AEO PEOPLE’S AWARDS 2025 WINNERS ANNOUNCED

The third AEO People’s Awards, in association with Aztec Event Services and Whitespace Group, took place at the Business Design Centre on 7th February 2025, welcoming 260 attendees, including finalists from marketing, ops, sales, content, and support functions, along with their teams.

Hosted by Darren Harriott, the event featured an evening of celebration, recognition, and networking, honouring the incredible talent shaping the events industry.

Anna Golden, chief executive of AEO, said:
"The atmosphere for the third edition of the AEO People’s Awards surpassed our expectations. Recognising the diverse talent, and future leaders, alongside the unsung heroes at the heart of our industry is not only fitting but essential.

It was incredibly rewarding to see so many familiar and new faces who have chosen our brilliant industry to forge their careers - congratulations to our extraordinary 2025 winners!

Huge thanks to the judges, sponsors, partners, and the dedicated AEO team for bringing the event to life.”

The 2025 AEO People’s Awards winners and judges’ comments are as follows:

Support team star player

Susan Bradley, Informa Markets
“Susan is a true team player who consistently goes above and beyond for her colleagues. She is always willing to lend a hand and is a valuable asset to the team – well done!”

Newcomer of the year

Tom Mead, Easyfairs
“It sounds like every event business needs a Tom. Congratulations on the impact you have made at Easyfairs!”

Sustainability champion

Sophie Elliott, Clarion Events

“Kudos to Sophie for developing Clarion’s first-ever carbon footprinting process, a significant milestone for the company. Her efforts in establishing the Sustainability Champion Network have created a solid foundation for long-term growth in sustainability.”

DEI champion

Evelyn Woodland, GovNet

“Evelyn has made an outstanding contribution to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within GovNet. Her initiatives have inspired positive change and created a more inclusive culture - well done, Evelyn.”

Content exec of the year

Molly Benson, CloserStill Media
“Molly clearly is a superstar! Especially if she is able to defend her programmes with sales having only been with the company for a short period of time.”

Content manager of the year

Joe Sharpe, Lyrical Communications (Part of Nineteen Group)
“Joe seems to be a real asset to the team, driving innovation and boosting sponsorship revenue. His data-driven approach has led to the creation of exciting new events – well done!”

Marketing exec of the year

Sonia Diaz, Easyfairs
“Sonia has made a strong impact on the team. Her innovative approach and hard work have directly resulted in tangible improvements – congratulations Sonia!”

Senior marketing exec

Steph Fleury, Clarion Events
“Steph is a true team player with a positive and can-do attitude. Her versatility and dedication make her a valuable asset to the team.”

Marketing manager of the year

Nathan Stovell, Nineteen Group
“Nathan stands out as an exceptional emerging leader in marketing. His ability to balance commercial goals with community needs is commendable.”

Senior marketing manager

Kieran Murphy, Total Telecom - Terrapinn
“Kieran’s entry for the marketing manager of the year award is truly impressive and showcases his remarkable ability to drive results through innovative strategies and a collaborative spirit.”

Ops exec of the year

Lina Zayeri, GovNet
“What an entry! Lina exceeds expectations, bringing fresh thinking and delivering exceptional results beyond the typical role.”

Senior ops exec

Harry Moorhouse, Ways & Means
“Harry is clearly a well-loved team player with great communication skills and diplomacy. Great entry!”

Ops manager of the year

Charley Perkins, Terrapinn
“What a great entry that highlights Charley is a true operations all-rounder. The candidate's creative approach to increasing sponsorship revenue is particularly impressive and demonstrates a strong ability to think outside the box. Well done!”

Sales exec of the year

Rhys Charalambous, Nineteen Group
“Great, positive client feedback. Well done Rhys!”

Sales manager of the year

Georgie Hulland, Nineteen Group
“Georgie’s journey from freelance to a full-time role is impressive. Their success is a testament to the value of Benchmark and their own hard work – congratulations!”

Indomitable spirit

Katie Ayton, MA Exhibitions
“Katie demonstrates the essential qualities of a top events professional: resilience and empathy. Her commitment to stakeholders is truly impressive.”

To view the gallery from the day, click here: https://jonnydonovanphotography.pixieset.com/aeppeoplesawards2025/allimages/

To view winners’ pictures and categories, click here: https://www.aeopeoplesawards.org.uk/aeo-peoples-awards-winners-2025