AEO PEOPLE’S AWARDS CELEBRATES INDUSTRY WINNERS AS ATTENDANCE RISES BY MORE THAN 44%
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The Association of Event Organisers (AEO) has celebrated the winners of the AEO People’s Awards, recognising outstanding people and teams from across the events industry, as attendance rose to a record 370, up from 257 in 2025.
The awards spotlight the up-and-coming talent shaping the future of the events sector. This year also marked the introduction of new team categories, recognising the collective effort behind successful events across sales, marketing and operations.
All shortlisted finalists were gifted a complimentary ticket to attend the ceremony, ensuring those being recognised could celebrate their achievements alongside peers and colleagues. Members of the AEO Board were also in attendance on the night to show their support for the event and to champion the teams and talent being celebrated.
Commenting on the evening, Anna Golden, chief executive of AEO, said:
“The AEO People’s Awards is about recognising and celebrating the next generation of talent in our industry. Seeing finalists and their teams supported in the room, with senior leaders showing up to champion them, created an incredibly powerful atmosphere. It was important to us that every finalist could be there to share that moment, because being recognised by your peers can be genuinely career-defining.”
- Support Team Star Player – Hannah Warren, Raccoon Media Group
Judges’ comments: A great all-rounder, the kind of person who keeps the business running, connects every department, and still finds time to drive sustainability and culture! Hannah embodies every value of this award - strategic, selfless, and quietly exceptional.
- Newcomer of the Year – Daniel Burton, Nineteen Group
Judges’ comments: Daniel delivered a superb performance-revitalising a struggling show with a bold rebrand, reimagined content, and measurable impact that speaks for itself. A fantastic achievement-well done, Daniel!
- Sustainability Champion – Lucille Ryan, Informa
Judges’ comments: Lucille has shown exceptional leadership-uniting competitors, driving long-term global sustainability initiatives, and reshaping how our entire industry approaches environmental responsibility. A true champion whose influence spans organisers, contractors and associations. An outstanding achievement.
- DEI Champion – Sarah Farndale, Olympia Events
Judges’ comments: Sarah has delivered a diverse range of initiatives with energy, empathy and real impact-bringing people together, inspiring colleagues, and turning ideas into lasting change. A true legend and a standout submission-well done, Sarah!
- Content Executive of the Year – Daniel Cook, MA Exhibitions
Judges’ comments: Dan delivered a standout, highly impressive performance-using sharp research to reshape the entire strategy and drive a brand-new event from idea to triumph. An extraordinary achievement in a new role-well done, Dan!
- Content Manager of the Year – Casey McHugh, Easyfairs
Judges’ comments: Casey has brilliantly revived a show with outstanding content, partnerships, and speaker line-ups, driving impressive growth. Her care, dedication, and impact shine through-truly remarkable!
- Sales Executive of the Year – Sam Cain, Hennik Research, part of Nineteen Group
Judges’ comments: An impressive all-rounder-commercially successful, innovative, and a positive influence on colleagues and culture. Truly outstanding work that’s recognised and celebrated across the team-well done on this remarkable achievement!
- Sales Manager of the Year – Jack Hall, Questex - Operational Real Estate
Judges’ comments: Praised by glowing testimonials, Jack’s bold leadership has driven real change, outstanding achievements, and remarkable growth. Great work Jack!!
- Marketing Executive of the Year – Claudia Snape, Nineteen Group
Judges’ comments: Claudia’s campaign delivers impressive results and a stunning website-showing the skill, creativity, and dedication behind every detail. Fantastic work, Claudia!
- Senior Marketing Executive of the Year – Daniel Burton, Nineteen Group
Judges’ comments: A brilliant turnaround-this campaign delivered outstanding results and showcased real impact. Well done!
- Marketing Manager of the Year – Noha Youssef, Informa
Judges’ comments: The judges blown away by Noha’s work-truly above and beyond, with standout achievements driving commercial, digital, and creative impact, while elevating team culture and the event’s global reputation. Exceptional performance-congratulations, Noha!
- Senior Marketing Manager of the Year – Karen Abarian, Easyfairs
Judges’ comments: This nomination celebrates an exceptional marketer-delivering award-winning campaigns, strategic innovation, major event growth, and inspiring leadership. Creativity, intelligence, and impact all shine through-well done!
- Operations Executive of the Year – Emily Patel, Nineteen Group
Judges’ comments: Emily shows remarkable initiative and a true out-of-the-box mentality-driving creative solutions and demonstrating the drive to succeed. A standout talent with impressive potential!
- Senior Operations Executive of the Year – Jake Tyler, Hennik Research, part of Nineteen Group
Judges’ comments: In a strong category, Jake truly stands out-delivering impressive results in just 18 months with outstanding operations skills, creative thinking, and a people-first approach. Exceptional achievement and impact in such a short time!
- Operations Manager of the Year – Savitha Abreo, Informa Markets Middle East
Judges’ comments: Savitha has delivered exceptional operational leadership-excelling under pressure, driving innovation, and achieving measurable impact across a varied year of events. A respected leader with standout achievements-brilliant work Savitha!
- Indomitable Spirit Award – Lyndsey Hill, Concept Furniture International Ltd
Judges’ comments: An incredible human being with an indomitable spirit-Lyndsey’s unwavering commitment, outstanding customer service, and dedication to helping others make her truly extraordinary.
TEAM CATEGORIES- Sales Team of the Year – DSEI, Clarion Events
Judges’ comments: Fantastic pre-show execution and innovative optimisation-delivering real growth despite challenges and showcasing the team’s exceptional organisation, planning, and industry relationships. Brilliant work!
- Marketing Team of the Year – The Autumn Fair Marketing Team – Bahrain, Informa
Judges’ comments: This high-performing team thinks so far outside the box they’re practically in the next room-delivering incredible achievements and revitalising a historic event with remarkable impact. Truly impressive!
- Operations Team of the Year – Clarion Gaming Operations
Judges’ comments: An outstanding year for this team-moving three major events internationally and delivering impressive results, all while fostering a positive, supportive culture. Truly impressive!
