'We must deliver experiences that matter'
Tomorrow’s Talent, run in partnership with M&IT and The Meetings Show and now in its seventh year—celebrates emerging event professionals.
Here, this year's winners share their perspectives on an events landscape defined by shifting expectations, rapid technological innovations, and the urgent call for more meaningful experiences.
For Tomorrow's Talent's 2025 winners, the future of events is about courage, creativity, community—and above all, connection and collaboration.
From tackling industry barriers and imposter syndrome to redefining what success looks like, this year’s winners are rethinking not just how events are delivered, but why we deliver them in the first place.
Leading with purpose
Rose Griffiths, project manager at emc3, believes that events should be a force for good.
“I want to help create an industry where people and the planet are central to every experience”, she says. “From reducing environmental impacts to improving accessibility, I want to keep learning and contributing to a more conscious and inclusive events landscape.”
Rose Griffiths
Rose Griffiths
Bronwyn Gahagan, senior event manager, echoes this commitment to change.
“Winning the PPA NextGen Award was huge for me. It wasn’t just a personal milestone—it felt like recognition for years of behind-the-scenes work in accessibility, diversity, and inclusion. Even quiet efforts can make a big impact.”
Bronwyn Gahagan
Bronwyn Gahagan
Their voices are part of a wider movement within the industry- one that prioritises integrity, diversity, and sustainable practices over short-term gains.
Confidence and connection
For these young leaders, confidence isn’t just about speaking on stage - it’s about showing up with purpose.
“Fear is my superpower. It can either hold you back or push you forward—I choose the latter,” shares Mia Breading, a content producer at LeadDev.
Mia Breading
Mia Breading
For Hannah Elston, a defining moment was being invited to speak at IMEX America.
“That moment proved I wasn’t just supporting conversations—I had something valuable to say,” she explains. Her focus on building community, bridging knowledge gaps, and making connections has become her superpower.
Hannah Elston
Hannah Elston
Self-belief powers the latest generation of event professionals to progress in the industry and Gahagan's journey is a testament to this positive mentality in the face of change.
“As an international professional moving to the UK, I had to navigate a completely new market - unfamiliar venues, suppliers, and no established network. I overcame this by staying curious, being proactive, and building strong relationships from the ground up.”
Redefining leadership
These rising stars are redefining leadership - not as a title, but as an attitude. “Collaboration is everything,” says Griffiths. “Events are unpredictable, and having strong, trusted partnerships can make all the difference.”
Gahagan adds, “I’m inspired by people who lead with quiet integrity - those who push for meaningful change without needing the spotlight, who do what’s right even when it’s difficult, and who lift others as they rise.”
Shaping the future
In a sector rapidly transformed by AI, hybrid formats, and shifting audience expectations, these professionals are showing how resilience, empathy, and authentic leadership can future-proof the industry.
Their message is clear: in an industry built on connection, it’s not enough to simply deliver events. We must deliver experiences that matter.