Shenaz Bussawon
St Albans,Hertfordshire
Summary
Senior Events & Stakeholder Engagement Manager with 15+ years' experience delivering high-profile conferences, executive events and strategic engagement programmes across government, membership organisations and commercial sectors. Proven expertise in leading end-to-end event portfolios, managing budgets exceeding £150,000, building senior stakeholder relationships and delivering exceptional delegate experiences through strategic planning and hands-on execution.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work history
Government Relations Coordinator
Pearson
2026.05 - 2026.07
- Supported the Government Relations team by coordinating senior stakeholder engagement, executive meetings, policy briefings and strategic events within a fast-paced corporate environment. Managed complex logistics for leadership meetings, workshops and conferences, prepared high-quality presentations and briefing materials, and conducted policy research to support engagement activities. Worked collaboratively across teams to ensure seamless delivery of projects, building trusted relationships with senior internal and external stakeholders while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
Events Manager (Contract)
Flexible Space Association
2025.12 - 2026.03
- Managed the end-to-end delivery of the Association's events programme, including conferences, awards, webinars, roundtables and member engagement activities. Worked closely with suppliers, venues, speakers and sponsors to coordinate logistics, communications and event operations, ensuring a consistently high-quality delegate experience. Successfully balanced multiple projects within a short-term contract while supporting wider member engagement and delivering events on time and within budget.
Events, Marketing & Programmes Manager (Public Engagement)
British Ports Association
2018.04 - 2025.11
- Led the strategic planning and delivery of a national portfolio of 15+ high-profile events annually, including flagship conferences for up to 450 delegates, parliamentary receptions, networking events, annual lunches and public engagement programmes. Managed an annual events budget exceeding £150,000, securing £30,000 in sponsorship from 25+ partners while overseeing supplier procurement, marketing campaigns, digital communications and end-to-end event delivery. Built trusted relationships with 20+ senior stakeholders, including government departments, Ministers, MPs, board members, sponsors and industry leaders, delivering events at prestigious venues including the House of Commons, House of Lords, Scottish Parliament and The Senedd. Alongside the events programme, provided executive support to the Chief Executive, coordinated board meetings, managed office operations, chaired the Ethnicity in Maritime Network and led sector-wide diversity and inclusion initiatives.
- Key Achievements
- Delivered 15+ strategic events annually for up to 450 delegates.
- Managed £150k+ budgets and secured £30k sponsorship.
- Built relationships with 25+ sponsors and 20+ senior stakeholders.
- High-profile venues, events delivered at: House of Commons
- House of Lords
- Scottish Parliament
- The Senedd
- Guildhall
- Tower Bridge
- Drapers' Hall
- Trinity House
- Merchant Taylors' Hall
- Goldsmiths' Hall
- Ironmongers' Hall
- 8 Bishopsgate
- Victorian Bath House
- BT Tower
- De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms
Office Manager
Birkenstock UK
2016.12 - 2018.03
- Managed the day-to-day operations of the UK office while providing executive support to the UK Director, overseeing complex diary management, international travel, procurement, supplier relationships and financial administration. Improved operational efficiency through effective office management, coordinated facilities and business support services, and acted as the key liaison between the UK business and international colleagues to ensure the smooth delivery of operational activities.
Key Account Manager
Wolverine Worldwide
2013.03 - 2016.11
- Managed a portfolio of major UK retail accounts, overseeing end-to-end order fulfilment, logistics and customer relationships to ensure exceptional service delivery. Produced commercial reports and performance analysis for senior leadership, resolved complex account issues and collaborated with international teams to improve operational efficiency, strengthen client relationships and support continued account growth.
Project Administrator (Contract)
Just Eat
2012.11 - 2013.03
- Supported a business-critical allergen compliance project by validating data, coordinating project activities and working closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of key project milestones. Provided comprehensive administrative support to project managers, monitored progress against deadlines and contributed to the accurate implementation of compliance processes across the business.
Earlier Career
Various
2003.01 - 2012.01
- Held customer service, administration and operations roles across retail and corporate organisations including Deckers UK, Pentland Brands, Radley & Co, Monsoon, H&M and Nationwide Trust, building strong foundations in operations, SAP, customer service and commercial administration.
Education
A Levels - English Literature, Art & Design
Oaklands College
St AlbansGCSE’s - undefined
St Albans Girls School
St AlbansSkills
- Strategic Event Management
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Partnerships & Sponsorship
- Budget Management
- Executive Support
- Public Engagement
- Marketing & Communications
- CRM & Event Platforms
- Software
- Microsoft Office Canva Eventbrite Teams Zoom
Personal Interests
I have a keen interest in photography, the arts and have a keen interest in geopolitical events and history. I also volunteer for Sustainable St Albans in my spare time.
Career Highlights
- Delivered 15+ strategic events annually, including conferences for 450 delegates.
- Managed £150k+ annual budgets and generated £30k sponsorship from 25+ partners.
- Delivered 30+ webinars supporting 200+ member organisations.
- Built trusted relationships with Ministers, MPs, board members and senior industry leaders.
Timeline
Government Relations Coordinator
Pearson
2026.05 - 2026.07
Events Manager (Contract)
Flexible Space Association
2025.12 - 2026.03
Events, Marketing & Programmes Manager (Public Engagement)
British Ports Association
2018.04 - 2025.11
Office Manager
Birkenstock UK
2016.12 - 2018.03
Key Account Manager
Wolverine Worldwide
2013.03 - 2016.11
Project Administrator (Contract)
Just Eat
2012.11 - 2013.03
Earlier Career
Various
2003.01 - 2012.01
GCSE’s - undefined
St Albans Girls School
A Levels - English Literature, Art & Design
Oaklands College