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

The consultancy will support the alliance’s engagement with government and parliament, helping to strengthen the sector’s profile and ensure business events, both trade and consumer focused, are fully recognised within policy discussions on growth, trade and investment.

The EIA brings together three trade associations – the Association of Event Organisers (AEO), the Association of Event Venues (AEV) and the Event Supplier and Services Association (ESSA) – collectively representing hundreds of organisers, venues and suppliers across the UK exhibitions and business events sector. Together, their members deliver trade shows, conferences and exhibitions across a wide range of industries, including last week’s flagship events like Tech Show London at Excel London or Crufts at the NEC Campus, Birmingham – both great examples of the events ecosystem in action, where organisers, venues and specialist suppliers collaborate to achieve real economic impact.

Rachel Parker, 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.”

For further information on the Events Industry Alliance: https://www.eventsindustryalliance.com/