The NEC Group raised the British flag and joined a procession, with seven other venues worldwide, at the International Association of Assembly Managers (IAAM) annual conference and trade show.
Guy Dunstan, NEC Group arenas manager and IAAM Europe board member, performed the role of honour at the opening of the event, which attracts more than 3,000 delegates to Salt Lake City, Utah, where the conference takes place. The venue company’s Phil Mead, managing director arenas, and Gemma Prosser, health, safety and environment manager, are also IAAM Europe members.
The IAAM, is an organisation committed to the professional operation of amphitheatres, arenas, auditoriums, convention centres, exhibition halls, performing arts "venues":http://www.venues.org.uk, racing tracks, stadiums and university complexes. It provides leadership development, education and research, life safety and security training, networking and resources for the industry.
During the conference Prosser held a sustainability group, which discussed Europe and US state recycling practices and general awareness around sustainability. She also participated in a panel called Leveraging Diversity, to discuss diversity issues in the UK and share experiences as a young female professional. Meanwhile, Dunstan gave a presentation providing an overview of The NEC Group.
Commenting on the experience, Dunstan said: “It was a great honour to be asked to represent the UK at the event. Being part of the IAAM is very beneficial as it keeps us up-to-date with industry news from around the world and also helps us to identify new shows and events.
The IAAM has recently set up an academy which gives professionals in the industry chance to learn event management skills and meet other professionals in the industry Worldwide. Tony Hayes, an event manager at NEC Group venue the NIA, will be attending the first course that will be held in Austria in September.
