Representation - AEO

As an industry, we have an economic impact of nearly £12 Billion to the UK economy, the 6th largest in the UK.

Despite this, the needs of the events industry have historically been under-represented at government level, but this is changing.

UK Representation

UK Representation

Working collaboratively with other industry bodies such as the BVEP (Business Visits and Events Partnership), AEO has lobbied the UK Government to ensure that the events industry is firmly on the agenda. The result is that AEO chief executive, Chris Skeith, has been named among the members of the first UK Events Industry Board (EIB), which will work closely with government to help identify and drive new business for the sector and for Britain.

The board will report into the Minister for Tourism (and subsequently the Inter-Ministerial Group on Tourism), and the GREAT programme board.

In addition, AEO and our members have positions with regulators and policy setters such as HSE and BSI, where opinions are sought on the everchanging regulatory landscape. Such influence is filtered through the various AEO and cross association working groups.

International Representation

International Representation

AEO also represents the needs of the UK exhibition industry at an international level and formed the Independent Organiser (ION), on a strategic alliance, predominantly made up of members of the AEO and SISO a 'for-profit independent organiser' operating globally.

ION

The network provides a framework for these organisations to come together, share experiences, and identify areas of common interest. Led by a steering committee, they will also be responsible for commissioning research, using the insight guide progressive and positive change, enabling the industry to grow on the international stage.

On behalf of its members, ION will act as a representative in discussions with governments, regulators, venues, and other associations as appropriate.

Participation in the Network is open to all members of AEO & SISO who operate on an international scale. If you are interested in joining the network please contact either AEO or SISO.

UFI

Furthermore, AEO's CEO is on the board of UFI, the global association of the exhibition industry and also chairs the association committee.

"Broadway Events joined the AEO on the Enterprise Membership. We’ve already taken advantage of the many benefits including the excellent FaceTime Masterclasses and training guides for exhibitors."

Emma Barrett
Broadway Events
"We are a member of the AEO because it is a proactive association for the events industry. As an organiser it provides us with high value ideas, networking, guidance and information."

David Harrison
PPMA Group
"This year, the association has led working groups to address industry issues and put on some amazing events full of insightful content for both organisers and, through the AEOs FaceTime initiative, exhibitors. In addition, the AEO has represented the industry at a Governmental level to raise awareness of the importance of events to the UK economy."

Paul Byrom
Upper Street Events
"I genuinely believe that if you’re involved in organising events you should become a member of the AEO."

Simon Kimble
Clarion Events
"Our membership of the AEO represents real and tangible value for UBM - it provides fantastic networking opportunities, practical training for our team as well as valuable insight into the state of our industry."

Simon Parker
Informa Markets
"As an Association business, we appreciate the excellent work the secretariat of the AEO do for our community. From the events side of our business, the AEO provides an excellent return on investment, providing thought leadership, fantastic networking, brilliant awards, excellent research and FaceTime, a valuable tool to tell our markets why exhibitions and events should be an essential part of the marketing mix."

Neil Felton
FESPA
"AEO’s networking and member meetings are valuable for individuals at all levels within our organisation. The promotion of our sector to the outside world, to government, authorities and business at large is another vital aspect of the AEO’s purpose for members, many of whom, like my company, work on events throughout the world."

Stephen Brooks
Mack Brooks Exhibitions
“Knowledge is power and the AEO dinners are certainly powerful, there is always a wealth of knowledge at the table. Insightful presentations make for a constructive and extremely social way to learn from the experts who’ve done it before. I attended the Japanese evening and gained really valuable insight about the culture and how best to communicate with a local audience.”

John Whitaker
Vice President Marketing, Data & Digital , dmg events
"We have the opportunity to contribute positively to the industry as well as gaining valuable insight and advice. There’s no need to spend valuable time and money reinventing the wheel when you have so many experienced professionals in AEO membership to learn from”

Emma Cartmell
CHS Group
"JOINING THE AEO HAS BEEN FANTASTIC! Being able to gift our customers with free places at the FaceTime masterclasses, learn alongside industry peers and seek advice to common challenges is invaluable”

Sharon Azam
GovNet Communications

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