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.

Over 25 years ago in 1999, I joined Dawnvale ‘on the tools’ installing bars and commercial kitchens. Looking for a new challenge I then progressed into the role of Site Manager, followed by Contracts Director and now – Managing Director. Over the years it has been my vision to transform Dawnvale into a premium full-service main contractor that specialises in fast-track hospitality projects.

Working with clients such as TGI Fridays, Hickory's, Living Ventures and Tattu I noticed how our operations were negatively impacted by relying on external contractors. From this, we decided to take control and handle all main contract work in-house. This strategic move 20 years ago allowed Dawnvale to offer a faster, more efficient service across all projects.

Over the past six years, Dawnvale has successfully delivered high-profile, on-time projects for MCFC, BCFC, MUFC, and ASFC. BCFC’s Alliance Lounge and MCFC’s Ardwick pub were two multimillion-pound projects that we completed in just 4 weeks.

With the future of Dawnvale in mind, our focus is to collaborate with more elite Sports Clubs and design practices, helping to enhance the fan's and guest experience with innovative, accessible hospitality spaces. I look forward to continuing to lead my fantastic team, delivering many more projects on tight timelines and bringing seamless experiences for clients and fans around the UK.

Karl Boyle is the Director of Development with Connacht Rugby. He is responsible for the redevelopment project of Dexcom Stadium. Karl has been instrumental in the project from its genesis; guiding it through planning; design; fundraising; and now construction. 

Prior to joining Connacht Rugby, Karl held the position of Chief Executive of Mountaineering Ireland, having previously served as a Captain in the Irish Defence Forces.

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.

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.

Vicki is a Commercial & Marketing professional specialising in Sponsorship & Partnerships and has worked within the sporting, entertainment & events industry for over 20 years. She currently leads the Commercial Department of Horse Racing Ireland Racecourses which has responsibility for Leopardstown, Fairyhouse, Navan & Tipperary Racecourses. Her department are 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.

Catherine Downes is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at usheru, where she oversees Client Success and Operations, ensuring the roll-out of the company vision and innovative solutions to our partners in 21 countries with a laser focus on usheru's renowned and responsive service, smooth operations and overall happy live entertainment clients.

True long-term partnerships are what usheru considers a win-win as it scales globally.

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.

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.

Mark joined the group in 2014 as Chief Operations Officer for Ashton Gate Limited (AGL) with accountability for the operational delivery of the £50m live stadium redevelopment, which was completed in 2016.

In 2017, he took over the role of Managing Director of AGL and the following year it expanded to a dual role as Managing Director of Bristol Sport Limited (BSL).

In 2023, Mark was appointed Director Of Global Property Investment for Pula to concentrate solely on the venue and property side of Pula’s interest. These include Ashton Gate and the £130m Sporting Quarter development; £50m redevelopment of Guernsey’s premier golf and spa hotel La Grande Mare and the management of Pula’s “Mashatu Africa” – a luxury safari holiday destination.

Mark has a wealth of experience in international commercial brands (UK, Ireland, USA and Africa) and hotel rebrands as well as multi-million-pound venue transformations. He has a BA (hons) in Business Management from Birmingham University and a PgDip in Business Leadership with a specialty in Business Psychology from Warwick Business School. He sits on the company boards of: Pula, Ashton Gate and Bristol Flyers.

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.

A Chief Information Officer with 25+ years’ experience in complex projects across the Live Events, Media, Education and Culture industries.

Guillaume was Head of Technology for the Rugby World Cup in France and has a strong experience in Technology (IT, AV, Broadcast) integration in buildings design and construction/renovation projects, including the Accor Arena, LDLC Arena, Stade Brestois, TV5Monde, and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs.

He was IT Director at Accor Arena for 5 years, during its €130m renovation.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bethany currently works at Formula E, where she's an Event Project Manager, working on race weekends at circuits around the world, and seeing how events work in different markets.

Jacob Regan joined the Dawnvale team almost 10 years ago, following 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry, including managing a 5-star boutique hotel and fine dining restaurant. Jacob fell into the stadium and arena sector 8 years ago, leading to him managing key accounts such as Manchester City, Manchester United, and Birmingham City. He is also heavily involved in developing and refurbishing several arena venues.

Jacob specialises in fast-track turnkey projects and has an in-depth knowledge of operational design to maximise profitability. This fast-track approach has led to Jacob delivering several high-performing hospitality suites during short international breaks. This has allowed clubs to take advantage of a half-season rather than waiting for the summer window. One of his biggest achievements was delivering the Ardwick Pub within 21 days at the Etihad Stadium for Manchester City.

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.

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.

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.

As part of the Senior Management set-up at the club, I oversee all aspects of the commercial business for Ulster Rugby, with key responsibilities set to include sponsor and partner relationship management; sustainable revenue generation; and driving commercial growth for the club to support both the professional and domestic game across the province.

Previous experience in the industry includes Entertainment, Retail, Tourism, Public Sector, Big4 Management Consultancy and an MBA in Strategic Management [Distinction]. Previous employers include Titanic Belfast, Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), Aviva and KPMG.

Sammia Shakoor is the Head of Projects at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) in Glasgow. The SEC is Scotland’s event destination and over the years has been home to major international flagship events from COP26 to Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games to Adele.

Sammia has worked at the SEC for 18 years, starting as an Accountant, where she discovered a passion for Projects. 

7 years ago she established a Projects Team, overseeing a diverse portfolio that began with the delivery of SECs Technology Strategy and since has expanded to include Construction and Infrastructure projects at the SEC. She is dedicated to ensuring that any changes brought about by these projects prioritises the needs and experiences of the end users.

Sammia live and works in Glasgow with her husband and daughter, loves travelling, crisps and a good boxset.

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.

Born and raised in Anderlecht, with a passion for football and a talent for sales, Lara Spaan seemed destined to join RSC Anderlecht.

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.

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/