Winner of Vanessa Cotton Scholarship revealed

Levi Devine has been announced as the winner of this year’s Vanessa Cotton Scholarship, receiving an 18-month salaried role as a graduate event coordinator with BCD Meetings & Events.

Devine’s role at the agency, which starts in early September, is a rotation programme that will cover key lines of business within the agency.

The Vanessa Cotton Scholarship was created in 2011 by MPI UK & Ireland in honour of UK event industry veteran Vanessa Cotton, who passed away in 2010. The scholarship is open to final-year students completing an event management or meetings industry-related degree or diploma in the UK or Ireland.

The selection involves a detailed application form and a telephone interview, after which finalists are chosen and invited to a networking event where the winner is revealed. The award was presented during a drinks reception at the London offices of BCD Meetings & Events last week.

“I’m honoured to have been awarded the Vanessa Cotton Scholarship and to be joining BCD Meetings & Events,” Devine stated. “I’m thrilled by this opportunity and even more excited to see what the future holds.”

According to a statement from BCD Meetings & Events, the decision to select Devine, a graduate of Leeds Beckett University, was unanimous.

“Levi made a strong impression throughout the assessment day. His friendly and personable demeanour showcased his enthusiasm for the events industry. His ability to lead the team during the group activity and encourage participation from all members reflects both his knowledge and teamwork skills,” the company explained.

originally published by Adam Shepherd 23 July 2025.