ESSA's serving vice-chair Lou Kiwanuka, (MD; EventShaper) has been appointed chair of the Event Industry Alliance (EIA), assuming the role from Dan Thurlow (Director of Exhibition Sales; SEC & AEV Board Member).

The EIA is the umbrella body of ESSA, AEV, and the Association of Event Organisers (AEO), supporting the development of closer relationships and understanding between organisers, suppliers and venues. The chair is chosen by annual rotation, from each association chair in turn, and Kiwanuka’s appointment comes in advance of her appointment as ESSA chair on January 1 2021.

Kiwanuka reacted to her appointment, saying, “The EIA has been the instrumental force in driving the agenda with government and coordinating the mammoth task of creating guidance and the pilot event over the last 7 months. The existence of the EIA has meant that all three associations were able to fast track a coordinated approach in the shortest possible time using mechanisms already in place. The EIA has been at the forefront of the fight for a safe and responsible reopening of events. It’s a privilege to be asked to take the chair of the Alliance, especially at this time.”

Kiwanuka concluded, “This pandemic and the subsequent effects are obviously stretching the resilience of the event industry, and the work of the EIA will be ever more essential in ensuring the All Secure Standard and Project Confidence are strong and instrumental in bringing event businesses together behind a common purpose and message.”

Andrew Harrison, ESSA director, welcomed Kiwanuka’s appointment to the position of EIA chair, saying, “We’re fortunate that ESSA’s rotation into the chair at the EIA has coincided with Lou’s appointment to the position of ESSA chair next year. Lou is a true positive force in the industry, and I am in no doubt that her expertise across all three sectors will be put to good use in these testing times.”