The Event Supplier and Services Association (ESSA) held its AGM at BOUNCE, in the heart of East London, on Thursday April 25.
Welcoming member delegates from across the country to participate in the official proceedings, before enjoying a short programme of content also open to guests, a networking lunch and the chance to polish their ping-pong skills.
After registration, delegates assembled at 10:30 for a brief welcome from Andrew Harrison, ESSA director, followed by the official business of the day, including the annual election of ESSA board members, and this year all four available places were contested. After the vote, Alexandra Bailey, founder and MD, Creative8, and Hannah Jardine, business manager, Ignition were elected to the board for the first time, whilst Chris Criscione, MD of Equinox Design and Martin Cottrell, MD of A1 Event & Exhibition Cleaners were re-elected.
ESSA AGM unveils new event supplier accreditation scheme
The elections were followed by the Chairman's address where Martin Cairns fleshed out ESSA's new accreditation for ESSA members, building on the successful "Use an ESSA member campaign" and culminating in a new, comprehensive accreditation framework and member portal. Cairns confirmed that the new accreditation scheme has been given the green light, and the funding it needs to succeed, by the ESSA Board.
Insighful talk on Brexit and ESSA Town Hall Session
After official business was concluded, assembled members and guests were treated to an insightful talk on Brexit from Professor John Ryan, followed by a Town Hall Session chaired by Phil Pratt with Lou Kiwanuka, Martin Cottrell, Chris Criscione, Andrew Harrison and Martin Cairns on the stage. The Town Hall Session was then followed by a short round up from Harrison, before delegates and guests enjoyed a networking lunch followed by drinks and table-tennis.
After the AGM, Harrison commented, "It's rewarding to see our association grow in stature and influence, thanks to the tireless work of our members who volunteer their time and expertise, whether as board members, members of the Future Focus Board, or simply through attending our events throughout the year. The new ESSA accreditation scheme is emblematic of our confidence and maturity as an organisation, and we intend to be leading the discussion throughout the industry on the topics and challenges that concern our members."
