EXCEL’S CAROLINE GOURLAY APPOINTED
PRESIDENT FOR WOMEN IN EXHIBITIONS 

Women in Exhibitions, UK Chapter, have announced Caroline Gourlay, Head of B2B Exhibition Sales at ExceL London, as its new president.  

Women in Exhibitions aims to inspire, empower and prepare women for leadership positions in the events and exhibitions sector, by supporting at every stage of their career journey. 

Caroline has been an active board member of the Women in Exhibitions, UK Chapter since August 2023.  She will replace Laura Shapiro, Portfolio Director at CloserStill Media who held the position for 2 years, Laura will remain on the board.  

Caroline will lead the Women in Exhibition’s UK Chapter through its next phase of development and will focus on membership growth from the vast venue and supplier base in the UK, and source new partnerships with industry events and organisations in order to bring gender diversity in leadership to the fore of conversation.

Caroline said, “It is a great honour to step into the role of President of the Women in Exhibition’s UK Chapter given the strength and breadth of female talent across our industry.  With the backing of the brilliant and highly engaged board, I hope to continue extending the reach of this network across the UK and welcome new companies into membership.

“Gender equity in leadership is still an industry challenge, and we will continue to prepare women for leadership roles through our membership offering of networking events, a mentorship programme, and training initiatives. I am looking forward to speaking with each of our members and learning how we can further support them in adopting a positive gender diversity culture, and understanding how the industry can collectively come together to support women in the workplace in 2025” 

Caroline has over 20 years’ experience within the industry, having worked for organiser UBM before it was acquired by Informa before joining the exhibition team at Excel London, one of the UK’s most preeminent venues.  Caroline now manages wide and diverse portfolio of B2B shows including the world’s leading EdTech show Bett, The London Vet Show and UK Black Business Week. She is renowned for her ability to work with UK, independent and international organisers to deliver market leading events, and support them in achieving year-on-year growth aspirations. Caroline was instrumental in Excel London becoming the first venue in the UK to join membership of the Women in Exhibitions, UK Chapter.   

Caroline will lead UK Chapter board members including; Rachel Swann, COO, dmg events; Emma Barrett, Managing Director, Broadway Events; Laura Shapiro, Portfolio Director, CloserStill Media; Laura Tavernor, Marketing Consultant; Rachel Parker, Director AEV & EIA, Association of Event Venues; Laura Tythcott, Venue Services Director, NEC; Soraya Gadelrab, Event Director, Hyve Group; Jessica Hockman, Marketing Director, Informa; and Claire Adams, Head of Data, CloserStill Media.

Women in Exhibitions UK Chater officially launched in March 2020. In addition to individual members, it currently has corporate members including organisers: Arc, Broadway Events, Clarion, CloserStill Media, dmg events, Easyfairs, FESPA, Hyve, Immediate Live, Informa,  Exhibitions, Nineteen, Quartz Media, RCNi, Roar B2B, RX, Terrapin; venues; ACC Liverpool, Business Design Centre, Excel London, Farnborough, Manchester Central, Messe Frankfurt, Olympia, and suppliers; Airbusiness, GES, Kuehne + Nagel, Rocket Global Ventures, Tag Digital, and Whitespace Exhibitions.