AEO Director Leaves           (Industry)

Hilary Lawson, director of the Association of Event Organisers (AEO), is to give up her post after more than two years with the organisation. She leaves in March 2009 to pursue freelance opportunities.
Abigail Parkin (20 Dec'08)


Upon joining the AEO, Lawson (pic left) conducted a major review of its services to members. This resulted in delivery of increased peer networking opportunities, overseeing the rapid rise of the "AEO Marketing Forum" and launching forums for the AEO members' event and operational teams. Lawson also took AEO's established event brands the "Excellence Awards" and "Conference" to new heights.

In response to the AEO's demand for increased and improved industry promotion, Lawson has laid innovative foundations for a landmark campaign, to be driven by the association on behalf of the Events Industry Alliance (EIA) in 2009.

Lawson has also spearheaded the development of key association peer 'interest groups' that focus on specific elements of the AEO community.

AEO chair Philip Soar said: "I'm very upset that Hilary has decided to leave us. Her contribution over a difficult two-year period has been enormous, in particular everything she has done to put on the conference and awards in the last year. It will be difficult to replace her."

The AEO is now to embark on a thorough recruitment process in order to appoint Lawson's successor.

RK  _________________________________________