Carina is passionate about the business events sector and its impact on the world, taking a particular interest in issues around sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and mentoring the leaders of tomorrow. Carina also takes a keen interest in leadership development, and organizational best practice and culture.
Throughout her career, Carina has been an active member of the meetings industry. She’s Past Chair of the AEO Council (2021-2023) and the EIA (2021-2022), and Past President of the SITE Foundation (2020). She has previously served on the Board of the MPI UK Chapter and on global committees for MPI and PCMA.
Carina is the proud recipient of a number of industry awards including the SITE Richard Ross Past Presidents’ Award (2022), PCMA Wayfinder Award (2021) and ICCA Inspirational Women Awards (2018).
Appointed CEO of IMEX Group in 2009 following the expansion of IMEX into America, Carina has been part of the IMEX team since the very beginning, joining in 2002 as marketing and operations director with the original launch team.
She enjoys spending time with her family (she’s a mother to two boys) and traveling for work and pleasure. She is an adventure sports enthusiast with a particular love for climbing and skiing. In her spare time, Carina works with a variety of local charities and is Chair of the Brighton and Hove Albion Foundation—using the power of football to help people get active, learn and stay well throughout Sussex.
Industry/media award highlights
- Richard Ross Past Presidents’ Award, For Outstanding Service to the Incentive Travel Industry - April 2022
- Chair AEO Council 2020/2021
- Chair EIA, 2020/2021
- Past President, SITE Foundation, 2020
- Winner, PCMA Wayfinder Award, 2021
- Mentor 2019/2020 for Fast Forward 15, the mentoring scheme for women in hospitality and events
- Winner of Smart Women in Meetings Award 2018 and 2019
- One of the 25 Most Influential People in the Incentive Industry - Northstar Meetings Group, 2018
- Winner of the Spirit of Collaboration Award, Timothy S Y Lam, Spirit of Hospitality Awards, 2018
- Winner, Inspirational Women Awards, ICCA 2018
- Inducted into the EIC (Events Industry Council) Hall of Leaders – 2023