The AEO Council has appointed Matthew Butler, group managing director at CloserStill Media, as the
next chair of the Association of Event Organisers (AEO).
The appointment, which took place at the AEO Council meeting, also sees Rachel Swann, chief
operating officer - energy division at dmg events become vice chair.
Former chair, Carina Bauer, chief
executive officer of IMEX Group, will now assume the role of past chair until September 2024.
Butler’s key focus will be on accelerating the change within organiser businesses to run sustainable
events as the industry works towards its “net zero by 2050” pledge.
Butler said: “I am honoured to be stepping into the role of AEO chair, following the exceptional
leadership of Carina. As sustainability continues to punctuate headlines, it is an extraordinary time to
play such a key role in driving that change in our industry. Some major developments will be coming
out of the newly formed AEO sustainability working group – watch this space.
I look forward to building on the progress made by the AEO and the accomplishments of my
predecessors.”
Bauer added: “It was a pleasure to step back into the AEO chair role, following Julie Driscoll’s move to
Olympia London and I’ve enjoyed having the opportunity to work with the AEO Council once again.
The recent release of the Size and Scale Index for Exhibitions report, confirms the industry is on an
exciting path to growth and recovery. I’ll leave safe in the knowledge that Matthew will work
tirelessly to ensure sustainability is embedded in the industry’s success story during his tenure.”
Chris Skeith OBE, chief executive of AEO, said: “I’d like to pass on a huge thank you to Carina. Her
progressive approach has been an inspiration and will leave a lasting and positive impact on the
industry. A huge welcome to Matthew as he steps into the AEO chair role and Rachel Swann, who
becomes vice chair. Exciting times ahead!”
A desire to travel led Holly Patrick to the business meetings and events world and she’s never looked back. Holly takes a particular interest in event sustainability and creating a diverse and inclusive industry. When she’s not working, she can be found rolling skating along Brighton seafront listening to an eclectic playlist, featuring the likes of Patti Smith, Sean Paul, and Arooj Aftab.
