Industry trade association, Eventia, decided at its AGM, 2 July, to pursue another merger, this time with the International Visual Communications Association (IVCA). Eventia merged with the British Association of Conference Destinations (BACD) in 2009.
The AGM at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower, London, also elected a new Chair to lead the association over the next 12 months, Simon Hughes (pictured) who will be taking over from Rob Allen.
Hughes, Managing Partner of MCHA and Director of Live Events for the Central Office of Information before it was abolished in March, says he is “delighted to be picking up the baton”.
Eventia’s and IVCA’s membership will now be consulted about the proposed merger with the IVCA (International Visual Communications Association).
In response to industry concerns expressed at the first Eventia Senior Advisory Council held in 2010 about the number of trade associations trying to represent the sector, Eventia says it has been actively examining options to create a larger and more authoritative trade body to better represent the fast changing communication industry involved in the production of film and video, interactive media, meetings, experiential and live events.
Hughes claimed the strategy provided an “exciting opportunity”.
“We want to involve our membership in a consultation process to ensure that we deliver a new and compelling offer for everyone that improves and extends the excellent member benefits and services that Eventia and IVCA already provide. This merger will only happen if everyone involved clearly understands the many opportunities that it will create and are prepared to support the creation of a much stronger voice for these increasingly integrated business sectors.”
Eventia says the initial consultation period will take place over the next eight weeks and, if supported, a formal proposal will be produced for both Eventia and IVCA members to vote on in the autumn.
The Eventia AGM endorsed the following changes to the Board.
Standing down were:
Alan Newton, Grass Roots
Karen Rice, Banks Sadler
Mark Sale, SmartAviation
Mark Saxby, Universal WorldEvents
Mike Jackson, Touch Worldwide
Re-elected:
Brian Kirsch, Event Assured
Rick Stainton, Smyle
Matt Storey, Gallowglass
Andrew Wright, FAB!
Newly-elected:
Rachel Ley, RLC Productions
Graham McIntosh, Universal WorldEvents
Kirstie McNulty, Excel London
Co-opted onto the Board:
Chad Lion-Cachet, Sportsworld Group
Rich Rowley, XL Events
Rory Sloan, RPM
Martin Richardson, MCI
The following remain on the Board:
Rob Allen, TRO
Alison Ayling, DeVere Hotels Resorts Venues
Dale Parmenter, drpgroup
Emma Cashmore, Axis Marketing Travel
Paul Hussey, BSI Meetings & Events
Simon Hughes, MCHA
Sarah Wright, Sarah Wright Consulting (CAPS Advisor)
Eventia’s new Executive Team will consist of Simon Hughes, Rob Allen, Dale Parmenter and Tracy Johnson.
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