As an accomplished Government adviser, disability advocate, healthcare entrepreneur and expert in assistive technology, Damian brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the Institute, further enhancing its mission to advance the event management profession.

His appointment marks a significant milestone in the Institute’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity and excellence in event management. Damian’s pioneering work in advocating for inclusivity and #accessibility within the event industry aligns perfectly with the Institute’s core values. His commitment to ensuring that events are accessible and inclusive for all individuals will play a critical role in shaping the future of event management.

As co-director of the Purple Pound Foundation CIC, Damian has been at the forefront of efforts to enhance the economic empowerment of people with disabilities. He has been instrumental in advocating for greater inclusion and accessibility in events, recognising the significant market potential of the ‘Purple Pound’ – the spending power of disabled individuals.

In the coming months, the Purple Pound Foundation will be developing new standards aimed at furthering economic empowerment and inclusivity for people with disabilities. Damian is actively seeking members of the Institute to collaborate on this important initiative. This will be crucial in ensuring that the standards are comprehensive, practical and impactful for the event management industry.

Damian invites those who are interested in contributing to this effort to reach out to him directly on LinkedIn. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a groundbreaking initiative that will set new benchmarks for inclusivity and accessibility in the event management sector.

Commenting on his appointment and the upcoming collaboration, Damian said, “I am deeply honored to join the Institute of Event Management as a Founding Fellow. This is a significant opportunity to contribute to an industry that plays a vital role in bringing people together and promoting well-being.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that events are not only accessible but also empowering for everyone involved. I am particularly excited about the upcoming work with the Purple Pound Foundation and invite all interested professionals to join me in developing these essential standards.”

The Institute is confident that Damian’s extensive experience in disability advocacy, healthcare entrepreneurship and assistive technology will bring valuable insights and perspectives to the organisation. His appointment marks a significant milestone in the Institute’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity and excellence in event management.