AEO launches new Membership category to stimulate further growth in the industry

Date: 20 March 2013

The Association of Event Organisers Ltd (AEO) has today launched a new ‘Enterprise Membership' category, aimed at smaller exhibition organisers, to encourage growth within the industry.

The new AEO Enterprise Member category will allow smaller organisers, with events of less than 2,000sq.m per year, to enter the Association and enjoy the many benefits of AEO Membership. Apart from the benefit of networking opportunities, cost savings, the opportunity to join working groups to shape the future and quality assurance attributed to AEO membership, the new category also offers Enterprise Members the possibility of engaging with leaders in the industry through its revised Mentoring Programme.

Karim Halwagi, AEO Chief Executive, said; “As the leading events industry association, it is important that we make every effort to aid in the growth of the industry as a whole. Whilst we have many of the leading companies already in membership, we must always look to aid in the development of the future leaders. The purpose of the new membership category and the mentor programme is to encourage smaller companies to believe in bigger goals – to build for their future and the future of the industry. We sincerely hope to see many smaller organisers develop through this new category, and look forward to welcoming them as Full AEO Members in the not too distant future.â€'

The new Enterprise Member category has been created to be cost effective and help smaller companies with their cash flow by allowing monthly payments instead of an upfront annual fee. Though there are minor limitations to the category by way of diluted voting rights, the wealth of benefits and the reduced cost far outweigh any perceived limitations.

The AEO Enterprise Membership is now open for submissions.