Meet Zirstar's founders:Proven delivery, always curious.

Proven delivery, always curious. With forty years combined experience, a detail-obsessed approach, and a curated supplier network built for anything, meet the founders behind every Zirstar event.

The whole event was effortless from my side – I was kept in the loop but honestly I don't even think I needed that, the team had it so under control I knew I would turn up and it would be perfect.

Practice manager, engineering services consultancy

Trusted by

Kelly Whittle

Events director

Kelly grew up and still lives within sight of the Thames estuary. After 12 years as PA to the head of underwriting at a large marine insurer, Kelly left City life to work locally while raising her family. 10 years with what became a FT and Forbes-ranked consultancy followed, rising to global head of facilities, events, and support.

A shorter stint back in the City as UK head of events for a Euronext-listed engineering firm came next, before Zirstar was born on a flight to Detroit in 2024.

Creativity combined with next-level organisation and the experience to know what works are her hallmarks.

Kelly is an absolute superstar! She was THE leading light in bringing our vision to life, and without her team weekend would never have happened.

Business manager, data management consultancy

Jonathan Noy

Founding director

Jonathan started life near the Solent before working between the UK, Germany, and US.

An exciting early career with the UK importer of a luxury automaker morphed via The Grand Tour into the world of technical PR, before heading up and building out a global marketing function for the same FT and Forbes-ranked consultancy.

Versatile generalist taking care of internal operations for Zirstar while working with clients on logistics, AV and technology enablement.

What's in a name?

Zirstar is a portmanteau of zircon and starfish, chosen for the founders' connection to both the colour and the sea.

Although most Zirstar experiences are land based, the rejuvenation, clarity, and inspiration to be found in and by the sea are elements we seek to infuse whenever possible, irrespective of where.

This informs our core belief that context paired with perspective creates the belief necessary for success; whether that's individuals trust in each other and a shared goal, a client's choice of provider, or simply to take a step back, figure out the next move, and have confidence in that choice.

Zirstar curates these environments, where minds can breathe, ideas flow, and belief is born. 40 years of interdisciplinary in-house experience is complemented by a selection of tried and trusted external specialists.

What clients say

The most valuable and enjoyable event I've been to. It's hard to put a cost on how important the reconnect element was to all of us.

Senior leadership team member, global management consultancy

Super positive, productive, and energising. Great organisation and execution of the whole week! Thank you!

Senior leadership team member, data management consultancy

To hold our own with the big players for the amount spent is impressive; both day and night were well organised, everything thought of, and with a great atmosphere.

Director, global management consultancy

For over 10 years Kelly realised our event dreams, no matter how unbelievable, challenging or complicated. I cannot recommend her enough. You'll love the experiences she creates for you and your team.

Director, multinational professional services firm

Our stand was the envy of all; we had other exhibitors asking how we came up with the design, sending pictures to their own internal teams to try to replicate, and received numerous compliments from the potential clients who visited our stand. I felt very proud representing the organisation.

Practice manager, engineering services consultancy

Let's talk

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