beam has announced the winner and two runners-up of the prestigious Chris Peacock Young Champion of Change Award at its annual Gala Dinner on Friday night at The Grand Hotel, Birmingham. The award celebrates young professionals making an outstanding impact in the events, meetings, and hospitality industry.
Taking home the top honour this year was Lilybea Taylor of Access Bookings, whose impressive contributions to operational efficiencies, supplier relationships, and community engagement set her apart. Lucy Newman of Inntel was named first runner-up and recognised for her leadership aspirations, adaptability, and commitment to sustainability. Tori Smith of Edgbaston Park Hotel secured second runner-up, impressing the judges with her strategic approach to business growth and dedication to team development.
Head judge Andrew Deakin, Managing Director of Conference Care, praised Lilybea’s impact, stating: “Lilybea demonstrated exceptional leadership in streamlining the RFP process, enhancing operations, and driving supplier efficiencies. Her commitment to her role during challenging times and her ability to navigate difficult negotiations with a major hotel group showcased her resilience and strategic mindset. Beyond her professional achievements, her passion for local community outreach and her advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community, particularly through her work with Pride events, embodies the spirit of this award. Chris would be immensely proud.”
Lilybea expressed her gratitude, saying: “Wow, what an absolute honour to have been nominated and presented with such a prestigious award. I am so excited to have won and so grateful to my wonderful colleagues for nominating me.
“I wanted to say thank you to the judges, I know the calibre of entrants was really high and I look forward to seeing and experiencing the lasting impact of my industry peers as they continue to implement change across the sector.”
First runner-up, Lucy Newman, was recognised for her remarkable adaptability and leadership within her short time in the industry. She played an instrumental role in launching a new department at Inntel, driving operational efficiencies, and demonstrating a deep commitment to environmental and community initiatives, including beach clean-ups. Judges commended her as “one to watch for the future.”
The second runner-up, Tori Smith, stood out for her exceptional drive for business growth and process improvements and her dedication to team engagement and mental health awareness. Her passion for mentoring and leading by example earned her praise as “a natural strategic sales leader who inspires those around her.”ing positive industry change.
Julie Shorrock, Outgoing Chair of beam, concludes: “We are incredibly proud to recognise these outstanding young professionals driving change in our industry. beam’s annual Gala Dinner was the perfect place to celebrate their dedication to innovation, sustainability, and community engagement – they are inspirational. The future of our industry is bright, and people like Lilybea, Lucy, and Tori will shape our path.”
beam extends its congratulations to all the finalists and looks forward to continuing Chris Peacock’s legacy by championing the next generation of changemakers in the industry.
