
Nineteen Group names new president of Americas region
Nineteen Group has tapped industry veteran Mary Larkin as new president to spearhead its expansion into the Americas.
The move marks the group’s first major step into the region following a £200 million private equity backing. Read all about it below.
Here are the top headlines for your weekly event news updates:
- Nineteen Group names new president of Americas region
- Arab Health rebrands to World Health Expo Dubai
- UKEVENTS to spotlight industry impact at Westminster
- Clarion appoints new president of North American Energy Division
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Nineteen Group names new president of Americas region
Nineteen Group has appointed Mary Larkin as president of its Americas region, marking the exhibition company’s expansion into North and South America.
Mary brings 25 years of experience in events and media, including leadership roles at Montgomery Exhibitions and Diversified Exhibitions.
The appointment follows Phoenix Equity Partners’ recent £200m continuation fund to support Nineteen Group’s international growth plans.
CEO Peter Jones said: “We are delighted to welcome Mary to Nineteen Group. Alison, Jon, and I could not think of a better person to lead the charge for us in the Americas.
“She has a strong record and is universally well respected for her ability to run large portfolios of events as well as launch and acquire events in various sectors and geographies.
“As important as her significant record is her clear fit with our cultural values. From the minute we met her, we knew she was the person we wanted for this role!”
Mary said: “I have admired the progress of Nineteen Group over recent years. I am so excited to join the group at this stage in its development to launch an Americas division.
“Their focus on resilient B2B markets, agility, and passion for the markets they serve has caught my attention.
“Furthermore, their rigorous daily focus on creating a culture first organisation is appealing and impressive.
“There is so much potential to launch and acquire in The Americas with this approach.”
She previously served as chair of UFI and SISO industry associations.
Arab Health rebrands to World Health Expo Dubai
Arab Health has announced its rebranding to World Health Expo (WHX) Dubai as part of Informa’s global healthcare events network.
Arab Health is now WHX Dubai.
What better way to introduce WHX to the world than with a projection on Dubai’s most iconic landmark, the #BurjKhalifa?#WelcomeToWHX #WHX #ANewEra #ArabHealth #Rebrand pic.twitter.com/8z9xIEcllC
— Arab Health (@Arab_Health) January 29, 2025
The rebranding unifies Informa’s healthcare events across nine countries and four continents under the WHX brand, connecting over 500,000 healthcare professionals globally.
WHX Dubai will maintain its base in the UAE while expanding collaboration between healthcare professionals, businesses, governments and innovators worldwide.
This transition marks a strategic move to foster international partnerships and drive healthcare innovation.
The network aims to strengthen global healthcare connections and advance patient care through unified industry events.
UKEVENTS to spotlight industry impact at Westminster
UKEVENTS will showcase the events industry’s economic impact to members of parliament during a four-day exhibition at the Palace of Westminster’s Upper Waiting Hall from February 3-6.
In @UKParliament all next week @ukevents_org will highlight crucial role #events play in economic growth & community development & advocate key asks for the development of a National Events Strategy; tax credits for new events & expansion of the Business Events Growth Programme
— Michael Hirst OBE (@XChairEIB) January 29, 2025
The exhibition will demonstrate the sector’s £61.7 billion annual contribution and its support of 700,000 jobs across the UK.
Industry leaders will present proposals for a National Events Strategy and discuss expanding VisitBritain’s Business Events Growth Programme.
UKEVENTS representatives will meet with parliamentarians to highlight how business events facilitate over £200bn in trade and investment while advancing science and innovation initiatives nationwide.
Clarion appoints new president of North American Energy Division
Clarion Events North America has appointed Desiree Hanson as president of its North American Energy division.
Desiree will report to CEO Liz Irving and oversee strategic initiatives for the division’s portfolio – which includes DISTRIBUTECH, POWERGEN International, Factor This media platform and the recently acquired Infocast events.
Liz said: “Desiree’s commitment to her team and her innovative approach to strategy have been integral to our success.
“Her promotion to President of North American Energy reflects her exceptional leadership and our confidence in her ability to guide the division into its next phase of growth.
“With the addition of Infocast, Desiree is perfectly positioned to drive further innovation and deliver unparalleled value to our customers.”
Desiree said: “I am honored to take on this new role and grateful for the opportunity to lead such an extraordinary team.
“With the acquisition of Infocast and the strength of Clarion’s portfolio, we are well-positioned to support our customers’ success and drive meaningful impact across the energy sector.”
The appointment follows Clarion’s expansion in the energy sector through the Infocast acquisition, strengthening its conference and events offerings.
Desiree previously led high-performing teams within Clarion’s energy division, focusing on both events and digital media development.
In her new role, she will drive the division’s market growth and industry partnerships.
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