BCD M&E Reveals Two New Recipients to Vanessa Cotton Scholarship

BCD Meetings & Events (BCD M&E) has welcomed the two recipients of  Meetings Professionals International’s (MPI), UK & Ireland’s Vanessa Cotton Scholarship, to its agency internship programme.

Abigail Gray, a graduate of University of Chester and Kate Skidmore, a graduate of Leeds Beckett University, will receive the honour during a drinks reception in the fall, sponsored by Langham and hosted at BCD Meetings & Events’ London offices.

The Vanessa Cotton Scholarship, established in 2011 by the MPI UK & Ireland chapter, commemorates Vanessa Cotton, a respected UK meetings and events industry leader who passed away in 2010 following a battle with cancer. Each year, the scholarship is open to final‑year students completing an event management or meetings and events‑related degree or diploma in the UK or Ireland. The scholarship creates a valuable pathway for emerging talent into the B2B meetings and events industry, while enabling BCD M&E to connect with exceptional graduate talent.

“Having served on the MPI UK & Ireland Board for two years, I was incredibly proud to work with the team to bring the Vanessa Cotton Scholarship back after its hiatus three years ago,” said Nathalie Paxton, Senior Director, Account Management & Sales President of BCD M&E. “To now see the programme enter its third consecutive year, with two new winners being recognised in 2026, is a real testament to the strength of the partnership between MPI and BCD Meetings & Events. Our two chosen recipients demonstrated remarkable potential and a clear alignment with the values of the scholarship. We’re excited to welcome them into BCD M&E and support the next stage of their careers.”

As part of the award, Gray and Skidmore will begin an 18‑month salaried Graduate Event Coordinator role with the Meetings Management Life Sciences division at BCD M&E in September. The internship includes a rotation across key business lines, offering a career-shaping experience within the agency’s core global operational areas.

“Being selected for the Vanessa Cotton Scholarship is both an honour and a motivating moment in my journey,” said Gray. “I’m stepping into this internship eager to learn from leaders within the meetings and events industry, contribute meaningfully to real projects, and grow in ways that will shape my career.  I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue developing my skills and to pursue a career I’m genuinely passionate about.”

Applicants for the scholarship go through a rigorous selection process that begins with a detailed application form and continues with a telephone interview. This year, the programme received a record number of applications from 12 universities, highlighting the impressive reach of the Scholarship across the UK.

“Receiving this scholarship is a milestone I’m truly proud of. It affirms the dedication I’ve invested in my academic and professional development,” said Skidmore. “During this internship at BCD M&E, I’m looking forward to engaging with complex challenges, collaborating with talented professionals, and gaining valuable insights from the industry.”

Read more about the scholarship in Conference News.