Simon Foster (pictured), CEO of Comexposium, has been appointed Chair of the UK industry association AEO’s International Organiser Group. He takes over from Stephen Brooks.
With 25 members, the AEO International Organiser Group aims to assist organisers looking to expand outside of the UK market. Today, almost half of AEO members operate globally.
AEO Chief Executive Chris Skeith says: “I’d like to personally thank Stephen for chairing the International Organiser Group so effectively for the past two years. His insights and experience have helped the Group further its agenda, broaden its reach and strengthen international relationships. Going forward, we are pleased to have Simon’s guidance of the Group. Having worked for two major global businesses, 19 years with UK based organiser, UBM, and now as CEO of Comexposium, a French based organiser, Simon will bring a new perspective to the Group.”
Over the past two years, the International Organiser Group has set up the International Organiser Network (ION), between AEO and SISO (Society of Independent Organisers), which is engaged in discussion around best practices with the new Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Centre.
The Group also launched its International Dinner series, which, so far in 2019, has seen a successful discussion on the opportunities in the Nordic region. This will be followed by dinners on the US market, 10 June, and the Mexican market, 14 October.
Foster adds: “I am really looking forward to chairing the International Organiser Group. The events industry connects people from all over the world. It is critical that as organisers we also come together to connect and discuss. We all face common issues and opportunities as we continue to try and meet the needs of our customers globally.”
The International Organiser Group will be recommissioning projects, such as the Global Event Study, notable for its 2018 finding that 23 AEO members generate revenues in excess of £2.1bn (US$2.75bn) in overseas activities.
More information, visit: www.aeo.org.uk
