News
UK – Rob Allen to chair Eventia once again
The decision was made at Eventia’s AGM at the Science Museum on June 8th. This will be Allen’s second term as chair, having headed the association in 2007/2008. He replaces Universal WorldEvents sales and marketing director Mark Saxby who has led the association over the past 12 months. COI director of live events Simon Hughes moves into the role of vice chair and Tracy Johnson continues in the role of marketing services director.
Allen has been actively involved in Eventia’s executive team for five years, most recently working as vice chair. The chair position is traditionally filled from the position of vice chair, but Allen made an agreement last year that he wouldn’t automatically assume the top job, given he had done it before.
“I am delighted to be back in the chair for a second term of office and especially encouraged by the really strong make up of our new board,” said Allen. “Naturally we will continue to look at how we can add to and improve member services, and indeed work in stronger collaboration with other associations to beat the drum for the events industry in the UK.”
The AGM witnessed several further changes to the Eventia board. Mark Taylor of BI Worldwide, Stephan Roberge of Monacco Tourist Authority & Convention Bureau, and Ruth Robinson of Lancashire & Blackpool Conferences all stepped down from the board.
Newly-elected to the board were:
Paul Hussey – BSI
Dale Parmenter – Drp Group
Alison Ayling-Hogberg – DeVere Venues
Emma Cashmore – Axis Marketing
Pauline Houston – Carlson Wagonlit Travel (co-opted)
Rory Sloane – RPM (co-opted)
The following people continue to serve on the board:
Rob Allen – TRO
Mark Saxby – Universal WorldEvents
Alan Newton – Grass Roots
Brian Kirsch – Event Assured
Karen Rice – Banks Sadler
Rick Stainton – Smyle
Mark Sale – Air Partner
Matt Storey – Gallowglass
Andrew Wright – FAB!
Mike Jackson – Stage Electrics
Simon Hughes – COI