Claire Bowden-Hughes is the Founder and CEO of En2End.

James Bradshaw has over a decade of experience leading the development, design, and delivery of iconic real estate projects across the UK and Europe. His work with organisations such as ASM Global, AEG, and the Ambassador Theatre Group has seen him shape landmark venues like The O2, AO Arena Manchester, and OVO Arena Wembley. James has led large-scale redevelopment and refurbishment projects, including a £50 million renovation of AO Arena and the £130 million expansion of The O2’s Entertainment District.

With a focus on strategic planning, innovation, and collaborative leadership mixed with a love of venues and live entertainment, James founded James Bradshaw Consulting to help clients realise their visions for transformative real estate projects. His bespoke advisory services are tailored to each client’s needs, ensuring that every project creates long-term value and drives strategic growth.

Cassandra Calleja is the Head of Business Development & Client Relations at Sports Venue Business and SVB LIVE. She brings over 20 years of experience, working exclusively within the sports industry.

Throughout her career, Cassandra has become a specialist in sports technology. Her leadership was instrumental in establishing the ECAL North American Office in Los Angeles. She has contributed her expertise to sports tech companies such as VenueNext and EngageRM, with her client portfolio including major leagues and teams like the Australian Football League, Cricket Australia, the NBA, NBL, EPL, NFL, NHL, and MLS. Her roles have spanned business development, ticket strategy, fan and client engagement and retention, as well as special event planning.

In addition to driving business growth and managing client relationships, Cassandra spearheads the implementation of SVB LIVE's engagement platform and takes the lead in strategic planning. She leads SVB LIVE networking events across Australia, fostering key industry connections. She is an active blogger and social media user, focusing on the premium hospitality experiences in sports. Through her publications, she provides deep insights into the niche world of sports and live entertainment.

Francis Casado is one of the founders of Mobile Media Content, who comercialises the 3D Digital Venue platform and is currently serving as Head of Business Development. Prior to founding MMC- 3D Digital Venue, that revolutionized Interactive Digital Venue Management for Sports and Entertainment Venue Industry, Francis made his career around the beneficial application of 3D Technology and Virtual Reality for various sectors, including Mobile apps, real state and pharma, amongst others.

A true entrepreneur, skilled in the domains of visualizing and pursuing new innovative business opportunities, creating, coaching and leading teams; Francis has led Mobile Media Content from the front bringing in multiple accolades and awards in fields of innovation and growth from all around the world. Apart from the successes in his academic and professional field, Francis has been having a favorable run as an Associate Professor of Marketing and Entrepreneurship with Universitat Pompeu Fabra.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/franciscasado/

Nicolas began his career in the digital sector with a general ERP-CRM software publisher. He took the company from 7 to 70 employees in 5 years, working on projects of all sizes and in all sectors.

Following this experience, he became digital project manager, managing multicultural teams based in different countries.

Since 2021, he has been working as a consultant for iXpole, helping to implement the solution for the clubs and organisations that have chosen it.

Having taken part in several projects, he has been able to develop an expertise in hospitality and premium seating in Europe.

Dave Cochrane is the Director of Light & Fury, where he oversees the strategic business operations and creative direction.

With over a decade experience in sports graphics production, Dave is dedicated to redefining sports presentation in innovative, creative and captivating ways. From large-scale televised stadium experiences to local matches, his vision is to enhance the fan experience through design, animation, video, and sound.

Collaborating closely with professional teams and leagues, Light & Fury delivers sports presentations across tier-one stadiums in Australia and, most recently, at Allegiant Stadium for the NRL’s foray into Las Vegas.

Dave lives and works in Sydney, Australia, where he began his career at Fox Sports in graphic design for live broadcast. He is also the founder of Hank Mango, a boutique animation studio specialising in motion design and corporate communications.

Contact:

Dave Cochrane – Director

hello@lightandfury.tv

lightandfury.tv

Nicola Coffey is the Stadium Manager at Tallaght Stadium, one of Ireland’s leading sporting venues, home to Shamrock Rovers FC and the FAI Women's National Team.

With a strong background in venue operations and event management, Nicola plays a key role in driving the stadium’s strategic development, delivering high-profile events, and ensuring an exceptional experience for teams, fans, and stakeholders alike.

A former international cricketer who represented Ireland, Nicola brings the discipline and team ethos of elite sport to her leadership role. She is also a keen golfer and has served on several sports-related boards in recent years. Her deep-rooted passion for sport and governance continues to shape her approach to managing one of Ireland’s most dynamic sports venues.

Since Sept 2024, Nick has been the Commercial Director for Burnley Football Club, overseeing the growth of commercial revenues, along with developing and implementing an international growth strategy to drive further revenues.

Before Burnley Football Club, Nick spent twelve years at the NBA within the Global Partnerships team, overseeing all commercial partnerships across Europe and Middle East and prior to that he was living and working in Abu Dhabi for five years, working for a sports agency managing Etihad Airways' sponsorships.

Vicki was recently named as Interim CEO for Leopardstown Racecourse; a Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) venue.

Vicki is a Commercial & Marketing professional specialising in Sponsorship & Partnerships and has worked within the sporting, entertainment & events industry for over 20 years. Prior to this role, Vicki led the Commercial Department of HRI Racecourses, which has responsibility for Leopardstown, Fairyhouse, Navan and Tipperary Racecourses. Here, Vicki’s department was responsible for driving growth and innovation in the areas of Sponsorship & Partnerships, Sales & Business Development and Hospitality Experience at both horseracing fixtures and outside of race meetings as event venues.

Vicki has a passion for originating and executing innovative sponsorship partnership opportunities and activations which simultaneously enhance customer experience. She is adept at identifying new revenue streams and creating business development strategies to deliver these, alongside overseeing marketing and events in the Sports and Entertainment industry.

As Senior Vice President & General Manager, Co-op Live, Guy’s role sees him spearhead delivery and strategy across the UK’s largest and newest live entertainment arena, rapidly ranked as one of the top three arenas in Europe after just ten months of opening. The arena hosts up to 23,500 fans per event, designed with exceptional acoustics, a world-leading fan experience, sustainability and community engagement at its heart. 

Boasting over two decades of experience in the industry, Guy worked at the NEC Group, starting as an Event Manager and working his way up the business through a number of roles including Arenas Sales (Programming) Manager, Head of Arenas Sales and Events, General Manager of Utilita Arena and Resorts World Arena, before becoming Managing Director in March 2020. 

As well as now fronting Co-op Live, Guy’s career highlights to date include leading the £29 million pound redevelopment of Resorts World Arena in 2009 and the £24 million redevelopment of Utilita Arena in 2014, securing a number of high-profile long term annual events for both venues. 

Guy has previously acted as chair of the LIVE Venues Group and the National Arenas Association (NAA). He was responsible for NAA training courses in emergency planning, crisis management and disability awareness for the NAA.  

Outside of work, Guy is married with two children. He loves spending time with his family, travelling and completing sporting challenges including 2 marathons, the 100-mile Midlands Velo cycling event and the National 3 Three Peaks Challenge. He is also a season ticket holder at Aston Villa FC, a keen follower of cricket, golf and attending concerts and events.

Claire Harkness is the Operations Director at the Coventry Building Society Arena (CBS Arena), in Coventry, West Midlands, England. The venue has a 32,600 capacity stadium and a 10,000 capacity arena and conference centre.

Claire joined the arena in July 2023. The pitch management, events and exhibition management, IT, operations, safety and security teams all report into her.

Previously her roles have included Venue Director at Ibrox Stadium, the home of Rangers Football Club and Venue Manager at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool.

Having a career in event management in both sport and entertainment across stadiums and venues, she has worked on Commonwealth Games, Olympic football, The EUROs, Champions League Finals and major concerts by Harry Styles, Bon Jovi, P!nk, Take That, Cold Play, the Killers and Calvin Harris.

With a special interest in stadium design and safety, she is developing a number of improvements across the venue.

Caroline James is the General Manager of Utilita Arena Newcastle, part of the ASM Global portfolio, which includes over 350 venues around the world.

Originally from London, UK, Caroline began her journey in hospitality during her gap year. She later emigrated to New Zealand, where she owned and managed a 250-cover fine dining restaurant, overseeing a team of over 100 staff and delivering a wide range of events, from weddings to parties.

Her career continued across diverse venues, including theatres, arenas, stadiums, and community spaces in the UK, New Zealand, and Doha, with vast expertise in event management, operations, sales and marketing, business development, catering, and hospitality. Caroline worked across many facets of the entertainment and events industry, including sport, music, live shows, television productions, and corporate events.

In 2018, Caroline relocated to Newcastle, joining the team at Utilita Arena Newcastle. By January 2023, she had risen to the position of General Manager, where she now leads the venue through a busy calendar of high-profile events, including sell-out shows by artists such as Sam Fender, Girls Aloud, and Lewis Capaldi. Under her leadership, the arena is now undergoing a £1.75 million refurbishment in celebration of its 30th anniversary, further cementing its status as Newcastle’s premier live entertainment destination.

Vicky has worked in the stadium and venues industry for over 15 years, specialising in Premium Sales Strategy for transformative renovations and new build projects.

She leads the ‘ALL’ Bars, Restaurants and Experiences proposition at Everton’s impressive new 52,888-seater home, opening in 2025.

Previous projects include M&S Bank Arena, and Liverpool FC’s Main Stand redevelopment.

Vicky has a passion for innovation across Premium Sales and Experiences, and is driven by shaping customer journeys that appeal to a wider range of fan profiles. She enjoys contributing to industry conferences and discussions across a range of topics, believing that collaboration across the stadia and venues industry inspires best-in-class delivery.

Martin leads Legends’ Global Planning division, covering business planning and project management, across Europe.  He is a member of the Senior Leadership Team of Legends/ASM Europe and has a key role in business development for the recently merged businesses. 

Martin has managed groundbreaking stadium, arena and training ground projects across Europe over the last 20 years, including Fulham FC’s Fulham Pier development, which his team have project managed from inception to completion.

Denise has over 14 years of experience in the hospitality and stadium design and fit-

out industry, where she has built a strong reputation for her expertise in sales,

marketing, and trend analysis. At Dawnvale, she plays a crucial role in driving business

growth by overseeing sales and marketing strategies, while also closely monitoring

industry trends to ensure the company remains at the forefront of innovation for both

existing and new clients.

Before joining Dawnvale, Denise was the Head of the Hotel Division at her previous

company, where she successfully led the development and implementation of cutting-

edge technologies aimed at enhancing the guest experience. She was responsible not

only for improving the technology available to staying customers but also for optimising

front-of-house operations to boost efficiency and service quality. Denise’s extensive

background and strategic approach have made her an invaluable asset in delivering

exceptional solutions that meet the evolving needs of the hospitality sector.

A Senior Principal at Populous, Philip has been with the practice since 2001. 

During that time he has been the project lead for the Fulham FC Riverside Stand Development, while other projects include Ascot Racecourse, and leading the design team for the London 2012 Olympic Stadium and its subsequent transformation into London Stadium. He is now project lead for the Allianz Stadium (Twickenham) masterplan.

Philip also has a particular expertise in cricket facilities, having led the masterplan for Lord’s and the design of the Warner Stand there, along with the recent redesign of the player dressing rooms and facilities at the Kia Oval for Surrey County Cricket Club.

His analytical approach to architecture enables him to deliver innovative and creative solutions for any design challenge. A versatile and skilled designer, he has a particular interest in the cultural significance of sports and entertainment buildings, how venues evolve, and how they can be integrated successfully into their environment.

Morag Kent is a highly experienced marketeer with the last decade spent in the sports venue and major event sector. She is the Founder and CEO of Raccoon & Bear, a marketing and branding micro-agency specialising in supporting rights holders and caterers alike in developing and promoting hospitality, from fan food up to high end experiences.

Her most recent experience has been with MATCH Hospitality, where she led the marketing for the Official Hospitality programme at Silverstone. This included four British Grand Prix for Formula 1 and MotoGP as well as Silverstone Festival and BTCC with each event requiring a different set of products for motorsport fans eager to experience racing at a higher level. She was part of a team which developed 8 unique hospitality propositions at different points of the track and contributed hugely to the near quadrupling of revenue and covers for the hospitality operation. 

Previously, as Head of Marketing for Sodexo Sports and Leisure (now Sodexo Live!), Morag had a broad remit leading B2B marketing for the brand with regards to business development and content strategy. She also worked on the marketing strategy and promotions for The Open, RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Henley Royal Regatta and Royal Ascot. Her final project at Sodexo involved a complete overhaul of their stadia fan food offering, from menu development and pricing through to branding of the kiosks and digital signage. This was rolled out at Hampden Park, Everton FC, Swansea City FC, Brighton & Hove Albion, Blackburn Rovers and the ACC Liverpool.

Marc is currently the Sales Manager for Principality Stadium Experience (PSE) having joined the business in 2017. Formed in 2014 as a joint venture between the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) and Compass Group, Principality Stadium Experience (PSE) is the only official provider of match day hospitality, conference and events and the delivery and provision of food and beverage to all spectators at all events within the grounds of Principality Stadium.

PSE have an exceptional track record in delivering world class events and boast an unrivalled knowledge of the hospitality & public retail market within the UK. The team have successfully organised the logistics and catering for all events held at the stadium since opening in 1999. Including but not limited to; UEFA Champions League Final 2017, Rugby World Cup fixtures, Six Nations tournaments, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) shows, World Championship Boxing and major concerts, including a record-breaking 4 nights of back-to-back sold-out Ed Sheeran concerts and the upcoming Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour.

Prior to his current role, Marc spent just under 6 years working for Manchester United in a Business Development role.

Jon Lee is Creative Director and Board Director at 20.20 Ltd, responsible for setting the vision and direction of our creative offer. He is a powerful advocate of our collaborative and strategic approach.

As well as overseeing the creative direction of the business, Jon is instrumental in the success of our projects, from leading the transformation of Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium for over 15 years, he has led the branding and Arsenalisation of the entire stadium, including creating the masterplan and design for each of the world leading hospitality experiences at the club.

His expertise in developing successful fan engagement and brand experiences has given Jon the opportunity to lead amazing projects on both sides of the Atlantic. From Manchester City FC, Liverpool FC, Wembley Stadium to West Ham United’s new home at the London Stadium. He has been responsible for changing Ascot Racecourse’s approach to hospitality with the On5 restaurant; and subsequently redefining the brand experience across all the hospitality areas at Churchill Downs Racetrack in Kentucky. Jon has been working closely with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment in Toronto on the rebranding and experience definition of the Scotiabank Arena.

His influence is also helping redefine the retail and leisure industry, from the reimagining of Odeon’s flagship cinema at Leicester Square London; defining a new retail platform for mobile operator Three; to redefining the world of affordable fitness with the rebranded experience of UK market leaders PureGym.

jon.lee@20.20.co.uk

www.20.20.co.uk

With 25+ years experience in the business of sport, McIntyre first cut her teeth in the industry by running PanStadia magazine, where she was Publishing Editor, before spending 3 years as Publication Director on PanStadia & Arena Management magazine, which included working on the Stadia & Arena Asia Pacific event.

McIntyre launched Sports Venue Business (SVB) in September 2016, which quickly became the leading platform for the sector, delivering insightful interviews, in-depth feature articles and case studies, as well as video interviews, with more than 33,000+ industry professionals across the network.

Between 2018 and 2023, McIntyre and the Sports Venue Business team organised and delivered the ALSD International event on behalf of the ALSD, which grew from 120 attendees in the first year, to an astounding 450+ C-Suite executives by 2023.

For 2024, McIntyre and Sports Venue Business have launched SVB LIVE, featuring a series of global networking events and webinars, all culminating in the annual SVB LIVE Conference and Exhibition, with content driven by an Expert Council featuring industry experts from across the globe.

McIntyre boasts almost 30,000 connections in her LinkedIn account.

For nearly 15 years, Stacy McGranor has fueled her passion for sports, entertainment, and bringing joy to their consumers by serving as a Ticket Sales & Service leader in Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer, and the National Basketball Association and the creation of a Customer Experience function within the National Hockey League.

In her current role, Stacy serves as the voice of the customer while also overseeing all qualitative and quantitative research efforts for the Sharks Sports & Entertainment properties, including the San Jose Sharks, San Jose Barracuda, SAP Center at San Jose, and the Sharks Ice Family of Rinks.

A native Ohioan and current resident of the San Francisco Bay Area, Stacy holds both an MBA and an MS in Business Psychology from Franklin University cementing her status as both artist and scientist.

Ciaran O’Morain, is co-founder and CEO of Qualflow Systems, the leading provider of high-speed beer dispense solutions, automated beer-line cleaning equipment and line clean monitoring apps to brand managers, brewers, stadium operators and the hospitality industry.

As Head of Technology, Harry is responsible for driving technological advancements across all Levy partner venues, evaluating and deploying new digital innovations to resolve known challenges and enhance the guest experience.

In 2023, Harry moved across from Levy’s parent company, Compass Group UK & Ireland, to be part of the wider BUILT by Levy team. In charge of the tech division, his team of experts explore a wide range of technologies, including frictionless solutions, automated beer walls, self-order screens, smart vending, robotics, IoT, AI overlays and unified payments to solve real challenges at venues.

Through their efforts, Harry and his team are continually pushing the boundaries of hospitality technology and delivering tangible benefits to guests, operators and clients.

Director of Data/Analytics, Fan Experience and Ticketing at Spain’s Valencia CF since June 2018, Franco is responsible for all data/business insights of the club, while also managing tickets/pricing, fan experience, and customer support departments from a data-driven angle.

Segarra has contributed significantly to the club’s ambitious digital transformation and co-founded the Innovation HUB project. 

A former bank manager and Chief Technology Officer, Segarra has over 16 years of professional experience in different sectors, but with a continued focus on applying technology and performing digital transformations in various businesses. He’s an accomplished leadership football executive that studied the 1st FIFA Diploma in Club Management.

Declan Sharkey is currently a Senior Principal and Regional Board member within the EMEA region.

A creative and forward-thinking architect and industry leader, Sharkey has worked on a diverse portfolio of innovative projects across Europe. This includes multiple current stadium projects in Italy, as well as arenas in Munich, Cardiff, and Cork in his native Ireland. His most recent project, the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, is the largest in the UK and the most sustainable arena in Europe.

In addition to his architectural roles, Sharkey plays a key part in business development for all new arena and elite training facility projects within the EMEA region.

Nick has been involved in the sport, health and fitness industry for more than 30 years. 

He is Head of Infrastructure at Birmingham City FC and Founder / Managing Director of Ardent Sports Limited. Ardent Sports is an international infrastructure delivery partner specialising in sport, leisure and facility excellence that works alongside world leading sports’ organisations, to develop facilities and improve operational performance. 

Nick has created, developed and applied innovative product and service solutions that have benefited elite sports’ athletes and health club members globally.  He works closely with leading sports’ organisations to help define their sports’ infrastructure ambitions, commercial strategy, design and project management. 

Nick has partnered with FIFA, UEFA, UFC, Birmingham City FC, Brentford FC, Manchester City FC, England RFU, Queensland Rugby, New York City FC, Leicester City FC, Munster Rugby, Liverpool FC on the development of infrastructure and products in the areas of; elite sports, functional design & build concepts, commercial, community enhancement, fan experience, pitch construction & maintenance and stadium renovations.

Nick started his career as a professional rugby player, progressing into senior management with two market leading operators in the UK health & fitness industry before returning to his passion of transforming environments in the sports sector.

Lisa Turton is Head of Premium Sales & Hospitality at first direct arena Leeds - an ASM Global venue. She is a member of the senior management team at the 12,500-capacity venue and is charged with maximising revenue through sales of hospitality and conferencing.

Lisa has developed and brought to market new packages and products, and has achieved 96% client and partner retention year-on-year. She is also responsible for devising annual marketing plans to identify sales opportunities and plan market content.

Francis Williams is a technology focused professional with over 15 years of experience in delivering cutting-edge stadium and arena technology solutions. His extensive expertise spans working with football clubs and venues across the spectrum, including prominent names in the Premier League.

Francis has a proven track record in the design, installation and implementation of multi-disciplined technology solutions, helping brands optimise their venues and stadiums through technology investments, ensuring they remain at the forefront of innovation.

Kate qualified as a lawyer in private practice in Oxford and began in motorsport working for Tom Walkinshaw at the TWR Group – a renowned automotive consultancy, racing group and owner of the Arrows Formula 1 Team.

In 2003, Kate was recruited by Bernie Ecclestone at Formula One Management where she worked in various commercial and legal capacities around, brand protection, brand licencing, partnerships, hospitality and CSR including the creation of the F1 in Schools programme – now the world’s biggest school aged STEM challenge.

In 2017, Kate was appointed Global Director of the Hospitality and Experiences division, where she set out to re-invent high end hospitality in Formula 1 including new initiatives such as the hugely successful ‘F1 Experiences’ concept.

Kate left Formula 1 in 2021 and set up New Quebec Advisory where she works with existing and new sponsors, suppliers and investors across sport.

Kate is most proud to have helped found (and is Main Board Advisor to) More Than Equal; a game changing not for profit organisation founded by David Coulthard and Karel Komarek and whose purpose is to find and develop the first female Formula 1 World Champion.

She is also Deputy Chair (Europe) for the Sport Integrity Global Alliance.

Whilst still quite fresh in the industry, Bethany Parr has been working on these types of conferences since 2018, when she was still a student at UCFB. She thoroughly enjoys seeing how the industry is growing and evolving.

Bethany's professional sports business journey began at Wembley Stadium, within the Capital Projects team, where she worked on various projects to improve the look and feel, customer journey, and health and safety within England's National Stadium. This role allowed her to work with many of the companies taking part in the SVB LIVE event. She is now back at Wembley, working as FA Events Coordinator for The Football Association (The FA).

Bethany spent 12 months working at Formula E, where she was an Event Project Manager, working on race weekends at circuits around the world, and seeing how events work in different markets.

Laura’s 23 years within the luxury events sector has seen her working for and with incredible brands such as the Goodwood Estate, where she headed the sales and operations for Horseracing and Motorsport Hospitality. A year working with Rolls Royce Motorcars’ Private Office as client services and events Manager, set an incredible standard for things to come.

Event Exec will be celebrating its 10th birthday in May 2025. Specialising in VIP tickets and hospitality for major sports, music and leisure events.

Globally, Event Exec have unrivalled access to the best events in the world, with an extraordinary level of customer service.