Serving on the ESSA Board is more than a title. It is a commitment to representing the wider events services sector, helping shape the strategic direction of the association, and contributing time, expertise and leadership to support the industry as a whole.
ESSA Board members are elected by the membership to act on behalf of the membership. The role is voluntary, non-executive and rooted in stewardship, accountability and industry collaboration.
A Board Built by Members, for Members
The ESSA Board is made up of elected representatives from across the event supplier and services community. Members standing for election bring a wide range of skills, specialisms and perspectives that help guide the association strategically.
Board elections take place through the AGM process, giving full and associate members the opportunity to vote on who they would like to represent them at Board level. Voting is carried out online ahead of the AGM – with the deadline for submissions this year of July 2nd 11am and voting taking place after this until 8th July.
To ensure fresh thinking, accountability and continued member representation, Board positions are rotational. Each year, a portion of the Board reaches the end of its two year term and those individuals must either stand down or seek re-election if they wish to continue serving.
This means Board positions are never guaranteed. ESSA members actively decide who represents them.
What Does an ESSA Board Member Commit To?
Becoming an ESSA Board member involves a meaningful commitment of both time and leadership.
Board members are expected to:
- Attend 3 Board meetings per year, typically held in March, July, December.
- Support the strategic direction and long-term priorities of ESSA
- Represent the interests of the wider membership, not only their own business
- Contribute expertise, insight and industry knowledge
- Participate in discussions around industry challenges, standards, advocacy and future growth
- Act as ambassadors for the association and the wider events industry
The role is voluntary and unpaid, reflecting the collaborative nature of a trade association and the collective responsibility of industry leadership.
As ESSA Chair Rob Brackstone explained during the 2025 AGM:
“It’s a role grounded in accountability, service, and let’s be honest – just a few meetings and Teams calls.”
The Role of the Chair & Vice Chair
The ESSA Chair is not independently appointed. The position is held by an elected Board Director who invariably has previously served as Vice Chair as part of a planned succession process.
Typically:
- A Board Director is elected by members
- They may later serve a two-year term as Vice Chair
- The Board then ratifies the individual into the Chair position
The Chair works closely with the ESSA CEO and helps lead the strategic focus of the association. Alongside the Vice Chair and Treasurer, and with the CEO they form the ESSA Executive group, providing guidance and support between Board meetings.
The Chair and Executive team also represent ESSA within the wider Events Industry Alliance (EIA), contributing to cross-association collaboration and industry advocacy.
Why Does the Board Matter?
The ESSA Board helps shape some of the industry’s most important collective priorities, including:
- Industry representation and government advocacy
- Health & safety standards
- Sustainability leadership
- Skills and workforce development
- International trading support
- Member services and accreditation
- Industry collaboration across the EIA
Recent Board-led activity has included supporting lobbying efforts that contributed to business events securing their own parliamentary select committee focus, alongside initiatives such as the ESSA Senior Leaders Summit and continued investment in future talent development.
Why Consider Standing for the Board?
For many members, serving on the ESSA Board is an opportunity to:
- Help shape the future of the industry
- Ensure member voices are represented
- Contribute to meaningful sector change
- Build stronger industry relationships
- Develop leadership experience
- Give back to the events community
It is not always glamorous. It does, however, provide a genuine opportunity to influence the direction of the association and support the long-term strength of the industry.
The official bit:
The ESSA board is comprised of elected members representing a wide range of event suppliers. Their skills and expertise support and set the strategic direction on the association.
Each year a quarter of the ESSA board who has served a fixed term must either step down or seek re-election if they wish to stay on the Board. At this point, it is also an opportunity for other individuals to seek election.
If you are interested in standing for election to the ESSA Board (full member only) you are required to seek a fellow member to propose your nomination.
Please email your completed nomination form together with your profile image (JPEG) and no more 500 word profile to info@essa.uk.com
The ESSA Board Nomination Form and other information can be found here.
The deadline for submission of nomination forms is 11am on Thursday the 2nd of July
Forms received after this time/date will not be counted.
Full information together with guidelines are outlined on the nomination form. If you would like to discuss further the role and responsibilities involved in being a Director of the ESSA Ltd Board, please speak to the ESSA CEO, Andrew Harrison
