The Event Supplier and Services Association is delighted to announce its new Board line up following its 2026 Annual General Meeting, who will help guide the association’s work over the year ahead.
The ESSA Board is made up of elected representatives from across the event supplier and services community. Board members act on behalf of the wider membership, giving their time voluntarily to support ESSA’s strategic direction, strengthen the supplier voice, and help shape activity around the issues that matter most to members.
Following the AGM, the new ESSA Board is:
Rob Brackstone, Managing Director, ESM – Chair
Alexandra Bailey, Managing Director, Creative8 Ltd – Vice Chair
Martin Cairns, Managing Director, Beechwood Events (Treasurer)
Dan Edwards, Managing Director, Whitespace Xpo (Re-elected)
Marija Erzen, Co-Owner & Director, Solutions 2
Simon Ridout, Commercial Director, Showlite
Kane Thomas, Commercial Director, Full Circle Events & Exhibitions
Lisa Tyson, Deputy Managing Director, Aztec Event Services
Dean Linehan – GES (new for 2026)
Paul Richardson – Vividink (new for 2026)
Ellen Stokes – Be Exhibitions (new for 2026)
Trudy Wilde – Presentation Service Providers Ltd trading as PSP (new for 2026)
Stepping down:
Jason Stead – GES (Joined board in 2019)
Noel Reeves – Rocket X (Joined in 2024)
Rob Brackstone, Chair of ESSA, said:
“Serving on the ESSA Board is about giving something back. It is about listening to members, understanding the pressures and opportunities our sector faces, and helping ESSA stay focused on the work that genuinely makes a difference.
“We are fortunate to have a Board made up of people who bring such a strong mix of experience, honesty and practical industry knowledge. I’d like to thank everyone who put themselves forward, and all of my fellow Board members for the time and commitment they continue to give.”
Andrew Harrison, CEO of ESSA, said:
“The ESSA Board plays a vital role in keeping the association close to its members and focused on the right priorities. These are voluntary roles, but they carry real responsibility. Board members are there to represent the wider membership, support good governance and help guide the future direction of ESSA.
“This year’s AGM was another important reminder that ESSA is built by members, for members. The people around the Board table bring different perspectives from across the supplier and services community, and that breadth of experience is exactly what we need as the industry continues to evolve. We also give our thanks and appreciation to the outgoing Board members for their time and support.”
The Board will continue to support ESSA’s strategic priorities, including industry representation, health and safety, sustainability, skills and workforce development, international trading support, accreditation, member services and collaboration across the wider Events Industry Alliance.
Following the AGM, members also came together for our Summer Social, which included networking, team building events and golf, in perfect weather conditions, and a dinner. We also fundraised in memory of Andrew Hickinbotham, the late Head of Sales at Tecna UK and a much-loved member of the ESSA community.
Detailed profiles for our new Board members will be shared soon.
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.
