The Alliance of Independent Event Agencies (AIEA) is celebrating its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of supporting independent agencies through collective buying power, peer collaboration and supplier partnerships.
Founded in 2016 by Nick Milas, Sylvain Bouteiller, Paula Kelsey, Nicola Miller and Martin Ellis, the alliance has grown from a small group of agency leaders into one of the UK's largest purchasing collectives for independent event agencies.
The organisation said its continued growth reflects the increasing importance of collaboration for independent agencies competing in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
Nick Milas, founding member and inaugural chair of the AIEA, said: "Many congratulations to the AIEA on reaching its 10th anniversary. As a founding member, it gives me great pride to see the Alliance continuing to thrive in such a fast-moving and competitive industry."
He added: "Its original aim remains the same - to bring together a group of smaller, independent, professionally run event agencies so they can share their experiences and find a voice in an ever-changing marketplace."
Milas also highlighted the importance of maintaining members' independence.
"The word 'Independent' was at the heart of the Alliance from day one - it is so important that each member remains independent and unbiased in the venues and destinations they present to their clients, giving them the very best quality options."
Current chair Sabine Edwards said the anniversary provided an opportunity to look ahead as well as celebrate the organisation's achievements.
"Ten years is a tremendous milestone, and one I'm proud to be part of," she said. "The celebration has helped sharpen the focus on what the Alliance is here to do next."
Edwards added that one of her priorities has been ensuring independent agencies have a stronger voice across the sector.
"SME agencies bring extraordinary expertise to this industry, and one of my priorities as chair has been to make sure that expertise carries more weight not only with suppliers but with industry bodies, and in the wider marketplace."
She also confirmed that vice chair Aimee Nicholas will succeed her as chair in January.
The AIEA said it will continue to welcome applications from independent event agencies and strengthen partnerships with suppliers, venues and destinations as it enters its second decade.
