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.

Johanna Byrane is Head of Business Development at Twickenham Stadium. Johanna re-joined the iconic stadium in 2018 following a 12 year period working within the meetings and events industry in the City working within multiple unique and historic venues. She was part of the team who opened the £80M Twickenham East Stand which has been instrumental in the huge growth in the stadiums’ conference and events revenue.  Johanna has gained an admirable reputation within the meetings and events market place, both as a senior leader, a strategic thinker, and an experienced sales and marketing professional. Always looking for new opportunities Johanna has driven the calendar of ticketed lifestyle events at Twickenham as well as identified new exciting revenue streams and has partaken in event industry podcasts and panel discussions to share her passion and knowledge of our great 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.

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.

Johanna Byrane is Head of Business Development at Twickenham Stadium. Johanna re-joined the iconic stadium in 2018 following a 12 year period working within the meetings and events industry in the City working within multiple unique and historic venues. She was part of the team who opened the £80M Twickenham East Stand which has been instrumental in the huge growth in the stadiums’ conference and events revenue.  Johanna has gained an admirable reputation within the meetings and events market place, both as a senior leader, a strategic thinker, and an experienced sales and marketing professional. Always looking for new opportunities Johanna has driven the calendar of ticketed lifestyle events at Twickenham as well as identified new exciting revenue streams and has partaken in event industry podcasts and panel discussions to share her passion and knowledge of our great industry.