The National Outdoor Events Association (NOEA) has announced that President, Tom Clements, will be stepping down after six years of transformational service, marking the end of one of the most significant leadership periods in the association’s 45-year history.
Tom took on the presidency in November 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, immediately becoming its leader during the most challenging era the industry has ever faced. Throughout this period, and the years that followed, he became a defining voice for outdoor events across the UK, guiding the industry through crisis, survival, and ultimately, renewal.
Central to Tom’s tenure was his unwavering focus on skills, people and talent. Recognising early on that the long-term impact of the pandemic would sit not only in economics but in the disruption to the industry’s workforce, Tom championed a skills-led recovery. His Build Back Better campaign became one of NOEA’s most recognised and unifying initiatives, placing people, diversity and professional development at the heart of the industry’s renewal.
That momentum continued with Better Back Bold, a forward-facing call for confidence, resilience and ambition in the post-pandemic era. Both programmes have since become touchstones for the industry’s approach to futureproofing and strengthening its workforce, ensuring NOEA remained not only relevant but influential in shaping national conversations.
Across his six years as President, Tom also played a key role in elevating NOEA’s advocacy, championing professionalism across the sector, expanding the association’s partnerships, and reinforcing its commitment to operating responsibly in a changing world. Today, NOEA stands stronger, more visible, and more engaged than at any point in its history, a legacy shaped significantly by Tom’s leadership.
Reflecting on his time as President, Tom Clements said: “It has been an absolute honour to serve as President of NOEA. When I took on the role, I never imagined that the pandemic was imminent and that our industry was facing challenges none of us could have predicted. What I witnessed then, and continue to see today, is an industry built on incredible people, deep expertise, and unmatched resilience. My focus has always been on supporting and strengthening that talent. I leave the presidency proud of what we have achieved together, and confident that NOEA is stronger, more influential and more representative than ever.”
Susan Tanner, CEO of NOEA, added: “Tom has been an extraordinary President. His leadership during the pandemic and beyond demonstrated courage, clarity and genuine care for the people who make events happen. His commitment to skills and talent has shaped the strategic direction of the association and left a legacy that will benefit our industry for years to come. Tom steps down with our absolute gratitude and admiration.”
Taking on the presidency, elected at the association’s AGM, will be Bev Osborne, founder of Training 4 Resilience, who commented, “It’s hard to quantify just what a contribution Tom has made to NOEA, he’s been a massive part of the association as President, but also before then as Vice President and supporting our members in Scotland for well over a decade. He’s a massive part of NOEA’s story.”