UWTSD Alumna Returns to Inspire Future Event Professionals
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) was delighted to welcome alumna Heledd Williams, Head of Business Events Wales, to the University’s Dylan Thomas Event Centre for a special event promoting the Meet in Wales initiative.
The event aimed to raise awareness of the Meet in Wales Ambassador Programme among UWTSD’s academic and research staff, encouraging participation in a national initiative designed to attract conferences, meetings, and international events to Wales. The programme also supports the strategic ambition to enhance the Welsh Government’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) sector and promote Wales as a world-class destination for business events.
The day began with an engaging and informative presentation from Heledd and the Meet in Wales team, outlining the programme’s objectives and the opportunities available for collaboration. This was followed by discussions exploring how UWTSD could host and support future conferences across its campuses.
UWTSD’s Level 6 Events & International Festivals Management and International Travel & Tourism Management students played a key role in supporting the event, from setup and delegate liaison to hospitality and guest management. The day provided a valuable opportunity for students to apply their academic learning in a live event environment, directly supporting their studies in Convention Management.
Adding to the warm Welsh welcome, Level 5 Gastronomy students, under the expert guidance of Programme Manager Jemma Smith, prepared and served an outstanding Welsh-themed lunch. This provided the perfect setting for networking, allowing delegates, the Meet in Wales team, and current Ambassadors to discuss conference opportunities across a wide range of sectors including Education, Enterprise, eSports, Physical Literacy, Sustainability, and Tourism.
Following lunch, Heledd delivered an exclusive Meetings Masterclass for Events Management students, sharing insights from her extensive career in the global events industry. Drawing on her experience in delivering major international events such as the UEFA Champions League Final, World Leaders Summit, Volvo Ocean Race, and Ryder Cup, Heledd offered a unique perspective on event planning, destination marketing, and strategic leadership.
Students gained an enhanced understanding of the MICE sector and the Meet in Wales strategy, connecting theory from modules in Niche Marketing, International Travel Operations, Conventions, and Global Destination Management to real-world practice.
Heledd also reflected on her own career journey, which began at UWTSD where she studied Tourism and Leisure Management. Her professional experience includes placements with S4C, Magic of Wales at Walt Disney World’s Epcot (Florida), and Contiki Holidays in Rome, followed by prominent roles with the Wales Tourist Board in New York, BBC Wales Events, Cardiff Tourism, and the Welsh Government.
Jacqui Jones, Programme Manager, International Travel, Tourism, Events & Festivals Management Portfolio at UWTSD said:
“It’s is always wonderful to welcome back our high flying graduates to UWTSD as industry leaders to share their professional expertise & career stories to inspire our next generation of students.
“Heledd’s passion & enthusiasm for Events, Tourism & Wales is infectious, & has had a very significant impact on our students.
“The event was also a wonderful opportunity for students from across our Academic discipline to come together to demonstrate their industry skills & host yet another highly successful event.”
The event was attended by 15 members of academic staff, including two Deans and Professors, as well as notable guests such as Professor Terry Stevens and the CEO of eSports Wales, both of whom are also Meet in Wales Ambassadors. The day also included a recorded interview highlighting the strategic importance of the Ambassador Programme and its positive impact on students and the wider events sector.
UWTSD is also delighted to announce that Heledd has been invited to be a guest speaker at the University’s forthcoming Celebratory Conversations, marking 30 years since the first degree graduates from the Academic Discipline. She will be joined by Professor Terry Stevens, the Dean of Faculty who originally launched the course, as they reflect on its legacy and ongoing impact.
Further Information
Lowri Thomas
Principal Communications and PR Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07449 998476