Hello and welcome,

It is an absolute honour to take on the role of Chair for beam, an association that has not only evolved but thrived, now representing the entire business events, accommodation and meetings sector.

Firstly, I want to express my gratitude to Julie for her outstanding leadership and to the entire board for their dedication. beam has always been about collaboration, and that will remain at the heart of everything we do. Together—agencies, venues, suppliers, and partners—we are stronger, and we have the power to drive real impact in our industry.

This year, my focus is on building on beam’s momentum, strengthening our partnerships with key industry bodies, and ensuring that every member feels supported, heard, and empowered. I’ve been part of beam for over a decade, and I’ve seen first-hand the incredible value of this community. It’s about connections, friendships, shared knowledge, and standing together through challenges and opportunities alike.

I encourage all of you to get involved, share your ideas, and make the most of what beam has to offer by attending events, but maybe also by joining one of our action groups. These groups are a fantastic way to shape the direction of beam, contribute your expertise, and collaborate with industry peers on key topics that matter to us all. 

And don’t forget to check out our calendar of events, which is packed with exciting opportunities this year—whether it’s networking, learning, or celebrating our industry together.

The board and I are here to support you, and I look forward to working closely with each of you to continue shaping the future of our association.

Louisa