The Events Industry Alliance (EIA) has announced updates to its board following its autumn meeting at dmg events’ head office. Ian Taylor, Managing Director of the NEC and Chair of the Association of Event Venues (AEV), takes on the role of EIA Chair, succeeding Rachel Swann, Chief Operating Officer of dmg events’ energy division, who steps down from the chair position but remains on the board. Kerry Villa, Chief Operating Officer at ACC Liverpool, has been appointed AEV Vice-Chair.
Continuing in their roles, Jeremy Rees, Chief Executive of ExCeL London, remains EIA Treasurer, and Dino Gazzi continues as Finance Director. Alison Willis, Chief Executive of Easyfairs UK & Global, also retains her board position. The board is further strengthened with the addition of Andrew Williams, President of Maritime Group and Executive Vice-President at Informa Markets, as the final representative from the Association of Event Organisers (AEO).
Other board members continuing their tenure include Rob Brackstone, Managing Director of ESM and Chair of the Event Supplier and Services Association (ESSA); Alexandra Bailey, Managing Director of Creative8 and ESSA Vice-Chair; and Marija Erzen, Co-Owner of Solutions2. Completing the board are the three association chief executives: Rachel Parker from AEV, Anna Golden from AEO, and Andrew Harrison from ESSA. The board rotates leadership among the three associations annually, with AEV currently serving as the lead association.
Commenting on his appointment, Taylor expressed gratitude to his predecessor, stating, “Thank you to Rachel Swann for her efforts over the past year. I look forward to leading the EIA team as we continue advocating for the industry.” The EIA is actively pursuing a Mutual Recognition Agreement with the EU, aimed at maintaining the UK’s competitiveness as a destination for business events.
