Hyatt - National Sales Director
Bernice Heard
Bernice is an award-winning hotel sales professional and currently serves as the National Sales Director for UK & Ireland at Hyatt Hotels & Resorts.
Fast Forward
15
Meet The Mentors
2025/2026
Global Events Leader
Dawn Christie
I am delighted to be returning as a mentor on the FF15 programme. I am passionate about helping individuals reach their full potential and offer 25+ years of experience in global event management.
Aviva PLC - Head of Events
Finola Griffiths
With 24 years of experience in managing events, Finaol's career began in agencies organising a broad range of events from corporate ski trips to incentives and conferences all over the world.
Founder & Managing Director
Gemma Bassett
A three-year Fast Forward 15 mentor, Gem is a strong leader with empathy and a genuine passion for the success of others and the industry as a whole. She excels at building high-performing teams and fostering seamless collaboration.
HeadBox - Director of Operations
Grace Louisy
I’m over the moon to be a mentor on the Fast Forward 15 programme. I'm passionate about building positive, collaborative relationships with professional women, in a network where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
CWT - Vice President Global Operations M&E
Hayley Greaves
Having worked in the events industry for more years than she would care to mention, her experience spans both agency and client-side roles. Hayley regularly sits on customer advisory boards along with speaking and panel positions at industry events, she was previously an EVCOM Board Director.
Planit Live - Founder
Joseph Charlton
Absolutely thrilled to be a mentor for Fast Forward 15! I’m passionate about paying it forward, and I can’t wait to share, learn, and help someone on their journey. It’s an honour to be part of something so empowering!
Corrigan Collection - Head of Sales
Kathryn Williams
Kathryn is currently Head of Sales for The Corrigan Collection; a collection of restaurants, bars, and venues owned by the renowned Michelin-starred chef Richard Corrigan.
P&O Cruises - Events Director
Kelly-Marie Frew
I am a highly experienced event, PR, communication and brand partnership specialist. Within my current role as Event Director for P&O cruises I lead the strategy and delivery of large scale high profile events, ship launches and brand partnership activity.
Strive Events Agency - Director
Lily Jones
I’m buzzing to be a mentor on the fast forward 15 programme, I think it’s a powerful platform to help and support women in our industry and I am privileged to be in a position to contribute.
Kerb - Purpose & Culture Manager
Priya Narain
Being a mentor on the Fast Forward 15 programme is an incredible opportunity to give back, share knowledge, and support emerging talent in the industry. I’m passionate about empowering others to realise their potential and navigate challenges with confidence. Together, we can create a more inclusive and dynamic future for events.
CEO and Founder - Top Banana
Richard Bridge
Richard is the CEO and founder of award-winning Creative Communications Agency, Top Banana...
NASUWT Head of Events
Sammy Connell
Being a mentor on the Fast Forward 15 programme has been such a great experience. It’s amazing to help someone grow in confidence and reach their goals.
LSEG - London Stock Exchange Group - Head of Events & Studios
Tom Hurley
Tom has a background of events, internal and external communications experience and has worked in the Retail, Financial Services and Telecoms sectors. He now leads the Events and Studios teams at LSEG
KPMG Business Services - Senior category Manager
Victoria Owens
Victoria has 25 years’ experience working in Hotels, Events and Procurement holding senior positions and enjoying consistent promotions within Marriott, MCI, BAE, Arqiva and most recently KPMG.