Get to Know Us
Our Business Development and Events teams are here for whatever you need. We take great pride in making your event as seamless as possible. From your initial enquiry right through to delivery of your event, we'll be with you every step of the way.
I joined what was the Beardmore Conference Hotel in 2000 as Event Manager and I am now Head of Business Development and Events. Previously I have been in similar roles in various hotels in Glasgow, Chester and Liverpool. I am dedicated to the hospitality industry and am still passionate about event planning here at the Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel. Career highlights are many but would have to single out the global Haemophilia event in 2018, and the SFA under 17 tournament, when we hosted 4 international teams in the hotel as well as every single wedding I have co-ordinated. Each individual wedding is special and it is an honour to deliver an amazing day for every couple.
Kirsten Burke
Head of Business Development & Events
I have over 15 years of hospitality experience since joining the Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel in 2006. Working across our Food and Beverage, Reception and Business Development & Events teams during this time. I became the Golden Jubilee's Business Development Manager in October 2022 and have since joined the new Business Development & Events Team.
I am currently undergoing a graduate apprenticeship degree at Glasgow Caledonian University, studying Business Management. I am highly driven and determined to succeed and enjoy meeting with clients at the beginning of their journey with us, and working together to ensure that they have a successful conference at the GJCH.
Michael Gourlay
Business Development Manager
I have worked in the hospitality industry since I left school in various venues and departments including reception, bar, and food & beverage. I studied at Blackpool College and completed my Hospitality with Tourism degree at Strathclyde University. I joined the Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel in 2006 as an Event Coordinator and have recently been promoted to Event Manager. I love the variety in the job from weddings to large conferences and everything in between. Recently I also became a Duty Manager at the Hotel, which has been a fantastic challenge for me and a great way to learn all the workings of the Hotel.
Emma Finlayson
Event Manager
Following an 18-year career at Hilton, I joined the events team in November 2021. I have over 20 years hospitality experience, mainly working on the Front Desk.
I decided to pursue a career in events as a new challenge and I have thoroughly enjoyed learning how a new department works and a different venue.
I really enjoy working in the hospitality sector as you get to meet so many interesting people from all over the world and never stop learning new things.
Lisa Bunton
Event Planner
I have worked in hospitality since the age of 16, starting in Food & Beverage and moving on to reception and reservations. I joined the Business Development & Events team in September 2022 and have found a real passion in this role and getting to meet so many people and plan your event.
I love how every day is different, from dealing with corporate bookings and to planning a private event. Seeing the event from the planning to the actual day itself is what I love about this job. I enjoy a challenge and learning new things, pushing myself to the best I can be.
Rachel Getty
Event Planner
I joined the team in April 2023 as Events Planner. Working for the hospitality sector has always appealed to me, after 12-years in Procurement, I decide to make the change as I wanted to learn a new skill set. Coming to the Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel has been great and taking the chance to be Events Planner has definitely been the right move.
Working with the team and meeting new clients so far has been very enjoyable and I’m looking forward a future in hospitality and to continue learning.
Caitlin Slater
Event Planner
I joined the Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel in November 2023 after having a break from working in Hospitality for a few years I decided it was my time to get back in to the industry I love. After completing my Hospitality Management degree at Edinburgh Napier I knew this was the industry I wanted to have a career in.
I love working with people and enjoy the daily tasks that I face working as an Events Planner. I am looking forward to meeting all the clients and help them plan their events no matter what the occasion. I am excited to be part of the team and for my future here at the Golden Jubilee.
Katie Salila
Event Planner
Who Is There on the Day?
On the actual day of your event, our support team will be there to make sure everything runs smoothly. We even have a dedicated 'bell' in every conference room for immediate technical, conference or food service assistance.
I have been in the Hospitality industry for 20 years, the vast majority of those years in, front of house where I was always striving to deliver the highest possible standards and aiming to make every guest feel welcome and appreciated.
I have recently taken up the role of Food & Beverage Operations Manager here at the Golden Jubilee and I am relishing the challenge, my aim now is to deliver through my team pushing, team work, communication and standards to the next level.
Paul Duffy
Food & Beverage Operations Manager
I joined Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel when it was The Beardmore in 1997 as a Food & Beverage Assistant working part time round my children. I was promoted to Food & Beverage Supervisor in 2001 and then moved to become Conference Supervisor in 2012 and have recently been promoted to Conference Manager.
I enjoy the fact that I can meet a new client before their conference starts and make sure everything goes to plan right through until they leave, whether it’s a few hours or a full weekly residential, getting to know them, their likes and dislikes, hoping they become returning ones.
Yvonne McLean
Conference Manager
Originally working within the food & beverage department, I progressed to the audio-visual support role within the Hotel in 2012. This suited me extremely well since I have a passion for gaming, computing and technology. Since 2012 I have overseen many upgrades to our technology and how we deliver our support service, including adding the ability to fully record conferences or host hybrid meetings.
I was promoted to Audio-Visual Manager in 2022 and I now lead an AV team dedicated to tailoring technical packages and providing day to day AV support for conferences and events.