Acorn winners 2011 – Laura Prentice

Age 28
Position Director of event management, the London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square (since winning her Acorn, Laura has become head of event and group sales for the Dorchester, Coworth Park and 45 Park Lane)
Nominator Rachel Phillips
Proudest career moment Achieving my current role at the Dorchester.
Greatest inspiration Charles Gallagher, my director at Hilton, pushed me to move to London and has always been a source of advice. Gavin Jones developed my career at a rapid pace and Andrew Thompson has inspired me always to strive to be successful in what I do and to have a positive attitude.
Ambition To be director of events, looking after sales and banqueting.

Laura Prentice worked as an assistant sales manager before joining the Marriott Grosvenor Square as corporate event manager. She then became senior event manager and helped launch Gordon Ramsay Ballroom Dining. Prentice was then promoted to her current position as director of event management. Last year she helped exceed the sales target of £5.2m.