Point of View: Simon Venn

Simon Venn
Head of Events and Partnerships at The ReThink Academy Ltd
linkedin.com/in/simonvenn

As part of our commitment to championing the industry, we are talking to people about their careers and what IEM means to them.

Simon has over 20 years experience in the events, exhibitions, conference and meetings industry in an operational programme and project delivery capacity.  He has worked in both the public and commercial sector, managing and delivering event programmes, driving revenue streams, managing large project teams and partnering with commercial organisations and relevant stakeholders to deliver required outputs and outcomes.

Q What does the IEM mean to you?
A much-needed organisation to provide support, insight, training and information to help me grow and develop as an event professional.  Also providing an opportunity to keep engaged and UpToDate with other event professionals and, most of all, a place that can promote recognition and accreditation to all the hard-working professionals in the events industry.

Q Why did you decide it was important for you to get involved?
A Pretty much in the middle of COVID-19 in mid-2020 when I saw so many colleagues and contacts collaborating and reaching out together – we need a central body and institute to represent us as a profession.

Q Where do you hope to see the IEM in 20 years’ time?
A national membership with over 25,000 members and a growing international membership.

Q What is your favourite event related memory?
A As an Events Director of a 4-day event at the 02 arena, having absolute free reign of the whole venue and access to all parts and getting excited about who had used the toilet in the changing room we were using as our office.