Catharine Dickinson

Senior events and engagement leader with 20+ years’ experience creating and leading year-round event programmes, international experiences, conferences, exhibitions, awards and stakeholder engagement initiatives. Experienced in taking ownership of complex event portfolios, budgets, supplier networks and cross-functional delivery across the UK, Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. Commercially focused and highly delivery-oriented, with a track record of building event functions, developing professional communities and translating events into measurable organisational growth.

At Sphere

Bio, led a global calendar of 30+ strategic events annually, with events contributing 65% of the company’s demand-generation pipeline. Previously created and led a new events division at Environment Media Group, growing commercial revenue to more than £2 million. Comfortable working directly with senior leaders, business leaders, academics, donors, partners and specialist suppliers, while maintaining calm, professional execution in complex environments.

Head of Events, Alumni & External Engagement - Cambridge Judge Business School - Cambridge, UK

(2025-09)

Lead a strategic portfolio of global events and engagement programmes supporting alumni relations, philanthropy, academic engagement and external partnerships.

• Own and develop a portfolio of international events and engagement initiatives, aligning activity with School-wide priorities and senior stakeholder objectives.
• Build relationships with academics, alumni, business leaders, donors, government representatives and external partners, creating high-quality engagement experiences for diverse audiences.
• Advise senior leadership on programme priorities, event planning and strategic opportunities.
• Maintain strong budget governance and lead internal teams and external suppliers to deliver consistently high standards and value for money.
• Introduce evaluation and continuous-improvement processes to strengthen engagement, delivery quality and organisational impact.

Global Events & Exhibitions Manager - Sphere Bio Ltd - Cambridge, UK

(2024-01 - 2025-08)

Led the company’s global events and engagement programme across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific, supporting commercial growth and brand development.

• Owned and directed a year-round international calendar of 30+ strategic events, balancing multiple markets, priorities, stakeholders and delivery deadlines.
• Partnered with commercial, scientific, marketing and executive leadership teams to ensure each event supported clear business and audience objectives.
• Managed international suppliers, agencies and partners, maintaining delivery standards, budget discipline and consistent execution across markets.
• Introduced governance, planning, KPI and ROI frameworks that improved consistency and enabled more evidence-based investment decisions.
• Delivered integrated audience campaigns before, during and after events to maximise engagement and commercial follow-up.
• Events contributed 65% of the company’s demand-generation pipeline while improving lead conversion.

Strategic Marketing & Events Consultant - NextGen Digital Media - Cambridge, UK

(2021-05 - 2023-12)

Advised directors and clients on event-led engagement, programme delivery and commercial growth.

• Developed customer engagement and event strategies aligned with wider marketing and commercial objectives.
• Managed programme budgets, supplier relationships and performance reporting.
• Presented recommendations and business cases to senior leadership, supporting investment and programme decisions.

Family Career Break - Career Break

(2014 - 2021)

Marketing & Events Director - E2B Group Ltd - London, UK

(2010-10 - 2013-12)

Led strategic events, marketing and engagement programmes designed to grow a national B2B professional community.

• Developed and owned engagement strategies supporting customer acquisition, retention and long-term community growth.
• Created industry partnerships, networking programmes and integrated event-led campaigns across digital, content and social channels.
• Built strong relationships with commercial partners, stakeholders and industry bodies.

Head of Events & Marketing - Environment Media Group - London, UK

(2008-05 - 2010-10)

Created and led a new commercial events division delivering conferences, exhibitions, awards and professional engagement programmes.

• Took ownership of the events proposition, budgets, cross-functional teams and external supplier delivery.
• Developed strategic partnerships with industry associations, government bodies and commercial sponsors.
• Grew commercial revenue to more than £2 million through the expansion of the events and engagement portfolio.
• Introduced new engagement programmes that strengthened industry relationships and community value.

Event Account Manager - CMP Information (UBM/Informa)

(2007-06 - 2008-05)

Events Manager / Event Executive - Montgomery Exhibitions

(2005-04 - 2007-06)

Built early-career expertise delivering international exhibitions across Europe and emerging markets, with responsibility spanning stakeholder management, project delivery, marketing and commercial partnerships.

Bachelor of Arts with Honours - History - The University of Liverpool