A BU Events Management student has won a prestigious scholarship that will allow her to network with leading industry figures at a conference in Krakow, Poland.

Jade Woodall, a final year BA (Hons) Events Management student at BU, has been named as recipient of the 2014 Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Vanessa Cotton Scholarship.

She was chosen by a panel of industry judges to receive the scholarship, and has won an all-expenses paid trip to the MPI European Meetings and Events Conference (EMEC) in Krakow, Poland, next February.

She will also be able to attend educational sessions and network with more than 200 event professionals and current MPI board members.

Jade said: “I am very excited to have won The Vanessa Cotton Scholarship and I am so grateful to MPI UK & I, Reed Travel Expo and ExCel London for giving me this wonderful opportunity.

“I am really looking forward to EMEC in Poland where I hope to continue with my professional development by making new contacts and building on my current experience and knowledge of the industry.”

Jade saw off stiff competition from a record number of entries to receive the scholarship, which recognises the brightest of the next generation of event professionals who show outstanding communication skills and a desire for personal development.

Jade was flown to Barcelona for the announcement of the scholarship at global meeting and events exhibition EIBTM 2014.

“My trip to Barcelona was a great experience,” added Jade. “I made some valuable contacts and got to meet the judges of the competition who said they really enjoyed reading my application.”