Co-Chair of the UKEVENTS Advocacy & Government Relations Group

With over fifty years' experience in the tourism, hotel and hospitality industry, Michael chaired the BVEP (the forerunner to UKEVENTS), since its inception in 1999 until May 2020. He now acts as Co-Chair of the Advocacy & Government Relations Working Group and Secretariat liaison.

He has been Chair of the Government’s Events Industry Board and Chair of The Tourism Alliance. He was appointed OBE for services to tourism and voted "Personality of the Year" by readers of Meetings & Incentive Travel as well as being awarded the Joint Meetings Industry Council Unity Award, recognising individuals who have made a significant contribution to the advancement of the Meetings Industry and its level of professionalism. He has also been awarded a fellowship by EVCOM.

He is currently a director of a diversified industrial and services group and a director of an operator of contemporary hostels throughout Europe. He is a former board member of the Ladbroke Group Plc. where he was Chairman and CEO of Hilton International. He is also a former consultant to CBRE Hotels, the world's leading hospitality real estate advisory firm.