Agency Awards Approved puts the spotlight on this year’s Conference News Agency Awards winners – the teams, campaigns and ideas that rose above the rest. This series goes beyond the trophies to explore what set these agencies apart, from the strategies that delivered results to the decisions that defined their success, alongside insight from the judges on why these entries stood out. Each feature dives into the work that earned industry recognition, offering a closer look at what it really takes to win.
Stacey-Rebekka Karlsson, managing director and founder of events and PR agency Goho, was named Event Producer of the Year at this year’s Conference News Agency Awards 2026
The award celebrates individual professionals who excel in technical production, creativity, and flawless event execution, bridging the gap between client vision and on-site delivery. Something which Karlsson demonstrated across a year of successful international work.
Speaking on how it felt when winning the award, Karlsson said: ‘I did not expect it at all because there are so many amazing people. I’m just really proud. We had a really good year last year so it’s nice to get that recognition.”
The award also carried personal significance. After years of being shortlisted, she admitted it arrived at exactly the right moment. She explained: “When I was in my 30s I was really gung-ho, just going for it and working incredibly hard. Now I’ve just turned 42, it feels a bit different. You start to realise you’re actually good at what you do, but at the same time you can question it more, especially when you see younger people doing amazing things.”
She continued: “There’s a bit of a wobble in confidence that comes with that, and I think everyone experiences those shifts at different points in their career. For me, it came after being shortlisted for a number of years you start to wonder, are we actually as good as we think we are? So winning this, personally, couldn’t have come at a better time. It’s been a real confidence boost and a reminder that we’re doing something right.”
Karlsson has over 20 years of industry experience, including roles at The Guardian and Conde Nast International, prior to founding Goho in 2019. In 2025 Karlsson led a series of ambitious events for international clients, a key factor in her winning entry. She oversaw I AM PHENOM Munich, delivering a flagship conference for 360 attendees with full technical builds, immersive entertainment, and bespoke merchandise.
Her vision extended to Phenom at Lugano, a six-day VIP leadership retreat blending cultural immersion, meditation, vineyard tours, and private boat parties for 50 guests, and Phenom Unleash Paris Fringe Event, orchestrating luxury VIP experiences across iconic Parisian venues.
Karlsson also brought client briefs to life for private events, including a Private Party at Sugar Studios, combining bespoke installations, banquet dining, and late-night entertainment for 260 guests.
Judges pointed to this breadth of work and the consistency of delivery across formats as a key strength. They highlighted Karlsson’s ability to balance creative thinking with commercial awareness, alongside a hands-on leadership style and close client collaboration.
They also noted the clarity of her submission, with strong evidence of both creative execution and measurable business impact, making the results easy to understand and credible.
Crucially, it was the combination of strategic thinking, immersive design and proven outcomes that set her entry apart in the eyes of the judges.
This delivery is underpinned by a meticulous approach to planning. Karlsson explains: “My husband things I’m a bit of a doom bloomer. I think of everything that could go wrong ahead of time and find a solution for it so that if anything does go wrong, I’ve already got solutions and I’m not stressed.”
To pre-empt the challenges that can arise, the team has significantly expanded its database and strengthened relationships with suppliers, reducing the likelihood of issues occurring on the ground.
Karlsson, recalled a recent conference in Munich in November where the client, an American company, had arranged their own AV. On arrival, the client realised that the setup did not include a show caller, which would typically be standard in the US. The Goho team stepped in immediately, taking on the responsibility of show calling alongside event delivery.
Karlsson said: “We worked through the night to put a plan in place. It was just about being calm. We had already planned for all eventualities and we had such a robust plan that it was fine to move somebody to the show caller role. We’d planned for everything so we were alright.”
In Karlsson’s opinion, what sets event producers apart in today’s evolving landscape is the ability to multitask and problem solve, but with empathy and a strong understanding of people and emotions.
She added that creating experiences that make people feel something is at the heart of events. In a post-Covid world, where so much interaction happens through screens and AI, events offer something tangible and real, engaging the senses in a way that digital experiences cannot.
Karlsson explained that this requires a deep awareness of how decisions and delivery impact individuals on a human level, both emotionally and physically. At the same time, they noted that the role demands strong logistical and multitasking skills. Ultimately, they described events as a unique blend – combining data-driven, almost scientific thinking with creativity and emotional intelligence.
One thing Karlsson notes, is that she wouldn’t have been able to win the Event Producer of the Year without her team behind her. She says: “We are only a small team, but everyone really cares. You never have anyone at the office late by themselves, we all muck in and help each other. It’s like a family and if I didn’t have that I wouldn’t have been able to win the award.”
See the full list of winners from the Conference News Agency Awards 2026 here.