Fast Forward 15 (FF15), the leading mentoring and development programme for women in the events industry, is delighted to announce a new industry partnership with Destination Toronto, alongside welcoming Nicola Alexander, UK Sales Director at Destination Toronto, as a mentor for the 2026–27 Fast Forward 15 programme.
This new collaboration brings together two organisations with a shared commitment to championing inclusion, leadership development and creating meaningful opportunities for women across the global events sector. As a female-led organisation, Fast Forward 15 is proud to partner with Destination Toronto, whose values closely align with its mission to support diverse talent, foster community and invest in the future of the industry.
The partnership marks the beginning of a collaborative relationship designed to create greater visibility, connections and development opportunities for women working across events, travel and hospitality. By combining FF15’s influential mentoring platform with Destination Toronto’s commitment to inclusive growth, the organisations aim to further strengthen pathways for female leadership within the sector.
As part of the partnership, Nicola Alexander will join Fast Forward 15’s mentor cohort for the 2026–27 programme, bringing more than 25 years of experience in the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions industry. Through her mentorship, Alexander will support emerging female talent as they navigate career progression, leadership development and industry challenges.
Fay Sharpe OBE, Founder of Fast Forward 15, said:
“We are thrilled to welcome Destination Toronto as an official industry partner and delighted that Nicola will be joining our mentor community for the 2026–27 programme. It is incredibly important to work with organisations that genuinely share our values around inclusion, collaboration and empowering women to reach senior leadership positions. We see this as the start of an exciting relationship that will create lasting impact for women across our industry.”
Meredith Donaghey, Director, Meeting Sales, Destination Toronto, said:
“We’re incredibly excited to partner with Fast Forward 15, a programme that has become synonymous with excellence in mentoring and leadership development within the events industry. Supporting female talent and creating more inclusive leadership
pathways is a priority for us, and we’re proud to align with an organisation making such a tangible difference across the sector.”
Nicola Alexander, UK Sales Director, Destination Toronto, added:
“I’m absolutely delighted to join Fast Forward 15 as a mentor for the 2026–27 programme. Having spent over 25 years in this industry, I understand the value of strong networks, guidance and visible female role models. Supporting the next generation of women in events is something I’m passionate about, and I’m excited to contribute to such an impactful community.”
Fast Forward 15 is widely recognised as the premier mentoring community within the events, travel and hospitality sectors, with support from leading agencies, corporate organisers, suppliers and industry associations.
