The Association of Event Venues (AEV) has elected Jeremy Rees, CEO of Excel London, as its new chair. The AEV board announced the changes after its annual general meeting (AGM). The AGM took place at The NEC Birmingham on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, Event Industry News reported. Rees stepped down as Treasurer to take the chair.
Outgoing chair Ian Taylor, COO of NEC Group, told the meeting that the association is in excellent shape. Taylor and vice chair Kerry Villa, chief operating officer of Liverpool Experience Campus, concluded their roles but will remain on the AEV board. Both were thanked for their service.
New AEV Board Officers
Lori Hoinkes, CEO of Manchester Central, was elected vice chair. Dan Thurlow, director of exhibition sales at Scottish Event Campus, was elected Treasurer. Leadership changes like these shape how organizations steer through growth, as when UpSwell Marketing named two executives.
Three directors were re-elected to the AEV board. They are Jackie Boughton, executive consultant for innovation and growth at The Barbican Centre, and Paul Michael, managing director of Coventry Building Society Arena. Villa was re-elected as well. Amanda Wrathall, CEO of EICC, joins the AEV board for the first time. Rowan Kitching, director of strategic partners at The Jockey Club, returns. Paula Lorimer, director of Harrogate Convention Centre, resigned from the board.
A Record Year for the AEV Board and Members
Taylor said the AEV had a record year for its newly branded focus groups. The groups, previously known as working groups, now number 23 in total. The new name reflects their purpose more accurately.
“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,” Taylor said.
The association also welcomed eight new members, bringing its total membership to 55. It has nine academic associate members as well. Taylor said members contribute a great deal of time and expertise to the community, and the AEV is grateful for their commitment. Organizational changes at the top are common across industries, as with Iveco Group’s leadership reorganization.
Priorities for the New Chair
Rees thanked the outgoing leadership team and said the events industry contributes £11.7 billion to the UK economy. He said it is the AEV’s role to keep engaging with government so the industry is recognized 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,” Rees said.
Rachel Parker, CEO of the AEV, welcomed the new board members. She thanked Taylor and Villa for their continued support and wished Lorimer well. Parker said she looks forward to working with the newly elected leadership and board in the year ahead. Strong boards also depend on strategic thinking and the right support.
The next major date is the AEV’s annual conference. It takes place at ICC, Olympia in London on Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the new chair of the Association of Event Venues?
Jeremy Rees, CEO of Excel London, was newly elected AEV chair after stepping down as Treasurer.
Who are the new vice chair and Treasurer?
Lori Hoinkes, CEO of Manchester Central, was elected vice chair, and Dan Thurlow of Scottish Event Campus was elected Treasurer.
How many members does the AEV have?
The association welcomed eight new members, bringing total membership to 55, plus nine academic associate members.
When is the AEV annual conference?
The annual conference is being held at ICC, Olympia in London on Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026.
