AEO CONFERENCE 2026 TO WELCOME DR PIPPA GRANGE AS KEYNOTE SPEAKER

In association with headline sponsors GES, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), NEC - Nation's Experience Capital and Vendelux.

The Association of Event Organisers (AEO) has announced that Dr Pippa Grange, one of the world's leading performance psychologists and culture coaches, will deliver the keynote address at the AEO Conference.

Taking place on 3rd September 2026 at the Vox Conference Venue on the NEC Campus in Birmingham, the conference will bring together senior leaders from across the events industry to explore this year's theme, “Dare to win”.

Real winning - in business, in leadership and in life - rarely looks the way we imagined it. At a time when AI is reshaping how we work, economies are shifting and change is coming from every direction, the opportunity to get ahead is very alive. “Dare to win” will explore how leaders can build the cultures, mindsets and bold ideas that turn change into an advantage.

Dr Grange is best known for her role as head of people and team development at The Football Association, where she helped shape the culture behind England Men's journey to the semi-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. She has since worked with elite sports teams, global businesses and leaders around the world, helping organisations create environments where people can perform, adapt and thrive.

Her keynote session, “Creating a winning culture”, will explore what it takes to build high-performing teams in uncertain times, challenging conventional ideas of success and offering practical insights into creating cultures built on trust, belonging and courage.

Anna Golden, chief executive officer of AEO, said:

"Every organisation is facing decisions that would have seemed unimaginable just a few years ago. The leaders who thrive won't necessarily be the ones with all the answers, but those willing to act, adapt and learn faster than those around them.

"That's what the AEO Conference is about. Bringing together our industry's leaders to share ideas, challenge thinking and explore how we can turn uncertainty into opportunity."

The AEO Conference is in association with headline sponsors GES, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), NEC - Nation's Experience Capital and Vendelux.

Jason Stead, president - EMEA Exhibitions, GES, said:

"At GES, we're huge fans of the AEO, and the conference, and are delighted to be supporting again. It's a cliche, but in the face of so much digital innovation, we remain a people-driven industry. How we arm and prepare our talent for an uncertain future is crucial for our long-term prosperity. Having Dr Pippa Grange bring her insight to conference will be a wonderful opener and we can't wait to hear her speak."

John Schreiber, vice president business sales, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), said:

“Las Vegas exemplifies what’s possible in business, bringing together innovation, scale, and world-class experiences that drive real results. We’re proud to support the AEO Conference and collaborate with global industry leaders who are shaping culture and driving business forward.”

Sarah Harvey, deputy chief executive officer and managing director of Exhibitions, NEC, said: 

“We’re proud to host the AEO Conference at the Vox, bringing the industry together at such a pivotal time. The ‘Dare to win’ theme reflects the bold thinking needed to navigate change, and Dr Pippa Grange’s insights on high-performing cultures will be invaluable. We’re looking forward to welcoming leaders to Birmingham for a focused, energising and impactful event.”

Ben Pfeifer, head of marketplace, Vendelux
"The organisers in this room are shaping how business gets done face to face, and the best of them are finding smarter ways to connect the right people at the right moments. That's a challenge we think about every day at Vendelux. We're looking forward to being part of the conversation at AEO and learning alongside the leaders driving this industry forward."

The AEO Conference is one of the events industry's leading leadership events, bringing together organisers, venues, suppliers and industry partners for two days of insight, discussion and networking.

The event will begin with an evening icebreaker at the Vox on Wednesday 2 September, followed by the main conference programme on Thursday 3 September.

Further speakers and programme details will be announced in the coming weeks.

For more information and to register, visit www.aeoconference.org.uk.