AEO APPOINTS COLLINGWOOD AS EXCLUSIVE M&A AND STRATEGIC ADVISORY PARTNER

The Association of Event Organisers (AEO) has appointed Collingwood as its exclusive mergers, acquisitions and strategic advisory partner, strengthening the support available to members making complex growth, transformation and long-term business decisions.

Now underway, the partnership gives AEO members access to specialist expertise spanning acquisitions, disposals, succession planning and capital strategy, alongside broader value creation and transformation insight tailored specifically to information, media and events businesses.

Members will benefit from expert-led content, insight sessions and in-person engagement across the AEO calendar, helping organisers better understand market dynamics, valuations and the strategic levers that drive sustainable growth and long-term value.

Anna Golden, chief executive officer of AEO said:
“Many of our members are thinking more seriously about their next stage of growth - whether that’s acquiring another business, planning for succession, or understanding how to create long-term value in a changing market. This partnership gives them access to credible, specialist expertise that reflects the realities of running and scaling an events business.”

Daniel Pitchford, chief executive officer at Collingwood, added:
“The events sector continues to show strong entrepreneurial ambition, but the path to growth is becoming more complex. Working with AEO allows us to share practical, experience-led insight with organisers at different stages of their journey – helping them build and execute the right plans to create and realise value with greater confidence.”

As part of the partnership, Collingwood will share insight through selected AEO events, editorial and digital channels, ensuring members have access to practical, real-world guidance grounded in deep sector knowledge and lived experience.

This appointment forms part of AEO’s wider commitment to connecting members with trusted specialists who can support sustainable growth, operational resilience and long-term value creation across the events industry.