Following the annual general meeting (AGM) of the Association of Event Venues (AEV) held at The NEC Birmingham on Thursday, September 17, 2026, the AEV has announced several changes to the board.
Outgoing AEV chair, Ian Taylor, COO, NEC group provided an update on the association’s work and activities reporting the association is in excellent shape.
Taylor commented, “We have had a record year for the newly branded focus groups*, now running 23 in total, and hosting 77 meetings over the year amounting to 1,129 member interactions. We also welcomed eight new members bringing our total membership to 55, in addition to nine academic associate members. Our members contribute a great deal of time and expertise to our community and we are grateful for their commitment.”
Following the chair’s report, Taylor, along with vice chair, Kerry Villa, chief operating officer, Liverpool Experience Campus, concluded their respective roles but will remain on the board. Both were thanked for their service and contributions during their time in leadership.
The association is pleased to announce that Jeremy Rees, CEO, Excel London, stepped down as Treasurer and was newly elected as AEV chair. Lori Hoinkes, CEO, Manchester Central was elected as vice chair, and Dan Thurlow, director of exhibition sales, Scottish Event Campus was elected as Treasurer.
Jackie Boughton, executive consultant, innovation and growth, The Barbican Centre; Paul Michael, managing director, Coventry Building Society Arena, and Kerry Villa, chief operating officer, Liverpool Experience Campus were all re-elected to the board. Joining the board for the first time is Amanda Wrathall, CEO, EICC, and returning is Rowan Kitching, director of strategic partners, The Jockey Club.
Paula Lorimer, director, Harrogate Convention Centre resigned from the board.
Jeremy Rees, CEO, Excel London, extended thanks to the outgoing leadership team adding, “The events industry contributes £11.7 billion to the UK economy; it is our role to continue engaging with government to ensure it is recognised and valued. Serving on the AEV board is a great privilege; the collective skill and expertise create a distinctive platform to highlight the appeal of our industry and, amongst other things, develop the skills agenda.”
Rachel Parker, AEV CEO, welcomed the new board members, “I’d like to thank Ian and Kerry for their continued support of AEV, and wish Paula well. I am looking forward to working with the newly elected leadership and Board members as we continue our work in the year ahead, starting with our annual conference being held at ICC, Olympia in London on Thursday 26 November 2026.”
* previously known as working groups, the new name reflects the purpose of the groups more accurately.
Author: Kizzy Allott
Kizzy Allott is Publisher at Event Industry News, where she has been a driving force behind the brand for over a decade. With a deep understanding of the events sector and a passion for storytelling, Kizzy leads the platform’s commercial and content strategy, connecting the industry through news, insights, and meaningful conversations. She is dedicated to championing innovation, amplifying industry voices, and ensuring event professionals stay informed, inspired, and future-focused.
