The Event Supplier and Services Association (ESSA) opened its doors on 20 November to its seventh G50+ Conference.

Sponsored by event industry insurance specialists Towergate Coverex and hosted by new ESSA director Andrew Harrison, the conference attracted more than 130 event professionals for the daytime conference and evening dinner. 

The conference theme was “Back to the Future” and the speaker schedule reflected this, with a De Lorean DMC-12 parked outside the venue, proving a popular photo opportunity. The schedule of speakers included experts from both the industry and the wider world of business and politics. 

Mark Stevenson of Flow Associates was the day’s first speaker. Stevenson’s wide ranging presentation painted a startling picture of the future, where only the agile will succeed in an environment of accelerating change. 

Also addressing the conference this year was Nick De Bois, MP for Enfield and Parliamentary champion for the events industry. De Bois discussed the event industry openly and frankly with regard to the political landscape and opportunities to drive support for the world of events direct from Number 10.

Rounding off the speaking schedule, comedian and entrepreneur Sheridan “Shed” Simove took an irreverent yet inspiring look at the power of ideas, and urged members to break out of old habits and thought patterns to unleash new levels of creativity.

Harrison was very pleased with the conference, his first as association director. “This year we wanted to look to the future in every aspect,” he said, “and judging by the comments and feedback from the delegates, which have been overwhelmingly positive, I think we succeeded.”

Pictured: Enfield MP Nick De Bois 

Got a story for Access All Areas? Email Emma Hudson
Follow us @Access_AA
Or on Facebook and Instagram 

The Event Supplier and Services Association (ESSA) opened its doors on 20 November to its seventh G50+ Conference.

Sponsored by event industry insurance specialists Towergate Coverex and hosted by new ESSA director Andrew Harrison, the conference attracted more than 130 event professionals for the daytime conference and evening dinner. 

The conference theme was “Back to the Future” and the speaker schedule reflected this, with a De Lorean DMC-12 parked outside the venue, proving a popular photo opportunity. The schedule of speakers included experts from both the industry and the wider world of business and politics. 

Mark Stevenson of Flow Associates was the day’s first speaker. Stevenson’s wide ranging presentation painted a startling picture of the future, where only the agile will succeed in an environment of accelerating change. 

Also addressing the conference this year was Nick De Bois, MP for Enfield and Parliamentary champion for the events industry. De Bois discussed the event industry openly and frankly with regard to the political landscape and opportunities to drive support for the world of events direct from Number 10.

Rounding off the speaking schedule, comedian and entrepreneur Sheridan “Shed” Simove took an irreverent yet inspiring look at the power of ideas, and urged members to break out of old habits and thought patterns to unleash new levels of creativity.

Harrison was very pleased with the conference, his first as association director. “This year we wanted to look to the future in every aspect,” he said, “and judging by the comments and feedback from the delegates, which have been overwhelmingly positive, I think we succeeded.”

Pictured: Enfield MP Nick De Bois 

Got a story for Access All Areas? Email Emma Hudson
Follow us @Access_AA
Or on Facebook and Instagram