Congratulations to the following who have now been elected onto the 2020 ESSA Board. 

Dan Edwards

I’ve worked in the Events sector since 2003 starting off working for a creative agency on live events before moving to Mash Media in 2005. Although leaving the nest twice (to Button Group and Epsom Downs Racecourse), and subsequently returning twice, I’ve been with Mash Media for over 10 years. My experience and position as Group Operations Director at Mash Media gives me a rounded view of the industry. I’m a huge believer of best practice, information sharing, development and new blood (into the industry), we are all part of a great industry and working together is how we make it better. 

(Dan is Group Operations Director at Mash Media Group) 

Marija Erzen

In 2001 Marija co-founded the design and build company Solutions2; an ESSA member since the association’s inception. Her industry experience spans 26 years, including senior roles at the BDC and GES. Always a firm believer in the value of trade associations, Marija has recently contributed to ESSA’s vital work developing an All Secure Standard for the industry. She is passionate about helping drive industry recovery and resilience after Covid-19 alongside the ESSA ‘Use a Member’ campaign. As the event industry reshapes to fit an altered world, Marija hopes to provide an experienced voice for the 45% of members that are design and build contractors, as well as the large numbers that are privately-owned SMEs. 

(Marija is Director of Solutions2) 

Jason Stead

I aim to help ESSA continue to modernize so we are fit for the future and GES gives me a great platform from which to do that. ESSA is on the right path to giving all its members a voice in shaping the industry in which we work and love, creating more opportunities for those working within it. I’m committed to sustainability, equality and innovation. These topics will shape all our lives and businesses in the coming years, so post covid let’s push this agenda. I’m open, straightforward and always available to members should they need advice or help. 

(Jason is MD of GES, EMEA)

Elizabeth Turner

In 1997 I set up The Event and Exhibition Partnership (eep). From the start we dedicated ourselves to serving events and exhibitions. I personally have become involved with the association like most, on an ad-hoc basis, but now feel the time is right to fight the corner, step up and be part of the team going forward. As a provider of people, I can hopefully bring a difference perspective to the group as we are very often the first person anyone sees when they visit an event. 

(Liz is the Sales and Marketing Director of The Event and Exhibition Partnership)