Chris Skeith, chief executive of the UK's Association of Event Organisers and treasurer of the Business Visits and Events Partnership, has been included in the Queen’s Birthday Honour’s List, recommended for an OBE, for services to the events industry.
“I was quite taken aback, feeling shocked, surprised, humbled and privileged in equal measure,” said Skeith (pictured, right).
“I then thought of all the other people who have been doing so much for the industry, the associations, and our people in these extraordinary times.
“We are most definitely in this together, with countless individuals working hard on behalf of us all, not least my association colleagues, especially Rachel Parker at the Association of Event Venues, Andrew Harrison at the Event Service and Suppliers Association, the amazing AEO team, members and non-members, government officials and members of parliament who are trying to find our way back to business.
“I am so grateful for everyone’s support, advice, and unity, over the past 17 months, but also in the 20+ years I have been in the events industry. This is an incredible industry to serve, and I feel very grateful to get to represent it.”
Skeith added that he “very much hoped” the recognition of the events industry in the Honours List further contributes to the strong foundations the industry has built to date. He said: “I hope it helps as we go forward, restarting the industry and begin our recovery journey.”
And chairman and CEO of ASM Global (Asia Pacific), Harvey Lister (pictured, left) has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list 2021 for significant service to the arts, tourism, sport and to the venue management and events industries.
For 50 years, Harvey Lister has been involved in the development, presentation and management of events spanning sport, the arts, conventions and exhibitions, concerts and general entertainment.
Following the 2019 merger of AEG Facilities and SMG, creating the world’s largest venue management company, ASM Global, Lister became chairman and CEO of ASM Global (Asia Pacific), responsible for overseeing ASM Global’s portfolio in Australia, New Zealand, India, Asia and the Middle East.
ASM Global President and CEO Ron Bension described Harvey Lister as a legend of the entertainment and events industry in Australia.
"This extraordinary honour is recognition of Harvey Lister’s lifetime dedication to the entertainment and events industry in Australia. His passion, innovation and determination to advance the sector is unmatched. We congratulate Harvey on being awarded an AM in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list and look forward to his ongoing advocacy and contribution to the industry both in Australia and globally.”
In addition to his corporate roles Lister currently holds a number of positions with industry and community organisations including as advisory board member, the Committee for Brisbane, director of Australia’s peak tourism industry group, Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF) and advisory board member, the Courier Mail Children’s Fund.
“I would like to express my thanks to the many people who have been there throughout my career for their generosity, loyalty and camaraderie," said Lister. "I also wish to pay tribute to the 5,000 employees of our Australian ASM Global family, for the work they do and the role they play in the success of our many venues.”
