Debbie Slee
Relationship & Growth Manager
Penni isn’t just the Co-Owner and Director of ConnectIn Events – she’s the unapologetically bold, funky-blazer-wearing force behind the events company that thrives on shaking things up. With more than 25 years in business development and events, she’s made a career out of turning audacious ideas into unforgettable experiences that don’t just impress – they inspire, connect, and linger long after the last spotlight fades.
She’s definitely one you’ll want in your corner – your insider for exceptional venues, a connoisseur of the finest spots for your business events, and a mastermind who never misses a trick when it comes to creating insane corporate experiences. Whether she’s working the room with her natural knack for networking, transforming a bare-bones warehouse into a mind-blowing immersive experience, or sneaking in a cuddle with her two wild (and endlessly entertaining) cats, she’s fuelled by creativity, connection, and a fearless approach to life.
At ConnectIn, Penni leads with fire, vision, and a team-first philosophy – her favourite mantra being: “TEAM – Together Everyone Achieves More.” She’s as comfortable strategising on big-picture growth as she is rolling up her sleeves to add her personal flair to the creative process. Her style? Part connector, part innovator, part challenger of the status quo – and always 100% authentic.
For Penni, events are never just events. They’re platforms for storytelling, relationship-building, and pushing boundaries. She believes passion is the ultimate game-changer, and that’s exactly what she pours into every project. Breaking boundaries isn’t just a brand ethos at Connect In – it’s her personal philosophy. Her mission? To disrupt the ordinary, elevate every experience, and keep raising the bar for what’s possible in the events world.
“Creative flair, glamour and a little bit of Prosecco, are all I need to bring ideas to life – the possibilities of virtual events are quite literally endless!”
Since co-founding ConnectIn Events with Penni in September 2009, David has been obsessed with one thing: creating events that people never forget. With a background spanning financial services, club promotions, and publishing, he has always focused on finding new and exciting ways to bring people together – and ConnectIn has been the ultimate stage to make that happen.
Over the past 15+ years, David has watched the company grow from bold ideas into a powerhouse delivering unique, fun, and truly creative events across the UK and Europe, immensely proud of every step along the journey – but even more excited about what’s ahead. With Jordan, who has been with the company since 2013, now stepping up to director, and an outstanding team behind them, David believes the future looks stronger than ever.
“For me, this isn’t just about events. It’s about building experiences that connect, inspire, and leave a lasting mark. And we’re only just getting started.”
Jordan Walker
Director of Events & Client Experience
AKA: Chief of Memorable Moments
Jordan’s never done “ordinary.” At 11, he was already grafting five days a week in his dad’s restaurant. By the time most kids were figuring out their first Saturday job, he’d already learned what real work looked like. That fire carried him through 15 years in hospitality, including running the floor at the Manchester Arena, where precision and chaos collided on a nightly basis.
Twelve years ago, Jordan joined ConnectIn Events. He started at the bottom, rolled up his sleeves, and worked his way through the ranks — not by ticking boxes, but by proving himself every single day. Now he’s part-owner and Director, shaping the business from the inside out and driving it into bold new territory.
Jordan doesn’t play it safe. He’s built a reputation for ripping up the rulebook and rebuilding it so every event hits harder. For him, a client’s idea isn’t just a brief — it’s a challenge. One he’ll fight tooth and nail to turn into a moment people don’t just remember, but talk about for years.
“Comfort zones don’t create memories. Give me 16 hours of chaos over 8 hours of comfort any day. We don’t do cookie-cutter, tick-the-box events. We stage experiences that punch through the noise. If you want predictable, look elsewhere. If you want a show that refuses to blend in, that’s where we come in.”
Armed with a degree in Event Management, a master’s in Advertising & Marketing, and four years of shattering the rulebook with ConnectIn Events, Jess has immersed herself in the energy of live experiences – both creating and attending them. Her love for dance music first lit the spark, taking her from Manchester and Leeds to Barcelona and Ibiza, and inspiring her drive to shape unforgettable events that break the mould.
Jess’ journey began nearly a decade ago when she dived headfirst into event promotion, marketing and private event planning at just 18. Since then, she’s delivered everything from brand activations and festivals to conferences and immersive parties for up to 15,000 people – proving that no brief is too ambitious and no boundary too fixed.
Fearless and people-focused, Jess thrives on creating out-of-the-box concepts and engaging in genuine collaboration – building lasting connections with clients while bringing infectious positive energy to every project. She’s obsessed with anything ‘brand’ and your ‘go-to’ girl for theming, branding and creative ideas that’ll blow your mind… WITHOUT blowing your budget!
“Events aren’t ‘work’ for me – they’re pure obsession. I live for the thrill of turning a blank canvas into an experience that refuses to be ordinary. I truly love what I do and believe that your experience deserves nothing less than extraordinary.
I feel that memories are the most powerful thing that we can carry forward with us, so being able to create them for people isn’t just my job… it’s my privilege.”
Woody’s not just the office dog, he’s the four-legged heartbeat of ConnectIn. Turning up most days with zero stress and maximum swagger, Woody’s job is simple: keep the team grounded, keep the energy high, and remind everyone that life’s too short not to chase the ball.
He’s a pro at stealing the spotlight in meetings, securing snacks without trying, and keeping morale sky-high when deadlines get tough. Clients love him, the team relies on him, and honestly, ConnectIn wouldn’t be the same without him.
“Woof, grrr, bark. *Tail Wag* ”
Loosely translated to….
“Work hard. Play harder. And never trust anyone who doesn’t give you belly rubs.”
Georgie is the spark behind electrifying events that leave a lasting impression, making sure every client experiences something seamless, exciting, and truly unforgettable. Whether it’s managing and coordinating logistics or diving into the nitty gritty of sourcing venues, suppliers, and all the little details that make events extraordinary, she thrives on turning ambitious ideas into flawless moments. No brief is too big, no detail too small. Georgie loves the chaos that goes into creating the perfect vibe and making sure that the result looks effortless.
When she’s off duty, she channels that same thrill-seeking energy into exploring Manchester’s hidden gems, ticking another country off her list, or chasing her next adrenaline rush. Curious, adventurous, and full of energy, she approaches both events and life with passion, boldness, and just the right touch of spontaneity.
Armed with a hunger to ignite out of the box moments, Georgie’s never one to shy away from a challenge. The more plates spinning, the better!
Simon Kershaw isn’t just the Head of Creative at ConnectIn Events — he’s the guy who refuses to colour inside the lines. With over 21 years in the design industry, Simon has shaped experiences for some of the world’s biggest brands and boldest events, constantly pushing ideas beyond the expected.
For the last 12 years, he’s been at the creative heart of ConnectIn, driving projects that don’t just look good, but break boundaries in how people connect, engage, and remember. His work is all about impact — the kind that lingers long after the lights go down.
But Simon’s creativity doesn’t switch off at 5pm. Away from the studio, he’s on the pitch as a volunteer coach for a local girls’ football team, empowering the next generation to play with confidence and ambition. Whether it’s design or grassroots sport, his approach is the same: challenge the norm, champion the future, and make it unforgettable.
Simon Kershaw is proof that when passion meets vision, boundaries aren’t just broken — they’re redefined.
“Design has always been a massive part of my life. To be doing what I’m doing now – it’s a dream come true!”
So, whilst the rest of the tribe are “breaking the mould and tearing up the script” Tony Ward is ensuring that’s it all done within the most proper of processes and procedures firmly in place!
Okay, so you’re probably thinking that that’s doesn’t sound the most obviously glamorous of jobs but with nearly 50 years of business experience behind him what else could he do?
Actually – he can do loads more!
With his razor sharp focus (and wit!) he helps to navigate those regular monthly meetings and ensure that all that fabulous creativity and those fantastic ideas are captured and recorded for posterity. And, with his huge network of contacts he helps spread the word far and wide about just how different and refreshing ConnectIn really is!
Away from all the buzz and excitement though he helps to nurture future generations of entrepreneurs through his voluntary coaching work with Young Enterprise schools.
Oh, and he plays a pretty mean acoustic guitar too!
