15th July 2009
Eventia CEO Izania Downie has announced her decision to reduce her time commitment to the association to a level of 3 days per week to allow her time to pursue her own independent business activities.
Downie says: “We’ve built up a fantastic team who are more than able to handle the day to day management of the association which enables me to make the best use of my time focusing on the front facing aspects of the role. While continuing to drive the association forward, I shall also be able to explore business opportunities of my own.”
At the same time Project Director, Tony Rogers, is taking voluntary redundancy and will be leaving Eventia at the end of August.
Rogers says: “I feel it is the right time for me to pull back from the general activities of the association and wish to focus on specific projects of personal interest. I’ve agreed with the Eventia board that we are keeping the door open for the possibility of working on discrete projects in the future around education and research in particular. I also want to wish Eventia every success in the years ahead and look forward to seeing it grow from strength to strength.”
With Izania Downie remaining at the helm as CEO and board director, the Eventia management team will continue to be headed up by Tracy Johnson, Marketing Services Director, supported by Harpreet Tumber, Membership & Marketing Services Manager, Sarah Malkin, Communications Manager and Philippa Smith, Events and Marketing Services Co-ordinator.
Eventia’s new Chairman Mark Taylor, comments: “The flexibility of the new arrangement means that we are able to retain Izania’s strong leadership and drive which are key elements to the success of Eventia and she will remain the face of the association. The board very much appreciate the 20 years of experience that Tony has given to the association (former BACD) and we will be keeping the door open to the possibility of working together in the future.”
He continues: “Eventia will continue to develop its membership recognising the diversity of the Events industry. The board are focussed on delivering the services and benefits that members are looking for. Over the remainder of this year we will include: an increased number of free networking opportunities; an ongoing campaign to raise the profile and awareness of the effectiveness of Events to the corporate, association and public sector buyers via direct contact and through the broader business media; working on standards and various projects to raise the professionalism of the industry including collaboration with other professional bodies.
The recent Summer Eventia conference in Brighton demonstrated the desire to have a cohesive platform where we can all work together, share knowledge and create a buzz of inspiration across the industry.”
ENDS
Note for editors:
Eventia is the trade body representing organisations that provide business solutions through the use of events. It’s the hub for conference and incentive travel organisers, live communications agencies, producers of experiential marketing activity, performance improvement programmes and corporate hospitality – as well as suppliers of services to these event management companies.
Visit our website: www.eventia.org.uk
For further Information contact:-ends-