MEET THE JUDGING PANEL
Louisa Watson
2025 Chair, beam
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.
Sam McGrath
Director (Hampshire & IOW), Change Hospitality
Sam McGrath is a senior hospitality, commercial and events leader with more than 25 years’ experience driving growth, partnerships and major events across hospitality, leisure and sport.
She began her career in international events and hospitality before moving into national sales leadership and founding Heard About Sam, a consultancy supporting businesses with commercial strategy, business development and customer experience.
Sam later joined Southampton Football Club, leading sales, marketing and events and developing new revenue streams and major partnerships.
Today, as Director of Change Hospitality B Corp’s Hampshire & Isle of Wight Franchise, she connects hospitality businesses with exceptional talent. Sam is also an experienced industry judge and former Stadium Experience Leadership Team member.
Amy Manton
Commercial Manager, The Delegate Wranglers
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.
Jacqui Kavanagh
Founder & CEO, Edge Venues
Charlotte Podlewska
Sales Manager, MIA
Charlotte has over 15 years’ experience across the hospitality, tourism, meeting and events industry, with a passion for building relationships, driving commercial growth and connecting people.
Her career spans hotels, venues, travel and destination management, including seven years with Leeds City Council’s Visitor Economy Team, where she helped attract major national and international conferences to the city.
Charlotte joined the Meetings Industry Association (MIA) as part-time Sales Manager in 2026, alongside running her own business development and marketing consultancy. For the MIA, Charlotte focusses on growing membership, developing sponsorship partnerships and helping businesses unlock the value of being part of a collaborative industry community.
Charlotte is passionate about championing the sector, creating meaningful connections and helping businesses thrive.
Shirley Wynne-Jones
Event Director, SWJ Events
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.
Philippa Jalland
Lead CRM Consultant, Two Circles
Philippa is a Lead CRM Consultant at Two Circles, a global sports marketing and technology business, where she works closely with leading sports rightsholders to transform their commercial operations and enhance fan and customer experiences. With extensive experience delivering CRM and digital transformation projects across the sports industry, Philippa specialises in helping hospitality, events and partnerships teams make better use of technology and data to streamline processes, strengthen customer relationships and unlock new commercial opportunities. Having worked with a range of professional football clubs and sporting organisations, Philippa has developed a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing stadium hospitality and C&E teams. Passionate about the evolving role of technology in sport, Philippa is excited to join the judging panel for the 2027 Stadium Events & Hospitality Awards and celebrate the innovation, creativity and exceptional experiences being delivered across the industry.
Sam Cowdrill
Stadium Account Manager, venuedirectory.com
