Following 14 years of service to the Association of British Professional Conference
Organisers (ABPCO), association director, Heather Lishman has announced she will be taking early retirement at the end of 2025.
Lishman will officially step down in December, following the annual
ABPCO Excellence Awards, which will take place at Manchester Central in
Manchester.
Lishman's tenure has seen ABPCO grow and evolve into one of the most respected
voices in the UK events industry. Under her guidance, the association has overcome challenges and achieved unprecedented milestones, culminating in
what is now officially its most successful year to date.
“After 14 incredible years, I feel the time is right to allow new leadership to take
ABPCO into its next exciting chapter,” said Heather Lishman. “It has been an honour
to work alongside such passionate professionals and to support the growth and
recognition of our industry.”
Heather leaves ABPCO in its strongest ever position—financially, operationally, and
in terms of membership engagement and industry impact.
Pauline Beattie, ABPCO co-chair commented:
“Heather has been a true force for good in our industry. Her commitment, leadership,
and unwavering positivity have helped shape the ABPCO of today. While we are
very sad to see her go, we are incredibly grateful for the rock-solid foundation she
has built and the legacy she leaves behind.”
Recruitment for LIshman's successor will begin in July with the support of an experienced third-party
recruitment specialist.
“We fully expect a lot of interest in this important and exciting role,” added the Kate
Sargent, association treasurer and executive board member.
“We want to reassure
our members, sponsors and stakeholders in the industry at large that this process
will be conducted with the highest level of transparency and integrity. We will be
adhering to a clearly defined framework, as outlined in our Articles of Association, to
ensure fairness and accountability throughout.”
