EN Indy Awards: Judging Panel

Dan has 20+ years of experience in the events industry and is Production Director at Clear Path Analysis, a media company focused on bringing together senior decision-makers in the areas of institutional asset allocation, fund operations, treasury and cash management. Dan hosts the Dan Assor Show, a leading podcast for event professionals, is an EventWell Trustee, and was listed in the 2022 Eventex Top 100 Most Influential People in the Event Industry.

What you are most excited to see in a submission? 

Innovation, creativity, and a commitment to connect with the community that they serve and deliver value and engagement to attendees and exhibitors.

Having worked in the events space for over 20 years, I have a vast range of marketing experience from large to small scale, national to international events. From implementing best practice processes within marketing and sales departments across b2b exhibitions, large scale events, awards, conferences, communities and subscription campaigns to helping teams grow their delegate and sponsorship revenue. My focus for over 6 years was within the sustainability sector and growing the Sustainability Leaders events at Faversham House and I am currently Head of Growth at Global Insight Conferences.

What you are most excited to see in a submission?

The different ideas, techniques, processes and team work that have been implemented over the past year and hearing about the successes within the industry and the next phase of the events industry…what’s next and who is ahead of the curve.

Co-owner of Creative Live Limited and Creative Event Spaces Limited.

What you are most excited to see in a submission?

Cases where businesses have gone "all in" and adopted an approach to their business that reflects the much changed times we now operate in.

In my roles at Terrapinn I have been privileged to create and develop many of our global event brands. And in developing many people who have become leaders at Terrapinn and across the events industry.

I have enjoyed launching, acquiring and developing exhibitions in Australia, Asia, Africa, Middle East, Europe, USA and Latin America in a thirty-plus year career.

What you are most excited to see in a submission?

* Revenue growth * NPS * Attendance numbers and growth * Conference quality * Industry endorsements

Penny is the Founder of Latch Events and the Clean & Tidy Home Show. From Weddings and Pets to Technology and Healthcare, Penny’s career of more than 15 years has spanned many sectors in trade and consumer markets. Her heart lies in fostering people-centric, inclusive collaborations, driving transformations that ignite positive change.

What main reason would you give to urge our community to submit an entry for these awards?

The awards give us all an opportunity to showcase our exceptional talents and achievements as well as an occasion to celebrate them together. I would urge you to embrace this chance to gain recognition and elevate your brand whilst inspiring and meeting others in our amazing community.

I've worked as an exhibition designer in the commercial world for 30-odd years. I've launched shows like 100% Design in a marquee on the King's Road, gone on to take it worldwide and loved the massive influence it had to UK design. I've worked for many of the big organisers, and FOOTPRINT+ is my view on how it can be done. We decided to have no backers, it was very very scary to start with - it still is a bit. 

What you are most excited to see in a submission?

Concept.

You need a concept, ideas are king and also ran's are dull and actually quite destructive. You also need to know your marketplace inside out. I've worked for quite a large number of organisers, and I think only 2 actually did. Nobody at the Boat Show had actually been on a boat.

Oliver, a driven 25-year-old Managing Director revolutionising the event industry. With a future-focused mindset and a proven track record, he leads with precision. Supporting countless events, he's recognised by top-tier organizers. As the chair of the ESSA Future Focus board, he spearheads advancements, bridging generational gaps with passion and expertise.

What you are most excited to see in a submission?

To see innovation and groundbreaking ideas. As well as expectational execution and tangible results. It is inspiring to witness the impact individuals, teams, and organisations can have in the events community. Success drives through their creativity, strategic thinking, and ability to overcome challenges.

Rachel discovered a passion for working in events when she joined UBM (now Informa Markets) in a commercial finance role as a new qualified Chartered Accountant in 2003.

During her career, she has worked in various senior Finance roles within start-up, private equity and blue-chip Media Companies in a number of sectors including Design, Healthcare, Aviation & Energy.

Rachel joined dmg events energy in 2015 and in her role as COO manages the HR and Finance teams and works closely with the President and VP’s of the business to manage and grow an international portfolio of events.

Rachel is currently Vice Chair of the AEO and a board member of Women in Exhibitions.

What you are most excited to see in a submission?

Examples of where problems and challenges have been overcome.

Kate is the Marketing & Communications Director at the Business Design Centre, where she has been working for 15 years. She has a passion for events as well as using the venue's platform for good.

What you are most excited to see in an entry?

I'm excited to see innovation and creativity from independent organisers, particularly around the implementation of sustainability initiatives at events.

Favourite ever launch?

'Ever!? Most recently here at the BDC we had the Podcast Show and it was great because they widened the event across the whole local area which made the event by day at the venue and by night elsewhere - connecting with our community and maximising some of the fantastic opportunities our borough has to offer.

Toby is the CEO and Co-founder of Elite Exhibitions. Elite Exhibitions specialise in launching business-to-business trade shows and digital platforms in the interior design, cruise, hotel & aircraft sectors.

What main reason would you give to urge our community to submit an entry for these awards?

Being nominated for an award gives your team the credit and acknowledgement they deserve for the hard work required to launch shows and other products.

As MD of Terrapinn's London business and member of our Board of Directors, I manage the creation of B2B events across a range of industries, markets and geographies.

My goal is to deliver a superior return to our shareholders through originating great ideas, executing beyond our customers' expectations, hiring and developing great talent, and a disciplined work ethic.

What you are most excited to see in a submission? 

Evidence of original thought, and excellent execution. Evidence that customers (both exhibitors AND visitors) were delighted.