Tomorrow’s Talent 2024: Iulia Zorzoana

Iulia Zorzoana has been events executive at The Meetings Industry Association since September 2022 where she has been instrumental in planning and managing the organisation’s events programme.

Iulia first gained experience working on events through staffing agencies while studying a degree in Events Management and Tourism at the University of West London and continued to learn on the job during her placement year at the Sea Pines Resort in South Carolina. When the pandemic made her press pause on her events career, Iulia carried on gaining skills – completing a Level 2 course in Understanding Mental Health Problems and starting an MSc degree in Information Systems at the University of Sheffield. Now she combines her technical knowledge with event management.

What does being a Tomorrow’s Talent winner mean to you?

It’s confirmation and a token of appreciation for my work and ambition to excel in the meetings and events industry. I truly believe that this opportunity will open many doors for me in the future and will also equip me with the skills I need to succeed. As well as being selected for the six-month mentorship program with Women in Exhibitions, I am also looking forward to completing The Complete Sustainable Events Course with isla and learning about how I can make my events more sustainable. I am so keen to learn about this, as sustainability is one of my biggest concerns when it comes to events and my impact on the world. Lastly, I am so excited to meet the other nine winners and connect with like-minded individuals.

Who or what in the meetings industry inspires you?

Events have the power to create memories, they are an experience you are providing for people that can enhance their personal or professional lives. I feel inspired by being able to create such experiences and motivated by the thought that the delegates will leave the conference or event with insights or connections that will further help them in their career.  Events also bring excitement and joy and they are part of our work but they should remain the most exciting part. I am also inspired by individuals who advocate for equality, diversity on all levels, and overall better, more inclusive, and more sustainable events. I think we should not stop thinking about ‘How can we make the industry better?’ or ‘How can I make my event better’? This is the force that is driving me forward.

What has been your proudest career moment so far?

Aside from being selected as a Tomorrow’s Talent 2024 winner, I was organising my first miaList event in 2022 after just one month of joining the mia. The event ran back-to-back with the Reignite Conference so I had a very long day but everything went according to the plan and both events were successful. That moment made me realise that I am capable of exceeding my limits and nothing is impossible if I put my mind to it.

What would be your dream event to work on? 

The FIFA World Cup. I am fascinated by the amount of preparation a destination must go through to host the Football World Cup and by the complex logistic procedures that must be in place. I would love to attend a World Cup match one day and who knows, maybe one day my dream will come true and I will play a part in organising this massive sporting event.

What are your career ambitions?

To become an inspiration for others through my work and keep advocating for mental health and inclusion along the way. I love every part of the events industry and I don’t have a specific “dream job”. I want to continue to progress, learn and continue to pursue new experiences and challenges.