Executive Committee

Michael Hirst OBE, Advocacy and Government Relations Co-Lead

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.

Chris Skeith OBE, Immediate Past Chair

Chris is CEO and MD of UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. Chris was UKEVENTS Chair from 2022 to 2024. He has worked in the events industry for over 20 years, initially creating and developing exhibition audit schemes with media auditor ABC, and latterly holding Director positions with association secretariat company the Events Industry Alliance. As part of this secretariat he created an environment which encouraged engagement and interaction with the members and Boards whilst maintaining membership levels and association budgets. He has a particular focus on facilitating the resolution of industry issues and the creation and adoption of best practice. He also sits on numerous policy and planning groups, such as HSE, BS/ISO, and is a regular speaker at industry events and contributor and commentator in the press.