We’re proud to share that Jack Cooling and Olympia Lyon have both been named in the Conference News 30underThirty Class of 2026 – a fantastic recognition of their talent, ambition and growing impact across the events industry.
The Conference News 30underThirty is a year-long development programme designed to celebrate and support emerging talent across the global meetings and events sector. Winners are selected by an independent panel of senior industry leaders, with judging focused on professional achievement, future potential and the ability to positively shape the industry.
Jack’s journey at Emota is a standout example of long-term progression, commitment and ambition. Joining the business in 2019 as a placement student while studying Events Management, Jack has progressed through Delegate Manager and Project Manager roles to become a Senior Project Manager in 2025.
Today, Jack leads some of the largest and most complex programmes within the team, delivering global events for pharmaceutical clients with delegate numbers ranging from 300 to 1,000. Trusted with both commercial and operational responsibility, he is known for his sound judgement, calm leadership and ability to deliver consistently in high-pressure environments.
Alongside his delivery work, Jack plays an active role in shaping the future of event operations through his involvement in Emota’s AI approach. He is focused on exploring how emerging technologies can improve efficiency while ensuring that creativity, human insight and connection remain central to successful live experiences.
As Leanne Galea, Head of Meetings & Events at Emota, says:
“Jack is the person everybody wants on their team. He brings energy and ideas, but also a calm head when things get tough. He genuinely cares about making every project the best it can be, and that mix of creativity, positivity and reliability is what makes him shine.”
Jack’s recognition in the Conference News 30underThirty Class of 2026 reflects both his exceptional delivery credentials and his future-focused approach to leadership, innovation and talent development.
Olympia joined Emota in 2022 as a Delegate Manager and has since been promoted twice to her current role as Project Manager, reflecting her rapid development and expanding leadership responsibilities.
In her role, Olympia delivers complex international event programmes, managing high-volume delegate registration, multi-hotel housing blocks and cross-market stakeholders with confidence and precision. Known for her calm decision-making, attention to detail and collaborative leadership style, she is trusted to deliver excellence on high-pressure projects.
Beyond delivery, Olympia is deeply committed to shaping a more inclusive events industry. A neurodiverse and LGBTQIA+ professional, she actively contributes to Emota’s DEI initiatives, helping to influence internal resources, training and conversations that champion individuality, empathy and inclusive ways of working. Her leadership extends beyond her role through mentoring, knowledge sharing and advocacy for people-centred event delivery.
As Leanne Galea comments:
“Olympia is an incredibly driven and passionate professional who never stops pushing herself to achieve more. She’s not only an exceptional project manager, but also a mentor and advocate who inspires those around her. Her influence goes far beyond her day-to-day role, and she’s a true asset to our team and culture.”
Olympia’s inclusion in the Conference News 30underThirty Class of 2026 recognises not only her achievements to date, but her ambition to help build an events industry defined by operational excellence, inclusivity and sustainable growth.
Being named in the Conference News 30underThirty Class of 2026 is a significant achievement, recognising not only Jack and Olympia’s impact today, but their potential to continue shaping the future of the events industry.
Congratulations to you both – a hugely deserved recognition, and one we’re incredibly proud to celebrate.
