NEW AEO CHAIR SETS SIGHTS ON THREE-YEAR VISION

The Board of the Association of Event Organisers (AEO) has appointed Andrew Williams, executive vice president at Informa Markets, as its new chair, with Carsten Holm, managing director of Diversified Communications UK, named vice chair.

Alison Willis, chief executive officer of Easyfairs, steps down after a year as chair and will remain on the Board as past chair until September 2027.

During her term, Willis focused on strengthening AEO’s value proposition and ensuring the benefits of membership reach people throughout member organisations, while encouraging greater engagement with the association.

Williams will build on that work by leading the development of a three-year vision for AEO, setting out where the association is heading and the impact it wants to make. His priorities include supporting the continued development of the events industry and collaboration between members, preparing AEO for emerging challenges and new technology, and delivering tangible value through resources, advocacy and initiatives shaped around the issues that matter most to members.

Williams said:

“I’m extremely honoured and excited to be AEO chair for the next 12 months, and I’m looking forward to working closely with the AEO team and Board.

“AEO has always been the leading association for event organisers. It’s successful, dynamic and proactive, and my job as chair is to make sure that continues.

“I’m keen for us to agree a clear three-year vision that gives us a shared direction and ensures AEO continues to have a meaningful impact for its members. Above all, I want my year as chair to cement a lasting plan that sees the AEO go from strength to strength, continuing the great work by Alison and previous AEO chairs.”

Willis said:

“Serving as AEO chair has been a real privilege. Strengthening the value proposition was a priority for me this year, and I’m pleased with where it has landed.

“I’ve also pushed to make sure those benefits reach people right across a member business, not just the leadership team, because that’s where a great deal of the value sits. Membership works best when it is used.

“Andrew knows this industry inside out and will be an excellent chair. I look forward to supporting him and Carsten over the next 12 months.”

Anna Golden, chief executive of AEO, added:

“Alison has been a tireless champion for AEO, challenging us to make sure the value of membership is felt throughout our member organisations and encouraging members to make full use of what’s available to them.

“Andrew and Carsten are well placed to build on that work. Developing a three-year vision will give us a clear direction for the association and ensure we remain focused on the issues and opportunities that matter most to our members.”

Board rotation and appointments

Four Board members have been reappointed for a second term:

• Lisa Hannant, group chief executive officer, Clarion Events
• Matthew Butler, group managing director, CloserStill Media
• Mike Seaman, chief executive officer, Raccoon Media Group
• Austen Hawkins, managing director, Five Senses Media

Greg Hitchen, group chief executive of Terrapinn, joins the Board. He brings 35 years of events industry experience and has built brands across six continents.

The appointments were confirmed at AEO’s AGM at the Vox Conference Venue, NEC Birmingham, on 2 September 2026.