The Vanessa Cotton Memorial Scholarship launched on 12 September 2011 was created in honour of UK event industry veteran Vanessa Cotton who lost her secret fight against cancer last year.
The funds are set to enhance the opportunities presented to those beginning their careers in the meetings and events industry, while creating a lasting legacy for the respected industry leader.
The winner of the scholarship will be announced by Samme Allen, MPI UK & Ireland chapter President at EIBTM on the MPI stand (H870), Wednesday 30 November 2011 during the cocktail reception being held at 16:30.
The scholarship award provides the worthy recipient sponsored registration, accommodation and travel to experience the professional development and networking at the European Meetings & Events Conference (EMEC) taking place in Budapest, 29 - 31 January 2012.
Each collaborator in the scholarship, which includes ExCel London, Reed Travel Expo and the MPI UK & Ireland Chapter, have committed €350 for the next five years, with plans to increase fundraising and send more students to EMEC.
“Vanessa was one of the founder members of the UK and Ireland Chapter of MPI” said Samme Allen, MPI UK & Ireland chapter President.
“We are proud to be announcing the winner of the Scholarship at EIBTM this year; we had a number of fantastic entries and were truly impressed with the high standards. The winner will be mentored at EMEC 2012 by members of the UK Chapter board and members of the Excel London and Reed Travel Expo team”.
“We are delighted to be involved with the Vanessa Cotton Memorial Student Award,” said James Reed, Director of Conferences & Events, ExCel London. “Vanessa was extremely passionate about the events industry and encouraging new talent. This is a very fitting legacy and one that we are proud to support.”
“Vanessa contributed immensely to the event industry” said Graeme Barnett, Exhibition Director, EIBTM. “One of the projects she spearheaded was our future engagement with Generation Y so this scholarship is a fitting tribute in her name.”
MPI UK & Ireland are encouraging those attending EIBTM to visit the MPI stand (H870) where MPI staff will be on hand to talk through the future events calendar, discuss how to make the most of membership and provide guidance on how to join the chapter. Access to MPI’s latest news and initiatives will also be available, don’t forget to pick up your exclusive MPI ribbons.
Drinks receptions will be held at the stand on Tuesday 29th & Wednesday 30th between 16.30 -17.30. The MPI UK & Ireland Chapter hosted buyer group will be attending the Wednesday cocktail reception and this is when the Vanessa Cotton Memorial Scholarship announcement will take place.
