There’s a real sense of momentum building across ESSA right now. From new members joining, to partnerships taking shape, to more of us getting out on site and engaging with the wider industry - it’s been a busy few months. So here’s a snapshot of what’s been happening and what’s coming next, directly from our Sales & Business Development Manager, Helen Lowe.

Investing in the Future Talent Pipeline

March saw the team visit NEC & The Event Week Live, who hosted a dedicated student week, bringing together universities and industry in one place. It’s exactly the kind of initiative that helps bridge the gap between education and real-world experience and, importantly, introduces the next generation to what our sector can offer.

It’s already having an impact. We’ve welcomed 11 student members as part of our recent growth, and it’s encouraging to see that number building. If we want a stronger industry tomorrow, this is where it starts.

What are you seeing when it comes to new talent entering the industry? Where are the gaps, and what more could we be doing together to support them?  

Strengthening Partnerships That Deliver Value

Our new strategic partnership with Air Business is now underway, marking important growth of collaborations with organisations aligned to our values.

These partnerships aren’t just logos on a page – they are about shared commitment to raising standards, improving operational delivery and supporting members in practical ways. If you’ve ever wondered how to get more involved at this level, now is the time to start that conversation - we have a variety of levels and ways to collaborate.

What would you like to see more of from ESSA partnerships? Where could they better support your business or the wider industry?

Membership Growth Continues

The community keeps growing:

• 36 new members since November 2025
• 355 total members as of April 2026

Breakdown:

• Full: 222
• Associate: 83
• Individual: 50 (including 22 students)

Growth is important, but what matters more is the quality and engagement of the network behind those numbers.

Out and About: Staying Connected to the Industry

Over the past six months, there’s been a real focus from the ESSA team on being visible and present - whether that’s student engagement, site build-ups, or major shows like IFE at ExCeL and the CV Show at the NEC.

These visits matter. They keep us close to the realities of the industry, allow Josh to see his buds on site and ensure ESSA continues to represent members with credibility and insight. More visits are already in the pipeline so expect to see us on-site soon.

If we’re coming to a show or site near you, what would you find most valuable from those visits? Would you like to be included as a case study? We’d love to discuss.

Training: A Solid Start with More to Come

IOSH training is underway, with 17 users currently registered across the four courses - all from Full Member organisations.

It’s early days, but the opportunity is clear. Once registered, you’ve got 12 months to complete the training so if you’ve signed up, now’s the time to make the most of it. The value is there; it’s just about taking it.

If you’ve taken part, what’s been useful and what would encourage more people in your team to engage?

Accreditations Gaining Traction

More members are stepping forward to complete and renew their accreditations:

• 42 Sustainability Accredited Members
• 40 Health & Safety Accredited Members

If you’re not yet involved, this is your nudge. These frameworks are designed to support your business, strengthen your credibility and align you with industry best practice.

What’s driving your decision to pursue (or pause) accreditation? Your feedback helps shape how these programmes evolve.

H&S Accreditation Convoy – Next Intake Open

If Health & Safety Accreditation is on your list this year, the next ESSA Convoy starts on 18 June.

The structure is simple and supportive:

• Six monthly online sessions (1.5 hours each)
• Final submission session (2 hours)
• Peer support throughout, including a dedicated WhatsApp group

You’ll go through the process alongside other members, with guidance at every stage, including those who’ve already completed it.

To sign up, contact: gordon@essa.uk.com

Sustainability Accreditation Update – Coming Soon

Following a full review, the ESSA Sustainability Accreditation has been refreshed for 2026.

This has been shaped with input from the Sustainability Working Group and accredited members, ensuring it reflects real operational experience as well as evolving industry expectations.

The updated framework is still aligned with:

• Net Zero Carbon Events initiative
• Cross-Association Sustainability commitments
• ISO standards including ISO 14001 and ISO 20121

Work is now underway to update the submission platform, with the refreshed system launching this summer. As sustainability expectations evolve, what challenges are you facing and where could ESSA better support you?

There may not always be headline-grabbing announcements every month but when you step back, the direction of travel is clear. Growth, engagement, standards and collaboration are all moving forward.

And as always, the strength of ESSA comes from its members. So whether it’s accreditation, training, partnerships or simply sharing your perspective - your voice helps shape what comes next.  Till the next time.

Our Strategic Marketing Partners