Speakers
May 2026
Speakers from our last event
Claire Drakeley – BIO:
Claire Drakeley is a senior academic leader and events industry specialist with experience across major cultural institutions, professional sport, and large-scale public and place-based events. Her work focuses on risk management, decision-making, event strategy, and sustainable practice, with a strong emphasis on translating theory into professional delivery and simulation pedagogy. Claire is Course Leader for BA (Hons) Events Management and BA (Hons) Hospitality Management at the University of Northampton, and Deputy Head of School for Marketing and Hospitality Management. Previously, she held senior roles in the cultural and events sectors, including Head of Enterprises & Events at English National Ballet, delivering high-profile events, Royal visits, and fundraising galas. She also founded Mackerel Sky Events, leading complex projects such as Agile on the Beach, BBC Blast, and Bloodhound SSC, and working extensively with UK Business Improvement Districts.
Alongside academia, Claire consults widely through MonkeyWeasel, is Co-Director of 80% Awesome, and works with MUTI Live on AI-driven event simulation. She is Chair of the AEME Research SIG, a mentor with NOWIE, a regular industry columnist, and a doctoral researcher examining decision-making in live events.
Vanessa Lovatt – BIO:
Vanessa Lovatt is a respected event strategy consultant and community leader with nearly 20 years of experience in B2B events, digital media, andcommunities. She has held three Managing Director roles at IQPC, leading high-growth event portfolios, and was formerly Chief Evangelist at Glisser (eventtech co.), where she scaled the business internationally.
She is the Founder of Event Tech World, a fast-growing community for event tech users and buyers, and works with FT Live, advising on growth strategy. She has played a key role in integrating event technology across multiple businesses and is an Advisor for Event Footprints and Public Sector Network.
Dead Ahead, a thrilling team bonding game where players must work together to survive a zombie apocalypse. This high-stakes, action-packed game requires coordination and teamwork under pressure.
BIO:
A visionary leader in VR-powered team-building and events, dedicated to transforming how groups connect through immersive experiences. As the Director of OdysseyVR, Garry has spent over five years pioneering interactive multiplayer VR, creating unforgettable experiences for corporate teams, parties, and group events. With expertise in business strategy, operations, and immersive technology, he has built OdysseyVR into a leading destination for engaging, high-energy team-building activities. Passionate about innovation and pushing boundaries, he is committed to making VR a game-changer for corporate events, social experiences, and beyond.
Are the robots taking over? Not quite! AI in event management is more about helping event managers, not replacing them. Think of AI as a supercharged assistant—it can handle repetitive tasks, analyze data, personalize experiences, and even predict potential issues before they happen. But the creativity, strategic thinking, and human connection that make events special? That still comes from event managers like us! Instead of taking over, AI is empowering event managers to do what they do best—just faster, smarter, and with less stress. So, the real question is: How can we make AI work for us?
BIO:
Claire focuses on strategic planning, safety and risk management, effective decision-making, contemporary issues and technology development in the eventssector. In addition to being a Senior Lecturer at the University of Northampton, Claire is also Research and Insights Advisor for The Power of Events and runsher own consultancy – Monkey Weasel, working with organisations including the British Science Festival and Imperial War Museum.
Her experience includes 11 years of running her own events agency, 2 years as Head of Enterprises & Events for English National Ballet and 3 years of owning and leading MK Lightning, a professional ice hockey team. She is currently concluding her PhD study modelling on-event decision-making.
Vanessa will covering the most important topics discussed by Event Tech World members including AI, integrations, personalisation, and vendor partnerships – these insights will to help you make smarter, more strategic event tech choices that align with your event goals and your team’s capabilities.
BIO:
Vanessa Lovatt is a respected event strategy consultant and community leader with nearly 20 years of experience in B2B events, digital media, and communities. She has held three Managing Director roles at IQPC, leading high-growth event portfolios, and was formerly Chief Evangelist at Glisser (event tech co.), where she scaled the business internationally.
She is the Founder of Event Tech World, a fast-growing community for event tech users and buyers, and works with FT Live, advising on growth strategy. She has played a key role in integrating event technology across multiple businesses and is an Advisor for Event Footprints and Public Sector Network.