JUDGES
Our leading panel of judges are industry professionals who have in-depth experience of running events. Each of our judges are allocated an award category and vote independently and separately to score each entry. They then meet to share scoring and discuss feedback to consolidate the 1st, 2nd and 3rd places.
Leigh Cowlishaw
Managing Partner, Black Box Partnerships
Leigh Cowlishaw is Managing Partner at business travel, meetings and events consultancy Black Box Partnerships (Black Box), and has worked in the travel and meetings industry for almost 25 years.
She’s held roles as director of proposition – accommodation and meetings, business travel, supplier management director, commercial lead and director of account management, which brings a balanced and trusted level of insight and knowledge to the global business travel sector.
Her diverse work experience comprises 8 years at Banks Sadler account managing global and super brands, 6 years at Capita plc (including the travel & technology division, now known as Agiito) and also 6 years as a board member of the HBAA (now known as beam), as well holding the association chair position in 2016.
Leigh is a well-respected and well networked individual who is proud to also hold various voluntary roles including Meetings Show Advisory Board, judge for the ICE awards and The Meetings Show Tomorrows Talent and past Vice Chair of Eventwell, championing mental health across the industry.
From Leigh’s wealth of experience across the industry, Leigh provides coaching and mentoring for highly effective leadership and development.
Leigh is a board member of Meeting Needs.
Leigh is a mentor at GBTA ladders.
Leigh is a mental health first aider, accredited by MHFA UK and a Suicide First Aider.