Mandy is Owner and Managing Director of Paje Consultancy is a venue sales and conference specialist with over 35 years’ experience operating in senior sales director roles with key conference and event industry brands including Thistle Hotels, Forte, Le Meridien, Marriott and was Sales Director for the De Vere and Principal Hayley Groups. In addition, she was the Venue Chair for the HBAA (beam) and involved in their working groups for over 10 years. Mandy had the pleasure to be on the board of AVS for 3 years supporting with the organisation’s strategic direction. In 2021, Mandy purchased Venues of Excellence and now is the CEO for the organisation who have a consortium with over 50 independent, unique, specialist conference and training venues in the UK. She is also proud to be a Non-Exec Director for the Jaguar Land Rover training facility, Ashorne Hill and Imago Venues at Loughborough University.

With over 30 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, Jo started her career with Queens Moat House, working first of all in reservations and the conference office before joining the sales team.  Following that her roles included a variety of Sales/Area Sales/Key Account positions within the Forte Heritage and MacDonald Hotel Groups.  Jo has also worked in Event Management and is passionate about the hospitality industry, and developing great sales teams! She still likes to keep her hand in with sales support projects, business development for Venues of Excellence and now also looks after the Paje Learning and Development Academy.  Jo loves to see the delegates feeling empowered to take on new challenges and to watch their careers grow.