'Bringing fun into the team makes a huge difference...'

Tell us about you

I am head of events at UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, where I lead the planning and delivery of our international events (including the Global CEO Summit, and our annual Global Congress for members)

I oversee all logistics - from technical production to booking hotels and catering - while also shaping the overall experience for delegates through networking and social programmes at our events which are designed for members to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and create business opportunities.

I am also supported by two team members who manage event technology, registration, and delegate support.

Are you an early riser or a night owl?

Both! Definitely both. During events, I operate on a special mode powered by adrenaline, coffee, and sheer determination, starting before sunrise and somehow still going at midnight.

Sleep becomes more of a 'nice idea' than a real plan, but the energy of the event keeps me going.

Describe your perfect day at work

It starts early - somewhere between 6 and 7am - with coffee and a proper breakfast (my favourite part of the day, no negotiation). Then a quick workout, usually dance fitness, just to get the energy going.

At the office, I have another coffee with colleagues before diving in to work. Some days will be full of calls with hosts, vendors, and the team, and other days it's just me, my laptop, and a deep conversation with Excel.

But the really perfect days include site visits where I meet people from all over the world, discover new destinations, and bring events to life on the ground. Those are the days that remind me why I love what I do.

How do you stay motivated?

Dark chocolate is definitely part of the strategy. It’s basically fuel at this point. I also keep the energy up by joking around and not taking things too seriously. A bit of singing may, or may not happen during the day.

Of course, there are moments when we need full focus, but I believe bringing fun into the team makes a huge difference, and I try to lead that vibe.

And most importantly, talking to people around me really keeps me motivated. I get a lot of energy from those interactions.

Are you a meticulous planner or or a spontaneous creative?

I'm definitely a meticulous planner - details, details, and more details. I like to have everything mapped out so nothing is left to chance.

That said, in events you always need a bit of flexibility, so I can switch into creative problem-solving mode when needed.

What's your favourite inspirational quote?

“Failing to plan is planning to fail." It perfectly reflects how I approach my work.

At the same time, I always remind myself that no matter how detailed the plan is, things can change, so staying flexible and solution-oriented is key.
In short: plan everything, and be ready for anything.

What are you grabbing for lunch?

A healthy, consistent lunch with plenty of protein and veggies, except on Tuesdays when it’s sushi day with the team.

You’re off to a desert island to work and can only take three things – what are they?

First, my laptop, because everything starts and ends there.

Second, a swimming suit, because I love swimming, and let’s be honest, it’s an island, so it would be rude not to be ready.

And third, my sense of humour, because in events (and life), nothing ever goes exactly as planned, and that’s usually where the best stories come from.

What event are you most proud of working on?

I especially love organising our Global CEO Summit every year because it’s the only event we deliver in a 5-star hotel setting.

Coming from a background in luxury hospitality, it feels very close to home for me. It’s a unique environment where every detail matters, and that connection to my roots in hospitality makes it particularly special and rewarding to work on.

What would be your dream event ?

It would be something much more personal and fun, like taking a group of friends to a surprise destination and organising the whole experience from A to Z.

I love the idea of keeping everything secret, planning all the details, and then revealing the destination at the last moment.