Bernard has been working in and around the events industry for over 20 years. He spent the first part of his career working in publishing and media, where he launched several events and food titles across the world and founded several regional Food Awards where he worked with many of the countries top chefs and food critics and supported trainee hospitality industry professionals. Two years ago he joined Options GB as MD, where he oversaw the aquisition of Greathire and the merger of both companies. He is now MD of Options Greathire, the UK’s leading tableware and furniture hire business. Options Greathire is part of Options a European wide company with more than 850 employees, £80,000,000 turnover and 20 locations across the continent.

Jackie has had over 30 years working in the UK hospitality industry, marketing and selling hotel group and venues, including Hilton, along with 9 years at the new Wembley Stadium, where she was part of the pre-opening and mobilisation team. She has first hand of experience of selling into the MICE, Corporate and Leisure markets, and has been an active member of several industry Associations serving either as a Board member or a founding partner.
Her current role as Head of Business Events for The Barbican involves her working across its vast portfolio of venues, continuing its growth and commercial success in the domestic and international business events market, whilst blending in with the artistic offer to create bespoke and memorable events for business clients, and at the same time connecting with the arts programmes.

A winner in the supplier/venue category of the UK Event Hot 50 Awards 2016 and 2017, Jackie is regularly featured in a variety of meetings and events industry honours lists. These include C&IT’s Venue Heads, where she has been voted 3rd in the UK, along with Event Management’s Event 100 Club where she was placed 18th out of 100. She has also been included in C&IT’s Power 50 – the most 50 most influential people in the UK Meetings and Event industry.

Mr Gowili oversees the hotel’s 136 rooms and suites, The Ritz Restaurant, The Palm Court, The Rivoli Bar and private dining rooms of the adjoining 18th century William Kent House, and is supported in his role by a team of over 300 colleagues. With a passion and broad knowledge of the luxury hotel business, Mr Gowili joined The Ritz London in 2011 as Front of House Manager, before quickly progressing to Rooms Division Manager. He was appointed Hotel Manager in 2013 and under his leadership The Ritz London has achieved outstanding revenue growth, whilst maintaining the very highest levels of guest service. Prior to joining The Ritz London, Mr Gowili held senior management positions within the Red Carnation Hotel Company.

Tracy Halliwell heads up London’s Convention Bureau, managing the event solutions team and a global sales team focused on attracting discretionary business, cultural & sporting events to the capital. At the same time Tracy works with city stakeholders to develop and build London’s business and major events tourism offering.

Prior to joining London & Partners Tracy had over 20 years’ experience in senior sales and marketing positions in the tourism industry. She has worked with Millennium and Copthorne Hotels, Thistle Hotels, Le Meridien Hotels and Resorts and has held numerous property-based Director of Sales & Marketing roles within London and the UK.

Tracy was awarded an MBE for services to business tourism in 2014.

Mr Gowili oversees the hotel’s 136 rooms and suites, The Ritz Restaurant, The Palm Court, The Rivoli Bar and private dining rooms of the adjoining 18th century William Kent House, and is supported in his role by a team of over 300 colleagues. With a passion and broad knowledge of the luxury hotel business, Mr Gowili joined The Ritz London in 2011 as Front of House Manager, before quickly progressing to Rooms Division Manager. He was appointed Hotel Manager in 2013 and under his leadership The Ritz London has achieved outstanding revenue growth, whilst maintaining the very highest levels of guest service. Prior to joining The Ritz London, Mr Gowili held senior management positions within the Red Carnation Hotel Company.

Natalie Marcus has been in the events industry for over 15 years and is passionate about driving commercial development, event strategy, venue sales and marketing.

Working for Canary Wharf Group, Natalie heads up East Wintergarden, a contemporary and versatile event space situated in the heart of Canary Wharf, boasting panoramic views of the surrounding skyline.

Prior to joining Canary Wharf Group, Natalie worked for the Concerto Group for over 10 years managing their portfolio of prestigious venues in and around London.

Natalie has extensive experience working with leading brands and is committed to delivering exceptional events and developing extraordinary spaces. Throughout her career Natalie and her teams have won several Awards including Venue Team of the Year, Best Wedding Venue and Best Large Venue.