The UK’s Event Supplier and Services Association (ESSA) revealed a new event supplier accreditation scheme at its recent AGM at Bounce, London.
The event included a short programme of content, a networking lunch and an opportunity to play a little ping-pong.
There was an annual election of ESSA board members, and this year all four available places were contested. Alexandra Bailey, founder and MD, Creative8, and Hannah Jardine, business manager, Ignition, were both elected to the board for the first time, while Chris Criscione, MD of Equinox Design and Martin Cottrell, MD of A1 Event & Exhibition Cleaners, were re-elected.
ESSA director Andrew Harrison gave the Chairman's address and Martin Cairns fleshed out ESSA's new accreditation for ESSA members.
The new scheme builds on the ‘Use an ESSA member campaign’ and offers a new accreditation framework and member portal. Cairns confirmed that the scheme has been given the green light, and the funding it needs to succeed, by the ESSA Board.
After official business, Professor John Ryan gave a talk on Brexit, followed by a Town Hall Session chaired by Chris Pratt with Lou Kiwanuka, Martin Cottrell, Chris Criscione, Andrew Harrison and Martin Cairns on the stage.
After the AGM, Harrison commented: “It's rewarding to see our association grow in stature and influence, thanks to the tireless work of our members who volunteer their time and expertise, whether as board members, members of the Future Focus Board, or simply through attending our events throughout the year. The new ESSA accreditation scheme is emblematic of our confidence and maturity as an organisation, and we intend to be leading the discussion throughout the industry on the topics and challenges that concern our members.”
