Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre’s Event Manager, Ashleigh Barker, has been appointed the chair of The Association of Event Venues (AEV)’s new junior event managers working group.

Representing venues of all size and type both in the UK and internationally, the working groups are a vital part of AEV, comprised of member volunteers meeting both face to face and virtually to discuss key issues, network and share best practices, collaborating on action to be taken for the benefit of the entire industry.

Discussing her appointment, Ashleigh said, “I am incredibly excited to be the chair. This initiative will provide junior managers a vital opportunity to share experiences, knowledge and skills across the venue and events landscape, while making valuable connections.

“To maximise the potential of the working group, we urge junior event managers to get involved from the get-go, so we can begin to tackle opportunities and challenges we face to make an impact across the industry.”

Alden Arnold, head of commercial and projects, AEV, added: “We now manage 16 working groups and this one is most beneficial to those starting their journey into venue event management careers, recent graduates and for event management students in their venue placements. Group members will also work with and support our academic associates in addition to joining forces on projects with the event managers working group.”

Following completing an in-industry placement year and graduating from Bournemouth University in Event Management, Ashleigh formally started her full-time career in the events industry and joined Farnborough International in July 2021.

Since her appointment, Ashleigh has managed and supported a vast array of events at Farnborough International’s award-winning Exhibition & Conference Centre, welcoming more than 200,000 visitors to the venue within the last two years. From leading Security and Policing for the Home Office and working with the event management team for the British Motor Show, the largest consumer show within Farnborough International’s portfolio, to supporting the world-renowned Farnborough International Airshow, Ashleigh is passionate about helping grow and develop client events and driving best practice in the industry.

For more information on the AEV and the junior event manager working group, click here.