Events Industry Alliance Appoints Henham Strategy as Public Affairs Adviser

The Events Industry Alliance (EIA) has appointed Henham Strategy as its retained public affairs adviser following a competitive selection process.

The consultancy will support the alliance’s engagement with government and parliament, helping to raise the profile of the sector and ensure that business events — both trade and consumer focused — are fully recognised in policy discussions around growth, trade, and investment.

The EIA brings together three leading trade associations: the Association of Event Organisers (AEO), the Association of Event Venues (AEV), and the Event Supplier and Services Association (ESSA). Collectively, they represent hundreds of organisers, venues, and suppliers across the UK exhibitions and business events sector.

Their members deliver trade shows, conferences, and exhibitions across a wide range of industries. Recent flagship events such as Tech Show London at Excel London and Crufts at the NEC Campus in Birmingham illustrate the sector’s collaborative ecosystem, where organisers, venues, and specialist suppliers work together to generate significant economic impact.

Rachel Parker (cover photo), director, EIA and CEO, AEV, said: “We are excited to be working with Henham as we begin an important new chapter for the EIA and the businesses we represent across this vital sector. As international competition intensifies and other countries sharpen their focus on business events, it is essential that the UK matches that ambition.”

Nick King, founder and managing director, Henham Strategy said: “Both inside and outside of government, I’ve seen first-hand the economic impact business events deliver, both nationally and across the regions. We are delighted to be working with the EIA to ensure policymakers fully recognise the sector’s central role in the UK’s growth story.”

Published by Meeting Media Company, the publisher of Headquarters Magazine (HQ) – a leading international publication based in Brussels, serving the global MICE industry and association community.