The University of Leeds is delighted to announce the promotion of Karina Kendrick to Head of Conferences and Events. With a strong background in events, sales, and customer experience, Karina is perfectly positioned to lead the team into an exciting new chapter. We caught up with Karina to learn more about her journey, aspirations, and vision for the future.

A passion for events and people

When asked what excites her most about stepping into this role, Karina was quick to highlight the talent and dedication of the team.

I get to work with an incredibly talented team who are passionate about what they do. That’s what excites me the most. I’m also really looking forward to not only representing the University, but championing Leeds as a fantastic destination for conferences and events.

With extensive experience in the industry, Karina brings a deep understanding of what makes an event successful. Her career began on the operational side of events, which gave her first-hand experience of event delivery from the ground up.

I love the buzz of event days – creating memorable experiences and bringing people together in new ways. That hands-on experience gave me a real understanding of what goes into making an event successful. Over the years, I’ve built on that with sales experience and a strong customer focus, which I believe has set me up well for this role. Now, I’m excited to bring it all together, support our fantastic team, and reach new audiences.

Driving innovation and sustainability

Karina and the team have ambitious goals for Conferences and Events in the coming year. Sustainability remains a key priority, and she is keen to tap into the expertise of the University’s leading academics to drive positive change.

Sustainability is more than just a buzz word for us – it’s ingrained in everything we do, and we’re lucky to be able to draw on the insight of top academics to help us keep improving.

Another focus is changing perceptions of what a university event venue can offer.

Universities are hubs of creativity, and we want to showcase that. We work with incredibly innovative teams and are always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Our goal is to prove that university venues can offer something different for your event.

Why choose the University of Leeds for events?

University of Leeds will continue to offer exceptional event experiences, thanks to its outstanding team, diverse venues, and high-quality catering.

First and foremost, it’s the team that makes us stand out. Our event professionals support clients every step of the way. We’re also true to our Yorkshire values – transparent with costs and always focused on finding the best solution for each client.

The diversity of venue spaces is another major advantage, from historic listed buildings to contemporary conference spaces. With a large campus, organisers can create truly bespoke experiences for their delegates.

And of course, there’s the food.

Our chef teams create incredible menus using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. Great catering is such an important part of an event, and we’re proud to deliver high-quality, sustainable options.

Advice for aspiring event professionals

Having successfully progressed into a leadership role, Karina is keen to support others looking to do the same. Her top piece of advice? Build a strong professional network.

Surround yourself with great people – peers, mentors, and colleagues who support and inspire you. Your network can open doors, offer fresh perspectives, and help you navigate challenges. The events industry is all about relationships, and having a strong community around you, makes a huge difference.

Looking ahead

With Karina at the helm, the future looks bright for Conferences and Events at the University of Leeds. Her passion, expertise, and commitment to innovation will ensure the University remains a leading choice for event organisers in the UK and beyond.

If you’re looking to host your next event at the University of Leeds, get in touch with our team today.