Personalia

Aneta Książek has been appointed Director of the Poland Convention Bureau within the Polish Tourism Organisation. The appointment took effect on 27 May 2026 as part of the organisation’s updated structure.

Veronica Lindholm, CEO of the Finnish Fair Corporation, has been elected Vice Chair of UFI’s European Chapter. Her three-year term will begin following the UFI General Assembly in November 2026.

Professor Jiří Drahoš has received an award recognising his long-term contribution to the meetings industry. The honour was presented during the Ambassador Awards Evening in Prague.

GainingEdge has appointed Hamish Reid as Director, Business Development and Representation Services, UK and Europe, effective April 1, 2026. He will support the company’s regional growth and client portfolio expansion.

Olympia Events has named Steven Morris as its new Executive Chef. The appointment follows the transition to in-house food and beverage operations from January 2026.

Excel London has appointed Kirstie Pedrick as Head of Sales. The move responds to increasing demand following the venue’s recent expansion.

RX, a global events and exhibitions company, has named Katrine Graugaard as its new Global Head of Corporate Communications. She succeeds Nathalie Haxby, who will retire at the end of March 2026 after six years with the company.

The Arinex Group has appointed Jessica Ferguson as Chief Executive Officer of its flagship brand Arinex. The announcement coincides with the launch of the new creative agency fieldstate.

The Victorian Convention and Event Trust has appointed Andrew Fairley AM and Glenn Carmody as new members of the Trust. The appointments were announced on 22 January 2026.

The Scottish Event Campus has appointed Greg O’Donnell as Senior Association Sales Manager. He will focus on international association business and bid activity.

Ottawa Tourism has expanded its Business Events team with two new appointments. Angela Jefferies and Orest Gawdyda have joined as Managers, Business Events, with responsibility for international and national market development.

The Meetings Industry Association has appointed Charlotte Podlewska to support its strategic sales and membership growth initiatives. She brings more than 15 years of experience across the meetings, events, hospitality, and visitor economy sectors.

Excel London has created a new Executive position focused on people and culture. The role forms part of a wider effort to support organisational development and future growth.

The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham has appointed Vicky Howe as Director of Sales. The appointment follows a year of increased commercial activity and industry recognition.

The QEII Centre London has announced the appointment of Safraj Ismail as its new CEO. Ismail joins the Westminster-based venue during a period of strong performance, with an economic impact exceeding £170 million.

Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) has named Datu Hii Chang Kee as its new Chairman of the Board of Directors, effective November 1, 2025. With his extensive experience in public service and deep understanding of the business events landscape, Datu Hii aims to position Sarawak as a leading destination for impactful, legacy-driven business events.