AEO CONFERENCE 2024 DRAWS 250 ATTENDEES, FOCUSING ON INNOVATION AND GROWTH

The Association of Event Organisers (AEO) Conference 2024, held at Manchester Central, attracted 250 attendees—surpassing last year’s numbers—for a day focused on motivation, innovation, and growth. Industry leaders came together to share insights on emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of the events sector.

Chaired by Ruth Carter, chief executive of CIBSE, the conference featured a variety of keynote sessions and panel discussions covering inclusivity, international expansion, artificial intelligence (AI), workforce dynamics, and lessons from failure. The vibrant setting of Manchester reflected the industry’s commitment to creativity and sustainable growth.

Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon opened the conference with a keynote on inclusive leadership, emphasising the importance of moving “from the art of interruption to the art of conversation” and how diversity strengthens decision-making within organisations.

The international opportunities panel explored the challenges of expanding into new markets, with Raphael Sofoluke, founder of the UK Black Business Show, highlighting the critical role of partnerships in achieving successful global growth and collaboration.

Sonia Bate, founder of Edit Development, focussed on future-proofing the workforce. She discussed the impact of Gen Z and the need for ethical employee value propositions, while also highlighting essential skills such as creative thinking, technological literacy, and resilience. Bate emphasised the importance of cultural intelligence, collaboration, and psychological safety for leaders, sparking discussions on how to adapt to evolving workforce challenges.

In the AI in events session, panellists discussed how AI can enhance knowledge retention and streamline event management. They introduced the "forgetting curve," showing that 80% of new information is lost within days without reinforcement and examined how AI can improve long-term learning and efficiency.

The session on learning from failures featured Greg Hitchin, who shared his experience of transforming the World Low-Cost Airlines Congress into the successful Aviation Festival. The discussion underscored how resilience and adaptability can turn setbacks into opportunities for growth.

The conference closed with a fireside chat between Tony Robinson, chief executive of Next Events and Conferences Ltd, and Alison Jackson, group managing director of Nineteen Group. Robinson reflected on his success in launching exhibitions in niche markets, from postal services to tyres, stressing the importance of focusing on concepts over products. He encouraged attendees to trust their instincts, especially in the face of doubt, offering valuable insights on leadership and entrepreneurship.

Chris Skeith OBE, chief executive officer of AEO, commented, “This year’s conference exceeded our expectations in both attendance and engagement. The insights shared will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our industry as we continue to innovate and grow. The feedback so far has been fantastic, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the outstanding contributions of Manchester Central, our members, sponsors, partners, and the AEO team.”