Sian Downes, a recent PR and Media graduate from Queen Margaret University (QMU) in Musselburgh, East Lothian, has been nominated as one of the top four event planners under the age 30 in the UK and the only ‘Rising Star’ in Scotland, as part of the 2014 Event Awards.
The annual Event Awards is the only industry awards ceremony in the UK that celebrates the creative, experiential and supplier sectors in the live events sector. This year’s glittering Event Awards ceremony will take place at The Troxy in London on 2nd October, when Sian will find out if she has won the top accolade.
Sian is currently the Events Manager for the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce. Since joining the organisation in April 2013, Sian has overhauled the events programme by boosting the number of annual events held by the Chamber from 35 events last year to 120 events in 2014.
Her biggest success to date was managing the 3rd Annual Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, including the development of the event’s branding, logo, sponsorship packages and the choice of award categories available to enter.
Sian has secured more sponsorship opportunities than ever before for the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Business Awards by engaging with high profile brands like Audi, Vision Events, The Royal College of Surgeons, Hunter Adams, Westfield Health, Skanska, SuperJam and Links of London. She has also boosted attendance at the 2014 event by over 130% compared to the previous year.
Commenting on her nomination in the 2014 Event Awards, Sian said: “I’m thrilled to have been named one of the UK event world’s ‘rising stars’ this year. I’m already looking forward to the 2014 Event Awards in London this October and wish all the other nominees the best of luck.
“My QMU degree has certainly equipped me well for my chosen career path by offering lots of practical opportunities as well as building my academic knowledge.
“I really thrive on working in such a dynamic environment and have enjoyed taking on the challenge of boosting the profile of Chamber events and working alongside the members.”
For more information on the Event Awards 2014, visit: www.eventawards.com