Sema (centre) is presented her award by ceremony host Jo Fairley (left), co-founder of Green & Black's, and Packaging News editor Waqas Qureshi

Sema Tezel Basbug took home the Packaging Marketing & Brand Impact Award trophy at the Women in Packaging Excellence Awards 2026.

Easyfairs is delighted to announce that Sema Tezel Basbug, Head of Marketing for the Easyfairs UK Packaging Portfolio, has been presented with the Packaging Marketing & Brand Impact Award at the Women in Packaging Excellence Awards 2026, in recognition of her contribution to driving engagement, growth and innovation across the UK packaging community.

Sema has recently completed her first full year with Easyfairs and in the packaging industry overall. In this short time, she has made a decisive impact on the company’s UK packaging events portfolio and the industry overall.

This includes overseeing record-breaking editions of both Packaging Innovations & Empack and London Packaging Week.

On choosing Sema as the winner, the award judges recognised her ‘creativity, collaboration and dedication’ to delivering engaging and inclusive experiences. “Her work has strengthened connections across the packaging community while driving meaningful growth, visibility and engagement.”

Sema herself said: “I am shocked and delighted to have been recognised by the industry and my fellow Women in Packaging, after only a year in the industry.

“This award is proof of the work the team and I are doing to improve connections and the success of the UK packaging industry through events that bring together the entire value chain and deliver real impact.

“My name might be on the award but none of this would be possible without the great team I get to work with.”

Sema was also shortlisted for the Packaging Leadership Award – Agency, Consultancy & Independent category, further recognising her contribution to the packaging industry in her first year working within the sector.

Sema said: “Congratulations to all the winners in this year’s awards. The Women in Packaging Excellence Awards are a true showcase of female empowerment and leadership. To be recognised for making a difference is a fantastic feeling and I urge all other females in the packaging value chain get their entries in for next year’s awards.”

Following on from her success at this year’s Women in Packaging Excellence Awards, Sema will be participating in a special, invitation-only Women in Packaging Network Breakfast session taking place as part of London Packaging Week 2026 on the morning of the second day of the show (17 September).

Hosted by event media partner Packaging News, this networking breakfast and exclusive leadership session brings together the winners and finalists from the Women in Packaging Excellence Awards alongside invited industry leaders and partners.

London Packaging Week takes place 16 & 17 September at Excel; registration is now open.