Our Speakers 2022
Chris started his career in media auditing at the Audit Bureau of Circulations, where he later led on the development of their auditing products for the event sector.
In 2006 Chris moved to the Events Industry Alliance (EIA), overseeing the merger of AEC & BECA to form ESSA (Event Supplier & Services Association) and the launch of the highly successful ‘Use an ESSA Member’ campaign. In 2010, he also became Director of ESSA’s sister association, AEV (Association of Event Venues), driving venue engagement through numerous special interest groups before moving on to AEO in 2014. He continues to be a Director of EIA, which represents the sector to government and regulators.
Chris holds a number of voluntary positions, and is Chair of the Ministerial appointed DCMS Events Industry Board, and is a member of the BEIS Professional Business Services Committee. He is Chair of BVEP (Business Visits & Events’ Partnership), a partnership of all leading associations in the event industry, and is an UFI Board Member and chair of their associations committee.
In the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2021, he was awarded an OBE for services to the Events Industry.
Nick sits on the NOEA Council (National Outdoor Events Association), is Vice-Chair of AIF (Association of Independent Festivals), a Vice-Chair of BVEP (Business Visits and Event Partnership), is a member of the NTIA and strongly believes that the ‘informal events’ industry, an industry that brings in over £5 billion / year, should be championed, developed and supported by Government.
Nick is also a prominent member within the Festival DCMS/Public Health England Workforce. Nick additionally joined the High Street Task Force to help kickstart the rejuvenation of town centres and support local communities and government.
The independent festival sector is close to his heart and The Fair are one of the largest independent festival production houses in the UK working across 128 shows from Gala, Peckham to Eastern Electrics, Morden.
Nick often speaks on and facilitates discussion on topics that include managing growth, independent festivals, The Experience Economy, Government advocacy, Placemaking, Licensing and Health & Safety at many industry events including the Event Production Show, LAEOG and The All Parliamentary Group for Events.
Over the past ten years, Yas has produced large-scale events across the UK on behalf of independent promoters. She has particularly strong relationships in her hometown, London, having worked closely with a number of London local authorities to grow the city’s independent music festival scene across the Capital’s greenspaces. She works closely with Safety Advisory Groups throughout the UK and specialises in creating mutually beneficial relationships between the local communities that surround festival sites and the independent festival promoters, pushing the boundaries of art and music in the ever-burgeoning festival movement.
Yas ran her own staffing agency ‘The Wonder Staff’ for five years; providing London clubs, venues and festivals with door, gate, bar and customer service staff. She is the co-chair of the AIF DEI Steering Group Committee, and co-founded ‘We Are OPS’, a Health & Safety female-led agency.
“Thank you for your time and commitment keeping us updated about the effects of the pandemic on the events industry.”
“I’m sure all your members are thankful for your assistance in these trying times.”
“You are doing an AMAZING job supporting members”
“… had to drop you a line to say how amazing your communications have been …”
“We have been glued to your information bulletins.”
“NOEA has been absolutely fantastic in your support for all of us.”
“You guys are doing an amazing job of supporting the industry – you were out there first and are such a key resource!”
“Keep ’em coming … NOEA’s proactivity on this topic is much appreciated!”
“Thank you for all your information and updates.”
“… the daily emails summarising the position, especially related to events, are very useful indeed …”