AEV Announces Board Changes Following Annual General Meeting

The Association of Event Venues (AEV) has announced significant board changes following its annual general meeting (AGM) held at The NEC Birmingham on September 16, 2025. This meeting saw the re-election of several key members and the introduction of a new director, marking a pivotal moment for the organization.

Ian Taylor, managing director of NEC and current chair of AEV, confirmed that both he and Kerry Villa, chief operating officer of ACC Liverpool and vice chair, will continue in their roles. Taylor expressed satisfaction with the current state of the Association, stating, “I am pleased to report that the Association is in excellent shape. Membership, engagement, interaction and financial standing are all strong.”

The board welcomed back Jeremy Rees, chief executive officer of Excel London; Max Bull, executive director of venue sales at Business Design Centre; Alison Griffin, managing director of Telford International Centre; and Dan Thurlow, director of exhibition sales at Scottish Event Campus. Each of these members was re-elected, ensuring continuity in leadership.

In a notable development, the board introduced Richard Moorhouse, events director at The Great Yorkshire Events Centre, as a new member. His addition is expected to bring fresh perspectives to the board as it continues to advocate for the industry.

Growth and Engagement in the Association

Taylor underscored the AEV’s commitment to its members, emphasizing the importance of financing and resources to support the organization’s strategic goals. He noted that membership has increased by five this year, bringing the total to 53 full members and ten academic associate members.

The Association has been proactive in fostering engagement, with 22 working groups hosting 73 meetings over the past year, leading to a remarkable 1,208 member interactions. “We are extremely grateful to all our members for their contributions,” Taylor added, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the organization.

Rachel Parker, AEV director, also expressed her enthusiasm for the new board members and the upcoming year. “I am delighted to welcome the re-elected members back to the board and to Richard who joins the board this year. I am looking forward to another productive year, starting with our annual conference being held on November 14 at Excel London.”

As the AEV prepares for its annual conference, the adjustments to the board signal a robust commitment to the event venue sector, ensuring that the interests and needs of members are effectively represented and addressed. The AEV’s proactive approach aims to strengthen its influence and support within the industry, setting a positive tone for the future.