Helen Raff, General Manager

Helen recently joined TheWhereBusiness from EyeforTravel (Also part of the First Conferences Group), where she was VP for North America. In her previous role she spent two very enjoyable years living in Chicago developing EyeforTravel’s US presence; dramatically growing the business and regional brand awareness. She brings over five years’ experience in organising senior-level conferences using her unrivalled research skills, marketing expertise and commercial awareness. Helen is looking forward to pushing the TheWhereBusiness forward and developing the strategy for this new and exciting area.

Helen graduated from The University of Birmingham in Ancient and Medieval History, and started her career in television production with roles at the BBC and Discovery Channel specialising in Historical documentaries.

She lives in North London with her partner, James, and still maintains a keen interest in History. In her spare time Helen enjoys films, cooking and planning trips to far flung places.

Osman Iqbal, European Director

Previously the head of navigation research and conferences for Telematics Update, Osman co-founded TWB in late 2008 with the aim of providing high level business intelligence to the fast-growing location ecosystem.

Since 2007 Osman has researched and managed conferences in the navigation, tracking and LBS industries, in global locations such as India, California and Amsterdam.

With an eye on new business analysis and strategic planning, he plans to explore opportunities in location analytics, open geo data, crowd sourcing and location advertising in 2010.

Osman graduated from The University of Nottingham with a BA Honours degree in Philosophy and English and grew up in South Wales.

Now living in West London Osman spends his time playing football competitively, philosophising and generally being a massive geek.

John Blackley, Sponsorship and Sales Manager

During the past 6 years John has worked with sponsors and exhibitors, in some capacity, on all of the Telematics Update conferences; from first time shows all the way up to the world’s biggest telematics exhibition in Detroit.

Now liaising with companies from across the navigation and LBS industries, John works closely with his clients to ensure they get the maximum exposure and return from their participation in conferences, exhibitions and through advertising.

Due to the unappreciated pressure for exhibitors and sponsors heaped on him by his team members, John spends most of his day drinking vast quantities of Red Bull.

When not on the phone or pounding his fingers down to stumps by typing endless emails, John dreams of winning the lottery and buying an island.

Lucy Lincoln, Conference Organiser

As the newest addition to TheWhereBusiness team, Lucy is excited to be organising her first conference on People Tracking and Location in Chicago. Lucy's experience working at the London Film Festival, among other roles in various creative industries, has prepared her well for the challenge that this new and exciting conference brings.

Lucy graduated from Kings College London with a BA (Hons) in Comparative Literature with Film, and spent her first year out of university gaining a diverse range of relevant experience, as well travelling around the USA and China.

Lucy lives in Camden and in her spare time frequents the cinema, enjoys reading, and is notorious for her exquisite baking skills.

Naomi Hands, Conference Organiser

Having recently graduated from Cardiff University, Naomi is extremely excited about coming to work for TheWhereBusiness. She has previously taken part in a charity hitch hike event to Morocco and has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, activities which have highlighted various aspects concerning the safety of Tracking and Location Services. She is looking forward to being able to delve further into this industry in her role as a Conference Organiser.

Past experience in organising large charitable events and co-ordinating volunteering projects whilst at University has prepared Naomi greatly for the challenge that lies ahead.

Having taken the big step and moved to London, she is eager to make the most of what is on her doorstep and take full advantage of some of the wonderful things that London has to offer.

Naomi is a keen festival goer, loves the sunshine and is notorious for tripping over and generally being clumsy!