Amy has been in the hospitality industry since she was 18. Starting her career in agency reservations, she soon realised sales was where her heart is.
She worked in sales roles for large hotel chains such as IHG and Thistle hotels, as well as experience within smaller independent venues. Amy spent 5 years at Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol promoting the £14 million stadium refurbishment.
Amy joined the Delegate Wranglers as their commercial manager in 2022, and is enjoying being on a different side of the table. One of Amy’s proudest achievements was winning salesperson of the year at the C&IT awards in March 2023.
Andrew Perolls is founder and CEO of Greengage Solutions. Uniquely positioned as an events and business travel expert as well as an environmental sustainability specialist. He set up the company to provide independent advice and support to businesses wanting to embrace a greener approach.
Andrew’s previous experience includes UK and international roles at Board level including BCD Meetings & Events, CTM and Business Travel Direct.
Sandra is Director of Business Development at the Meetings Industry Association (MIA). With a venue and destination sales background, Sandra’s career spans over 2 decades, and is a focused and dynamic business development professional, with an incredible understanding of the MICE market, meeting the challenges and managing the expectations of venues, clients and suppliers.
Starting her career within a Convention Bureau, Sandra steadily built her knowledge of different venues and tailoring representation to their individual needs and understanding what a difference her contribution made to the wider economic impact of the destination. Over the next 15 years, Sandra held senior roles within some of UK’s premier venues, working closely with Associations, Agencies and PCO, building close working relationships within the industry.
Having joined the MIA in 2022, Sandra is using her extensive knowledge for the business and events industry, supporting members, growing member engagement and increasing profile and recognition for mia members, and is excited to be using this experience in judging the stadium and event hospitality awards, recognising innovation and excellence of the last 12 months.
Simon is a key figure at tobook and dedicated to helping corporate clients source the perfect venues for events. Simon oversees the management of the company’s bespoke accommodation booking system, which provides tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of each client.
Recently, Simon has been actively involved in the successful re-launch of tobook recommends, tobook’s innovative online Venue Directory. This platform empowers users to easily source suitable venues and access contact details with a single search, revolutionising the way companies find and book venues.
Simon’s commitment to excellence, combined with his strategic approach to project management, continues to drive tobook’s growth and success.
Simon’s experience, from his previous career in the Royal Engineers for 24 years, reinforces tobook’s commitment to excellence. With his combined strategic approach to project management, Simon continues to drive tobook’s growth and success.
Louisa Watson was appointed Chair of beam—the industry association for business events, accommodation, and meetings—in February 2025, after serving as an active member and board director for many years. A seasoned and award winning marketing professional, Louisa has recently honed her expertise in sustainability and the circular economy, leading ESG initiatives for beam and its members. Her passion for collaboration across the hospitality industry, and dedication to fostering innovation and sustainability, has been a key part of her leadership.
As Marketing Director & Sustainability Lead at Wyboston Lakes Resort in Bedfordshire, Louisa has successfully merged her passion for marketing with sustainable practices, driving both brand growth and environmental responsibility. Her focus on collaboration and industry innovation continues to inspire progress across the sector.
Shirley currently runs SWJ Events and is the Event Director, looking after her clients bespoke events working within the MICE industry. Also the Events Logistics Lead for business engagement organisation Business South Group and Treasurer to the Southampton & Region Hoteliers Association.
Previously Shirley was the membership secretary for Stadium Experience until 2015, and managed the organisation and these prestigious awards on behalf of the members for 14 years. Shirley joined the conference industry at just 21 as a conference co-ordinator at one of Country Club Hotels properties in Hampshire and has since enjoyed almost 30 years within this exciting sector.
Craig fell in love with hospitality early in life and spent the initial years of his career working with terrific teams in London’s theatreland and iconic venues, which included The London Eye and The Roundhouse.
Craig stepped into recruitment in 2011 and spent eight successful years agency side working with a variety of clients in hospitality and leisure. Following a stay with Ennismore and The Hoxton, he launched his own hospitality talent partnership ‘mum’ in 2019 to offer a more personalised and progressive alternative to traditional recruitment.
Craig is delighted to be invited back to judge this year’s Stadium Events & Hospitality Awards.
Sam began her career at an International Events & Production company, before becoming the National Sales Manager for the iconic nightclub and restaurant group, Tiger Tiger, by age 25, and working on the prestigious ‘Volvo Ocean Race’ with ABN AMRO sailing.
In 2010, Sam launched Heard About Sam Ltd in Covent Garden, during London’s nightlife boom, helping major bar and restaurant chains to grow sales and enhance the customer experience. This lead to a collaboration with Heineken during the 2012 Olympics.
Sam joined Southampton FC in 2013 to build a sales, marketing, and events department. Under her leadership, revenues soared from £800K to £3.2M, and she secured a key event hire contract at the cruise terminals. Sam also welcomed high-profile concerts, including Robbie Williams, Take That, and The Rolling Stones. Sam also sat on the Stadium Experience Leadership Team during her 5 years at the club, and in 2024, she was a judge for the Inspirational Women Awards.
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