Beam has announced the appointment of David Tremmil as its incoming chair and Linden Beattie as its incoming vice chair, with both roles taking effect from 1 February 2026.
The leadership transition will be formally marked at beam’s Gala Dinner on 30 January 2026, taking place in the Masters Suite at The Belfry, as current chair Louisa Watson steps down following a year at the helm of the association.
Tremmil, managing director of Inloco Events, moves into the chair role following a landmark year under Watson’s leadership, during which she became the first venue representative to serve as chair of beam. Beattie, general manager of Down Hotel, Spa & Estate, will assume the vice chair position while continuing in his role as beam’s finance director.
During her tenure, Watson led beam through a period of both industry challenge and progress. Key initiatives included the forthcoming launch of beam’s Service Charge for MICE Best Practice guidance, a comprehensive review of the Code of Practice, and advocacy work in collaboration with the MIA and The Business of Events. This culminated in the submission of 19 new SIC codes to the Department for Business and Trade for review with the ONS, a major step in strengthening national recognition of the business events industry.
The association’s 2025 events programme also delivered a series of high-profile member engagements, including the Summer Annual Forum, the inaugural State of the Nation event at Westminster, a collaborative ESG event with the MIA, a sold-out Finance Forum, and the continuing Leaders Lunches and All Member Meetings. Fundraising for charity partner Rainbow Trust remained a priority, with plans to expand activity in 2026.
The association has continued to invest in its future through strategic partnerships, including a new technology partnership with Cvent, closer collaboration with the Business Travel Association, and the opening of new international opportunities for UK buyers following engagement with IACC. Beam has also maintained its role as a Corporate Group Member of the APPG for Events, reinforcing its advocacy position ahead of key sector discussions in 2026.
Louisa Watson said: “It has genuinely been an honour to serve as chair of beam. This year has been energetic, challenging and incredibly rewarding, and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together, from meaningful advocacy and stronger partnerships to events that brought our community closer. beam’s strength lies in its people, and I leave the role as chair confident that the association is in a brilliant position as we head into 2026. I look forward to supporting David and Linden as past chair while continuing my work as ESG director, building on what we’ve achieved together.”
David Tremmil said: “Stepping into the role of chair is a real privilege. Louisa leaves an incredible legacy, and I want to thank her for the energy and leadership she has brought to the association. I am focused on building on that momentum. I want to ensure we strengthen advocacy, deepen collaboration across the industry and ensure beam continues to deliver real value for its members.”
Linden Beattie added:
“Beam has had a standout year, and it’s exciting to support the association through this next phase.”
The leadership handover will take place at beam’s Gala Dinner on 30 January 2026. Tickets
for beam’s flagship event of the year are still available.
