THE ASSOCIATION OF EVENT ORGANISERS (AEO) ANNOUNCES ALISON WILLIS AS NEW CHAIR
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The Association of Event Organisers (AEO) is pleased to announce the appointment of Alison Willis, chief executive officer of Easyfairs, as its new chair. The decision was made at the recent AEO Board meeting, with Andrew Williams, executive vice president at Informa, named vice chair. Rachel Swann, chief operating officer of the energy division at dmg events and outgoing chair, will take on the role of past chair until September 2026.
The AEO also extends its sincere thanks to Matthew Butler, group managing director of CloserStill Media, who stands down from the Executive Committee as outgoing past chair. His ongoing support and dedication to the AEO over the years has been invaluable and greatly appreciated.
Willis’s priority for the coming year will be to continue building on the AEO’s momentum around member engagement, with a particular focus on delivering a refreshed value proposition that truly reflects what members want and need. She will work closely with the Board and the wider membership to ensure that AEO’s offering stays relevant, impactful, and future-focused.
Willis said:
"I’m truly honoured to take on the role of AEO chair at such an exciting time for our sector. There’s so much energy and ambition among our members, and my priority is to harness that - working together to make the AEO experience even more rewarding, relevant, and inspiring. Over the coming year, I’ll be connecting directly with members to co-create a value proposition that supports their ambitions and reflects the best of our industry. Together with Andrew, Rachel, Anna, and the Board, I can’t wait to build on our successes and help shape a bright future for event organisers across the UK."
Swann said:
"It’s been a privilege to serve as AEO chair and work alongside so many dedicated colleagues. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made - especially around member engagement and advocacy. As I pass the baton, I’m confident that Alison’s passion and focus will keep the AEO moving forward, and I look forward to supporting her and Andrew in this new chapter."
Anna Golden, chief executive of AEO, added:
"Rachel has steered the AEO through a period of real change, and her commitment has set a high bar. As we welcome Alison and Andrew into their new roles, my focus will be on deepening our member relationships and delivering on the promise of a refreshed value proposition - one that’s shaped by what our community truly wants and needs."
Board rotation and new appointments
As part of its regular Board rotation, the AEO thanks the following outgoing Board members for their service and contribution:
- Carina Bauer – chief executive officer, IMEX Group
- Ruth Carter – chief executive officer, CIBSE
- Sophie Walker – chief operating officer, Immediate Live
Golden expressed her thanks, saying:
“A huge thank you to Carina, Kerry, Alison, and Sophie for their invaluable contributions to the AEO. Their commitment and insight have played a key role in the association’s continued growth.”
The new Board members joining AEO are:
- Simon Albert – managing director, Messe Frankfurt UK
- Emma Barrett – managing director, Broadway Events
- Tim Willoughby - managing director, Mark Allen Group
The new Board members were formally appointed at the AGM in Manchester on 3rd September 2025 and will help steer the future direction of the association.
The refreshed Board is set to play a central role in guiding the AEO and ensuring it continues to meet the evolving needs of its members and the wider events industry.
