Fast Forward 15 (FF15), the events industry’s mentoring programme for emerging female talent, has announced the formation of its new Ambassador Board – a strategic initiative designed to support the continued growth, visibility, and long-term sustainability of the programme.
The newly established board will work alongside FF15 Founder and Programme Director Fay Sharpe to strengthen the programme’s reach across the events industry, enhance opportunities for mentees and mentors, and support the ongoing development of the FF15 offering.
Chaired by Sammy Connell, head of events at NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union, with Joy Thomas, global events leader at IQVIA as Vice Chair, the board brings together a diverse group of industry professionals who will each lead a specialist portfolio aligned to their expertise and networks. Areas of focus include equality, diversity and inclusion, mentor recruitment, sponsorship and partnerships, membership association engagement, alumni development, data management, and representation at key industry events including IMEX Frankfurt, The Meetings Show, CHS and Cvent CONNECT Europe.
The board has been established to help drive the FF15 agenda across the industry, championing mentoring as a powerful tool for professional development and industry progression. Through practical action, collaboration and advocacy, board members will support the programme’s mission to create meaningful opportunities, connections and experiences for future industry leaders.
Fay Sharpe, who voluntarily leads and delivers Fast Forward 15, the University Challenge and the Fast Forward 15 Mentoring Awards, welcomed the creation of the board. She said: “The formation of the Ambassador Board represents an exciting new chapter for FF15. It brings together passionate advocates who believe in the value of mentoring and are committed to helping the programme evolve, reach new audiences and create even greater impact. Their support will help share the workload, strengthen our community and ensure FF15 continues to thrive for years to come.”
The board will meet every eight weeks to review progress, identify opportunities and support collaboration across portfolio areas. Members will serve an initial three-year term, with the option to extend for a fourth year by mutual agreement.
Among the board’s priorities will be widening participation across the industry, strengthening relationships with membership associations, developing new sponsorship and partnership opportunities, building an FF15 alumni community and increasing programme visibility at major industry events.
The Ambassador Board’s overarching objective is simple: to add value to mentees and ensure Fast Forward 15 remains a powerful force for mentoring, professional development and industry connection.
Fast Forward 15 Ambassador Board
Chair: Sammy Connell
Vice Chair & Data Management Lead: Joy Thomas
Board Members:
· Gabrielle Austen-Browne, founder of Diversity Alliance – EDI Lead
· Victoria Owens, senior procurement manager, KPMG – Mentor Recruitment and Mentee Promotion
· Kathryn Williams, director of sales, Corrigan Collection – Mentor Recruitment and Mentee Promotion
· Richard Bridge – consultant – Sponsor and Partnership Development
· Annie Smith – divisional head of event delivery, Hanson Wade Group – Alumni Lead
· Felicia Asiedu – marketing director, Cvent – Cvent CONNECT Europe Lead
· Shonali Devereaux – chief executive, Meetings Industry Association, – IMEX Frankfurt Lead
· Debra Nightingale – marketing director and owner, All Bright Communications – Media Liaison
· Lucy Nicholls –Founder and creative director, The PS Events Group – CHS Lead
The launch of the Ambassador Board reinforces Fast Forward 15’s commitment to nurturing talent, supporting career progression and strengthening the future of the events industry through mentoring, collaboration and community.
