The UK Event Supplier and Services Association (ESSA) has appointed Marija Erzen as chair and Rob Brackstone as vice-chair.
Erzen will be taking over from outgoing chair Lou Kiwanuka and brings with her 30 years of experience in the sector. She became a founding ESSA member and part of its board in 2019.
As co-owner and director of design and build company Solutions2, Erzen provides a voice for the 45% of design and build contractors and privately owned SME ESSA members.
Erzen said: “The association has taken great strides in the past two years under Lou’s steady hand, setting us on a very strong course of continued improvement. We have seen the launch of numerous fantastic initiatives and have made significant headway regarding our representation within government, and I am committed to keeping this momentum going.
“A standout feature has been the wonderful sense of community amongst members which particularly came to the fore during Covid-19. Our key role is to retain and nurture this as it is, without doubt, one of the most significant benefits of membership. Membership growth is also high on my list of priorities and that works in tandem with ESSA’s ‘Refer a Member’ and ‘Use an ESSA Member’ schemes, for both of which I am a huge advocate.”
Brackstone, who joined the ESSA board in 2021, is managing director of design and build contractor ESM.
Brackstone said: “I want us to shout from rooftops about our members’ success stories across many different fields and celebrate their unique work, all of which is delivered to exceptionally high standards on a global scale. We need to continue shining a light on the benefits that our work provides to the global economy to offer real clarity and value regarding who we are, what we do and how we do it.”
ESSA director Andrew Harrison said: “Marija and Rob’s long history of leadership, coupled with their extensive industry experience, make them the ideal candidates. I look forward to working closely with them to ensure ESSA continues to make a positive impact for our members and the wider events industry.”
