Julie Shorrock, MD of Hotel and Travel Solutions (HTS) has become chair of beam, the UK trade
association for the business events, accommodation and meetings industry,
for 2024.
Sharrock, who was previously vice chair and has been a board director for many years, succeeds Sian Sayward who
becomes immediate past chair and continues as governance director.
The new vice chair is Ryan
Doyle, beam’s supplier membership director and group sales and business development director of Switch Hospitality, and the incoming chair in 2025 will
be Ian Brown.
The vice chair is a new
position, introduced to ensure the representation of both venues and agents at chair level and to recognise longer-serving venue board directors for their
contribution to the association. If the chair is held by an agent, the vice chair will be a venue and vice versa. The role follows the inclusion of venues
in beam’s membership categories and board of directors.
Speaking about her year as chair, Sian Sayward said: “Through the tireless efforts of our members to the
generosity of our partners, I’m immensely proud of the milestones we have
achieved together. We have advocated for our members and provided the resources
and support they have needed to navigate the way ahead. We have fostered a
sense of community, bringing together all corners of the business events,
accommodation, and meetings sector.
“It has been an honour and
privilege to serve as chair and I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to
lead the association.”
Julie Shorrock said: “What a
marvellous honour! I’m taking over the reins at beam at a time when it
is buoyant, thriving, and has plenty of momentum to grow further and continue
to drive the industry and the association forward.
“That’s testimony to the wonderful leadership of Sian over the
last 18 months and the hard work and commitment of all those who have
contributed while simultaneously managing their ‘day jobs’. We’ve created so
much value as a team, from new advisory boards resulting in achievements such
as our Payment Toolkit to a partnership with the IACC, and more.
“I’m a great believer in collaboration, so I look forward to
leading beam with so many supportive colleagues and members.”
The appointments were
announced at beam’s gala dinner at The Slate at the University
of Warwick.
An online auction and raffle
raised £3700 for beam’s chosen charity Meeting Needs, which was founded
by leading figures in the UK conference and events industry to raise money for
worthy causes relevant to the sector.
