Trevor Foley has resigned as chief executive of the Events Industry Alliance (EIA).

Rumours surrounding the move have been circulating around the events industry all morning, with confirmation coming early afternoon from the EIA in the form of an email announcement by the assocation’s chair Nigel Nathan.

Foley, who has been involved with the organisation for the past 10 years, first led the Association of Exhibition Organisers (AEO) – recently renamed the Association of Event Organisers – and, more recently, the EIA, the marketing arm of the AEO, Association of Event Venues and the new event suppliers association ESSA.

An EIA official statement said Foley had moved on “to concentrate on developing his new business, Event Services Network (ESN), with the aim of expanding its portfolio of services following the launch of the company at the beginning of this year”.



Trevor Foley: Pulls curtain down on 10 years' service


Commenting on Foley's decision, Nathan said: "Trevor has been untiring in his efforts to promote our industry and raise awareness of events as incredibly powerful marketing tools. Over the last 10 years, his achievements have been considerable and it is fair to say that the EIA – and the industry as a whole – would not be where it is today were it not for his invaluable contributions. His desire now to look to new challenges and opportunities is, however, wholly understandable and he will be assisting the EIA Board in reviewing both its agenda and the appropriate structure to build on its successes in the future."

Foley himself added: "I have loved working in my role over the last decade, taking the industry forward in so many areas with so many fantastic people. The current media environment presents a fantastic opportunity for the events industry and I'd like to play a direct commercial role in that bright future.

“Some of the ventures I wish to develop will also be of direct benefit to the EIA Group of organisations and the wider industry. My decision to move on from the CEO role is made easier by looking at the great team we have built at Berkhamsted HQ. The associations are in truly excellent hands with Hilary Lawson, Chris Skeith, Tom Treverton and the rest of the gang.”

According to the EIA, Foley will step down later in the year when decisions have been made regarding the future needs of the business and the structure required to deliver the EIA's and the associations' agendas.