marketing professional. She has run events both personally and professionally throughout her career and is instrumental in delivering Cvent’s flagship annual European event Cvent CONNECT Europe among other tier 1 events.

Felicia has a background in content and marketing management and is currently responsible for the strategic direction of the Cvent’s marketing team in Europe including expansion planning, brand management, digital experiences, campaign planning and execution, demand generation, lead management and event management. She regularly speaks on topics including marketing, events, technology, self-belief and DE&I at conferences, exhibitions, roundtables, awards and other business events.

She is one of the co-founders of the Diverse Speaker Bureau, is one of the FastForward15 Diversity Ambassadors and sits on the Diversity and Inclusion Council within Cvent. Felicia is passionate about marketers pushing the boundaries of technology to enhance creativity, increase flexibility and reduce waste (of time, money, effort, and materials) whilst personalising experiences for customers, prospects and brand advocates through both digital and offline channels.


MARCOMMS TEAM

Contact Details: marketing@mpiuki.org

olivia-breene

OLIVIA BREENE
VP, Marcomms

Head of Business Development, AVCOM The Premium Event Production Agency

Olivia is an accomplished and visionary Business Development & Marketing commercial leader passionate about creating unforgettable experiences through event production.

Olivia joined AVCOM as Head of Business Development in 2019, having previously worked in strategic sales leadership roles in the fashion and retail space for Selfridges Group, Brown Thomas, Arnott’s and The Kilkenny Group. She has over 20 years of experience generating positive business growth and a breadth of strategic experience across a variety of organisations and industries, coupled with her design and marketing experience.

Olivia’s innovative spirit and ability to adapt to changing trends have kept her at the forefront of this industry. Whether exploring the latest technological advancements, incorporating sustainability initiatives, in-depth research, and understanding how people want to experience events. She embraces new concepts, seeks opportunities, and always remains dedicated to staying ahead of the curve and pushing the boundaries of what's possible.   Olivia has cultivated strong relationships with industry-leading vendors, suppliers, clients, and partners throughout her career.  Her collaborative approach to doing business allows her to access cutting-edge technology, top-tier talent, and premium resources to elevate each project to its fullest potential.

As Head of Business Development & Marketing for AVCOM, she spearheads their drive to create unparalleled experiences that leave a lasting impression, ensuring clients and their audiences always #experiencemore

Together with the full board, Olivia is excited to play a pivotal role in shaping MPI UKI's overall marketing and event strategies.

orla-moule

ORLA MOULE
Director, Communications

Luxury and Business Tourism Assistant, Meet in Ireland

With a degree in Marketing and a post-graduate diploma in global business leadership, Orla possesses a deep passion for promoting the people, breathtaking places, and unforgettable experiences that Ireland has to offer. As a proud member of the Meet in Ireland team within Fáilte Ireland, Orla operates within both the luxury and corporate markets, diligently positioning Ireland as a world-class destination. It is an absolute privilege for her to showcase Ireland on a global platform, boasting its unrivaled venues, a harmonious fusion of culture and history, breathtaking natural beauty, and the renowned warmth of the Irish welcome.

Orla's heart is filled with enthusiasm as she proudly serves on the Board of MPI as Director of Membership, ensuring the continuous growth of the MPI community. Above all, she is dedicated to inspiring and embracing the next generation of industry leaders, nurturing their passion and ensuring they feel truly embraced within the MPI community.

rebecca-duncan

REBECCA DUNCAN
Director, Marketing

Business Development Manager, easyJet

Rebecca joined the easyJet business team in early 2022, following a 20-year career at Virgin Atlantic.
Rebecca’s experience includes managing Global Corporate accounts, Multi-National TMCs and a variety of organisations within the specialist MICE sector. Rebecca has a background in airline operations, leading teams, MICE PR and developing trade partnerships.
Rebecca was chosen to be a mentor for the 2018/2019 cohort of the Fast Forward 15 mentoring program. A mentoring scheme for women in the events, travel, and hospitality sector.
Rebecca went on to join the GBTA Ladders program, this time as a mentee. Rebecca is a big believer in learning through mentoring and the power of cross collaboration.
Rebecca’s top 3 destination hotspots for business meetings and events are; Nice, Edinburgh and Milan.
Rebecca is a supplier member of both ITM and the BTA, as well as many MICE associations.

shona-cleary

SHONA CLEARY
Director, Digital

Marketing Consultant

Shona has over 13 years experience in bringing strategic, analytical and transformative digital thinking to a range of B2B and B2C businesses. Her strong operational focus, based on data and customer insight, is used to create, develop and deliver innovative marketing strategies, and performance first websites. 

Having managed teams in both Digital Marketing and Web Services concurrently, Shona has a wealth of experience working with businesses to uncover and develop strategic campaigns to reach audiences across the medtech, construction, manufacturing, software & ICT, with expertise in creating and executing campaigns across corporate and commercial landscapes.
She has enabled businesses to bring about lasting improvement through training and strategic consultative sessions, delivered to junior exec’s through to senior stakeholders.

Shona was invited to join the Board of Directors of Meeting Professionals International (MPI) UK & Ireland Chapter and is excited to take on the role as Director of Digital.

FUTURE LEADERS TEAM

Contact Details: futureleaders@mpiuki.org

stijn-huijbers

STIJN HUIJBERS
VP, Future Leaders

National Director of Sales UK&I - Specialist Sales Support Office, Hilton

With over 15+ years of hospitality experience and having worked in Sweden, South Africa, China and the UK Stijn brings a wealth of knowledge with him.
In his current role as National Director of Sales UK&I – Specialist Sales Support Office with Hilton, Stijn oversees the overall performance of some key Domestic Accounts, International markets, Business Development and industry relations servicing all the owned & managed hotels in the UK&I. Stijn is described as a culture driven, communicative, inclusive leader focussed on empowering, inspiring and mentoring others to learn more, do more and become more. Stijn continues to create a trustworthy, high energy team environment where people can excel and flourish while driving an effective, creative and result oriented team performance attitude. Equally where fun, relaxation and free time are scheduled and prioritized for everyone to thrive.

Stijn has been actively engage in the industry for many year and is thrilled to be joining the MPI UK&I board as VP, Future Leaders.With over 15+ years of hospitality experience and having worked in Sweden, South Africa, China and the UK Stijn brings a wealth of knowledge with him.
In his current role as National Director of Sales UK&I – Specialist Sales Support Office with Hilton, Stijn oversees the overall performance of some key Domestic Accounts, International markets, Business Development and industry relations servicing all the owned & managed hotels in the UK&I. Stijn is described as a culture driven, communicative, inclusive leader focussed on empowering, inspiring and mentoring others to learn more, do more and become more. Stijn continues to create a trustworthy, high energy team environment where people can excel and flourish while driving an effective, creative and result oriented team performance attitude. Equally where fun, relaxation and free time are scheduled and prioritized for everyone to thrive.

Stijn has been actively engage in the industry for many year and is thrilled to be joining the MPI UK&I board as VP, Future Leaders.

nathalie-paxton

NATHALIE PAXTON
Director, Scholarships & Events

Senior Strategic Account Director, BCD Meetings & Events

Nathalie has responsibility for managing client relationships on a global level within the strategic meetings management sector, as well as supporting a team of Account Directors, for a wide number of verticals including Life Sciences, Manufacturing and Engineering companies.  

Nathalie is proud to be part of such a successful Meetings & Events team with BCD M&E and cares passionately about delivering for her clients. In getting to know Nathalie, you’ll understand her commitment to her clients and dedication to going above and beyond.

With 17 year’s experience within the Meetings & Events industry, Nathalie is vastly experienced in several areas including operations; event management/logistics, account management, project management and business and strategic development.

Nathalie focuses on her client's goals and always looks to maximize every situation achieving her client’s M&E program’s objectives from a key strategic level through her extensive knowledge and guidance.

Nathalie is very pleased to be part of the MPI UK & Ireland Board Slate for 2023 and 2024 and working with a talented group of people to raise awareness of our industry value and bring value to those who work in our industry.

Outside of work Nathalie lives in the northeast and enjoys trips to the Yorkshire Dales, Yorkshire Moors and Northumberland, walking with the family, which includes a husband and 3 boys.  Recently Nathalie has bought a campervan and the adventures have started!

lindsay-nielsen

LINDSAY NIELSEN
Director, FL Communications

Senior Corporate & Incentive Business Development Manager, Business Events

Lindsay heads up the Corporate & Incentive team for VisitScotland Business Events and is based in Edinburgh.  The team plays a vital role in generating and converting enquiries, and delivering sales and marketing platforms enabling the Scottish industry to access key MICE markets.  She has spent over 20 years working in destination, tourism and hospitality sectors. With a focus on marketing, communications and business development roles, she started her career in the premium drinks industry based in France for a number of years, before discovering the fascinating world of business events.

She is a keen enthusiast in mentoring and public speaking skills development, and is a past president of an International Toastmasters club. She is delighted to be working on the Future Leaders remit, and regularly presents to school and university students. With so much future talent blossoming in the meetings industry, she is eager to assist the next generation in developing successful careers.


SUSTAINABILITY TEAM

Contact Details: sustainability@mpiuki.org

david-luney

DAVID LUNEY
VP, Sustainability

Head of Client Relationships, Inntel

A strategic Head of Client Relationships who thrives on a challenge, and using over 20 years’ experience in the travel and events industry to create a winning team.

With over 20 years spent within the industry David has had roles in areas such as airline, hotel, technology and TMC.  This has given him the knowledge and experience to not just mentor and nurture the people he works with but also to build strong, strategic partnerships with clients, and continually exceed their expectations.

David's skills lie in listening, questioning and understanding, which enables him to effectively engage, collaborate and solution to achieve shared goals.

EDUCATION TEAM

Contact Details: education@mpiuki.org

hannah-lee

HANNAH LEE
VP, Education

Knowledge & Events Senior Executive, IMEX Group

Hannah works for the IMEX Group as Knowledge and Events Senior Executive, looking after speaker acquisition and management for the educational programmes at IMEX Frankfurt and IMEX America. She is also responsible for the global IMEX-MPI-MCI Future Leaders Forums, which support students taking their next steps into the events industry and provides them with powerful connections to further their careers.

Her passions include relationship building, empowering the next generation of event professionals, programme curation and project management.

Hannah joined Meeting Professionals International (MPI) UK & Ireland chapter in 2021, first volunteering for the Marcomms committee where she worked on MPI's event communication and curated their monthly chapter newsletter. Hannah is now a proud member of the board, serving as Vice President of Education.

SECRETARIAT

Contact Details: secretariat@mpiuki.org

catherine-cocklin

CATHERINE COCKLIN
Secretariat

Founder, Quality Time PA Services

Catherine is founder of virtual assistant business Quality Time PA Services. Catherine created QTPA with the sole purpose of helping small business owners to manage the admin side of their companies so they can concentrate on the things they are good at and like doing most. Over the last two years the business has grown to a point where she now has a fantastic team of VAs ready to help many more small businesses.


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