UK Events - Chair and Vice Chairs

Executive Committee

Glenn Bowdin, Chair

Chair of the UKEVENTS Skills & Talent Working Group

Glenn is Principal Lecturer in Events Management at the UK Centre for Events Management (Leeds Beckett University), where he has helped establish events management degrees and masters since 1996. He was Founding Chair of AEME (Association for Events Management Education) where he continues to serve on the Executive Committee as Treasurer, and has represented AEME at UKEVENTS since 2006. He is co-author of the textbook Events Management (Routledge, 4th edition 2023) and co-series editor of the Routledge Events Management series. He serves on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Convention and Event Tourism and oan the Editorial Advisory Board of Event Management. He is pursuing his PhD which explores the potential use of quality costing as a management tool for the events industry. He is passionate about events management education and research supporting events industry development and the significant role that graduates play.

Tom Clements, Vice Chair

Chair of the UKEVENTS Outdoor Events Working Group

Tom brings a wealth of experience to the role, as President of the National Outdoor Event Association (NOEA) and member of the Event Industry Advisory Group, which he joined during its formation at the beginning of the pandemic in 2021. Within both roles, Tom is a key voice behind the importance of retaining and growing talent and skills within the industry, and area that continues to be a focus of his. As Chair of the Outdoor Events Working Group, Tom will lead strategic discussions and initiatives aimed at addressing the evolving landscape of outdoor events. In his role on the Executive Committee, Tom will work alongside industry leaders to shape the future of the events industry in the UK. His dual responsibilities highlight UKEVENTS' commitment to ensuring that the outdoor events sector receives focused attention and dedicated leadership.

Andrew Harrison, Vice Chair

Andrew currently serves as Director of the Event Supplier and Services Association (ESSA) and is the represetnative of EIA at UKEVENTS. Known for his dedication to elevating standards within the events sector, Andrew has played a pivotal role in advocating for ESSA’s members, advancing best practices, and fostering innovation across the industry. His extensive background in member services, along with his deep understanding of the operational and logistical needs of suppliers and service providers, has helped position ESSA as a key association in the UK and internation market.

Andrew is committed to ensuring a resilient and forward-looking future for the UK events industry. He believes that collaboration and a united approach are essential for the industry to thrive, especially in times of rapid change and ongoing challenges. In the UKEVENTS Executive Committee, Andrew aims to bring his expertise in supplier relations and operational efficiency to broader conversations on industry advocacy, sustainability, and workforce development. He is passionate about representing the voices of suppliers and service providers, ensuring they have a seat at the table in shaping policies and initiatives that will impact the industry’s growth and evolution in the years to come.

Susan Tanner, Vice Chair - Membership

Susan has been the CEO of NOEA for the past 11 years and their BVEP representative during that time. Her background is in large events; she was Event Director of the Bristol Balloon Fiesta for 16 years, dealing with all aspects of the event from sponsorship, marketing, operations, working with local authorities, and SAGS, to ensuring there were enough toilets! At NOEA, she has worked with their leadership to implement their BuildBackBetter campaign; getting talent back into the industry and providing educational resources for members. She has worked hard through the pandemic to get our industry’s issues heard by government, while supporting initiatives that benefit both. She is passionate about the industry and sits on the executive board for the Mid Somerset Agricultural Show and is Chair of the Livestock Committee.

David Tremmil, Vice Chair

Meet David, MD at Inloco Events, a seasoned professional with over 35 years of invaluable experience in the hotel and events industry. For the past 28 years, David has been dedicated to event management and venue finding, honing his expertise to perfection.

David's commitment to the industry goes beyond his role at Inloco Events. He also serves on the board of BEAM, formerly known as the HBAA, where he passionately advocates for the industry's diversity and voices its concerns. He believes in the power of data to substantiate the industry's worth in the economy, helping to drive initiatives for greater statistical understanding among members.

With a rich background encompassing both agency and hotel logistics, David understands the importance of compromise and collaboration. He firmly believes that the best results, whether in events or in life, are achieved through collective effort towards the greater good.

David is not just a professional; he's a visionary leader dedicated to elevating the events industry through collaboration, data-driven insights, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.