Lesley joined BestCities in 2017 as Market Development Director, and was Managing Director from January 2020 to July 2023, following the decision of BestCities to award extending the management contract to GainingEdge.
Lesley is a strong supporter and advocate of the beyond tourism impacts of meetings. In 2017 BestCities formed a collaboration with ICCA to create the Incredible Impacts Programme – a programme to support legacy and encourage others to consider the societal impact conferences can have. It provides an important platform to advocate on the positive societal impact of international association meetings and celebrate inspiring work from international associations.
Prior to BestCities Lesley was Head of Business Tourism for Marketing Edinburgh where her key focus was sourcing and bidding for national and international conferences for the city. Based in Scotland Lesley continues to support the local industry to raise the profile of Scotland as a world leading conference destination. She also sits as a Director and Trustee of the Royal Yacht Britannia.
