Following the UK-based Association of Event Venues' (AEV) annual general meeting (AGM) at Olympia London on 21 September, the national and international association has announced four changes to the AEV board, including the new chair and vice-chair.
Max Bull, executive director of venue sales, BDC, has stepped down as AEV chair after 2 years in the role. Shaun Hinds (pictured left), managing director of Manchester Central, has been elected the new AEV chair. Bull was later re-elected as an ordinary board member.
Ian Taylor, managing director, conventions and exhibitions, NEC, has been appointed the new vice-chair. Rowan Kitching, director of catering and events, The Honourable Artillery Company, has been elected as a board member.
In addition to Bull, the following members were re-elected to the board:
- Alison Griffin, managing director, Telford International Centre
- Kerry Villa, director of events and operations, ACC Liverpool
- Dan Thurlow, director of exhibition sales, Scottish Event Campus
- Andy Gibb, group sales and marketing director, Stadium MK
Bull (pictured left) said: "We made significant developments over the past two years, including the Government Engagement Strategy, government-backed insurance, pilot events to ensure the safe reopening of the sector, and we have grown our membership to its highest level in its 18-year history.”
“The AEV team has demonstrated the true value of this association and the power of face-to-face, and what our industry can do together with a single voice."
Hinds added: “Together we aim to support the industry and help to raise awareness of the sector’s fantastic achievements and tremendous contribution to the UK’s economy. Alongside this, we will be lobbying on crucial topics to alleviate pressures as much as possible on behalf of member organisations."
Taylor (pictured left), the new vice-chair, commented “Trade body representation that expresses the power of live events is invaluable to venues across the UK, ensuring that our £11b ($11.8b) industry remains firmly on government agendas.”
“Our new AEV board will continue to spearhead causes that are important to us and support a culture of collaboration and shared best practice.”
