Clarion Events boosts digital strategy with new appointment

Clarion Events has stepped up its digital strategy by announcing a new appointment to its leadership team.

The organiser hired a senior vice president (SVP) for digital strategy and products for its North America division.

Other stories in the world of events this week include:

➡️ CloserStill Media to acquire UKI Media and Events to set up new division

➡️ IMEX Group unveils sustainability strategy for net zero

➡️ CBS Arena hires director for live events strategy

Learn how you can also reduce your event’s carbon footprint with our Meetings Make Trees initiative.

Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️

Clarion Events appoint new SVP for digital strategy and products

Clarion Events North America has named Narisa Wild as its SVP of digital strategy and products.

Narisa’s new role will see her drive the company’s growth for media, events, technology and data.

She will also lead teams to work and collaborate to optimise digital initiatives and boost customer engagement in North America as well as support commercial teams in digital product development.

Liz Irving, CMO of Clarion Events North America said: “We are dedicated to the ongoing evolution that a digital focus brings to our business and harnessing its potential to connect with our audiences more effectively while driving business growth.

“Narisa Wild’s remarkable background and extensive experience makes her the perfect fit to lead our digital initiatives and continue to elevate the digital skillsets into our team.”

Prior to joining Clarion Events, Narisa worked with Informa in various leadership roles in digital tech and product development.

Narisa added: “I am thrilled to join Clarion Events and excited to see where we can take our digital presence.

“Embracing innovation, connecting with audiences, and driving business growth through technology are passions of mine, and I’m eager to lead our team towards a dynamic digital future.”

CloserStill Media to acquire UKI Media and Events

CloserStill Media plans to acquire UKI Media & Events to shore up its new vertical – Future Transport and Infrastructure Group.

The acquisition is expected to help expand CloserStill’s global presence and strengthen its specialised portfolio.

CloserStill Media to Acquire UKI Media & Events, Establishing New Future Transport and Infrastructure Group: https://t.co/TMfULNjs4m pic.twitter.com/vPJfWzU8BZ

— CloserStill Media (@CloserStill1) August 17, 2023

Tony Robinson, CEO of UKI, said: “CloserStill’s proven track record of high growth, coupled with their thoughtful commitment to quality and innovation, makes them the ideal custodians for our event and media brands and our exceptional team.

“I have full confidence in CloserStill’s ability to take UKI Media & Event’s achievements to new heights as they embark on this exciting new focus on future transport and infrastructure sectors.”

Gareth Bowhill, CEO of CloserStill Media, said: “This strategic acquisition not only strengthens our size and geographical presence, but as a highly focussed and specialised group it now expands CloserStill into an exciting new vertical theme under Future Transport and Infrastructure.

“Future Transport and Infrastructure is experiencing significant disruption and innovation arising from digitisation, regulation, automation, and pressures to de-carbonise.

“Such dynamics allows us to tap into the tremendous further potential and expertise within UKI Media & Events highly specialised portfolio together with their talented team.”

He added: “We believe that uniting our collective strengths will enable us to unlock new opportunities to create a powerful platform that drives thought leadership and innovation in the transport and infrastructure space.”

IMEX launches Net Zero Strategy

The IMEX Group has outlined its roadmap for carbon reduction with the launch of a Net Zero Strategy.

The exhibition organiser – an early signatory to the Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge – plans to collaborate with exhibitors and vendors to make shows more sustainable.

#PressRelease: IMEX launches Net Zero Strategy – 2030 target depends on collaboration

IMEX’s net zero roadmap is part of its commitment to the industry-wide Net Zero Carbon Events (NZCE) initiative – and IMEX intends to reach net zero by 2030. https://t.co/o2vbPDn7CI pic.twitter.com/YHfc0Z7Vqr

— IMEX (@IMEX_Group) August 17, 2023

The IMEX team will also work with suppliers to collect data such as indirect greenhouse gas impacts from food production, attendees, exhibitors and staff travel.

This will help establish a detailed emissions footprint and help in future sustainability decisions.

Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, said: “Our journey to net zero is about incremental steps.

“Initially we’re focussing on areas that we can fully control, such as the type of energy we use.

“Then we’ll expand to areas where we can have significant impact, for example waste management and the materials used in our supply chain.

“Finally, we will be measuring the impact of travel and when we’re able to, we’ll report on this further.”

She added: “Our roadmap isn’t just about IMEX achieving net zero, but encouraging and leading others to do the same.

“Our Vision is to support a thriving global events industry focused on positive change.

“This positive change can only happen if organisations look beyond their own journey to net zero and recognise that we’re all part of a wider ecosystem that needs to work together.

“The expression ‘be the change you want to see in the world’ has never been more relevant.”

Learn more about IMEX’s net zero strategy here.

CBS Arena announces new operations director

Coventry Building Society (CBS) Arena has hired a new director to lead its live events operations.

Industry veteran Claire Harkness will assume the responsibilities of operations director and drive strategy for in-person shows at the venue.

These include sports, exhibitions and live entertainment.

Paul Michael, managing director at CBS Arena said: “Claire brings with her a wealth of experience in the events sector and will be a real asset to our team.

“She will play a leading role in transforming our live events strategy and driving growth in that area to give long-term benefits to the venue.

“We have worked alongside Claire on major events in the past and it is brilliant to be welcoming her in a permanent role at Coventry Building Society Arena.”

In her career spanning more than two decades, she has held key roles in MTV, BBC, the Scottish government, UEFA, the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.

Claire said: “Coventry Building Society Arena is so dynamic with sport, exhibitions, conferences and live entertainment – with a particularly great concert portfolio. The venue is in a real development phase now and it is an exciting time to be a part of that journey.

“We want to build on the foundations we already have from the legacy of events such as City of Culture and Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

“A key area we are looking at is growing the indoor live entertainment offer at the venue, which will be fantastic for us but also for the wider visitor economy in Coventry.”

We hope you enjoyed reading this article and found it useful. At ExpoPlatform, we want to help you build better events and communities. Please get in touch and ask for a demo here. Thank you ?