VisitScotland’s Katherine Nelles recognised as a young leader for the future

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Last week it was announced that Katherine Nelles, Market Manager –UK and Ireland at VisitScotland Business Events has been awarded a place on the prestigious Fast Forward 15 (FF15) mentoring programme for 2019 – 2020.

The announcement was made during the Fast Forward 15 Graduation Ceremony, upon the Silver Sturgeon on the River Thames. FF15, led by Fay Sharpe, is an initiative that sees 15 women in the events industry mentored for a year by an industry veteran and work together to achieve objectives and goals. The programme includes two group workshops, monthly one to one mentoring and concludes with a graduation ceremony. It also includes a mentee charity event. Nelles will be mentored by Mark Riches, Managing Director, First.

Nelles began her career in at the 5* Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto where started out as an In Room Dining Coordinator before progressing into a role within the sales team. In 2014, Nelles was transferred to the luxurious Fairmont St Andrews where she held several sales positions including Head of Event Sales & Planning before joining the team at VisitScotland as Market Manager for the UK & Ireland. 

The event included a champagne reception and three-course meal following a keynote speech from Natalie Cohen, a team member of Coxless Crew who became the first fours boat to row unsupported across the Pacific Ocean from America to Australia.

Nelles said: “I am thrilled to join the Fast Forward 15 programme for 2019 -2020. It is a fantastic opportunity to learn from Mark and to further progress my career and learnings. I’m looking forward to my journey on this programme and build upon my skills and be able to use this experience to enhance my career and role at VisitScotland Business Events.”

Fay Sharpe, Founder of Fast Forward 15 said: “I’m delighted to have Katherine on this year’s programme. This is now our fifth year of operating and the programme and support is becoming strong every year. We are also pleased to have candidates from all over the UK and from Europe this year reflecting a diverse group of women from different organisations.”

Adam Parry
Author: Adam Parry

Adam is the co-founder and editor of www.eventindustrynews.com Adam, a technology evangelist also organises Event Tech Live, Europe’s only show dedicated to event technology and the Event Technology Awards. Both events take place in November, London.