BCD Meetings
& Events (M&E) and Meetings Professionals International’s (MPI) UK & Ireland chapter have opened applications for the Vanessa Cotton Scholarship.
The scholarship
is open to final-year event management students, or those completing a meetings-industry-related degree or diploma in the UK or Ireland. It is designed to support emerging talent by providing hands-on training, mentorship and exposure to
industry professionals.
Originally
established in 2011, the Vanessa Cotton Scholarship was created by MPI UK &
Ireland in honour of UK events industry leader and champion of young professionals,
Vanessa Cotton, who died in 2010.
The
scholarship was reintroduced in 2024 through a partnership between BCD M&E
and MPI UK and Ireland.
Olivia
Breene, president of MPI UK & Ireland, said: “As we celebrate the third
year of this transformative partnership, BCD M&E’s visionary leadership,
creative excellence, and commitment to developing talent have made this
initiative exceptional.
“Their
involvement has elevated the Vanessa Cotton Scholarship from an inspiring
concept to a powerful pathway for developing the next generation of industry
leaders.”
In the role
of graduate event coordinator, the recipient will gain in‑depth experience
across strategic meetings management, venue sourcing, accommodation, and
delegate services, working directly with BCD M&E teams.
The
deadline to apply for the scholarship is Tuesday, May 5. Students can submit
their applications through this link.
