MPI UK and Ireland Chapter announce 2013/2014 board and new executive director
The UK and Ireland Chapter of Meeting Professionals International (MPI) has confirmed its board for 2013/2014, which will be led by new president James Samuel, Event Director of International Confex and Live Experience Expo, and Leisure Industry Week, (UBM Live). The UK and Ireland Chapter has also appointed industry stalwart and veteran Hamish Reid, General Manager at Jersey Conference Bureau, as executive director and events manager.
MPI UK and Ireland Chapter is part of the meeting and event industry’s largest and most vibrant global community, providing knowledge and ideas, relationships, and marketplaces. MPI has more than 21,000 members worldwide. The UK chapter’s mission is to build a rich meeting and events community within the UK and Ireland.
The slate of candidates was unanimously selected by MPI UK and Ireland Chapter’s nominating committee. The new board and executive director and events manager took their places on July 1st 2013. The full 2013/2014 board will comprise of:
· President – James Samuel, UBM
· Past President – Samme Allen, Barbican
· VP of Finance and Sponsorship, Miguel Neves, IMEX
· VP of Membership – Ruth Bennett, London & Partners
· VP of Events – Jane Baker, CWT
· Deputy VP of Events (Content & Knowledge) – Liz Rice, Metro Broadcasting
· Deputy VP of Events (Logistics) – Ashley Howarth, Radisson Blu Edwardian
· VP of Event Marketing – James Ades, Excel London
· VP of Communications – Alan Stevens, MediaCoach
In the role of executive director and events manager, Hamish Reid will be responsible for looking at opportunities which provide members with additional content, education and networking, especially for corporate and agency buyers as well as building commercial relationships that benefit MPI UK and Ireland.
James Samuel commented: “The UK and Ireland Chapter remains the largest outside of the Americas and our membership really is engaged with our activity, particularly supporting the wide range of successful educational events we run throughout the year. As president I want to engage with meeting and event planners to build and develop our community so we can connect with them, provide relevant education opportunities and further enrich their careers. The board for the next slate year reflects the strategic direction of the UK and Ireland Chapter, and comprises of a wealth of experience and is dedicated to improving our membership offering, ensuring MPI grows and provides the best experience for members. We have many exciting plans in the pipeline, with announcements made in due course. These will provide substantial benefits and opportunities for our members and I look forward to the impact they will have on their roles and as individuals.”
Past President Samme Allen, head of sales at the Barbican, comments: “Building the team over the past two years has been extremely rewarding. We have created an environment in which our members can extend their knowledge, build relationships and flourish in their careers. I will continue to be a part of the chapter’s leadership, and I know James will continue to build a chapter that is respected all over the world for the work it does for the benefit of its members.”
Samme continues: “Hamish Reid’s role will focus on the long term direction of the Chapter including member acquisition and retention. In particular his many years of service and knowledge will allow the chapter to grow whilst delivering ongoing member benefits and a return on their investment.”
On his appointment Hamish Reid commented: “I’m looking forward to working with James and the chapter board on ensuring MPI remains the most relevant industry network forum, particularly for corporate and agency buyers.”