At beam’s All Members Meeting on 30 April 2025 at the Mercure Manchester Piccadilly, Chair Louisa Watson led a panel discussion with members of the beam Board. Vice Chair David Tremmil, Finance Director Linden Beattie, Marketing Director Ben Hull, and Joint Commercial Directors Tracy Winsworth and Ben Hioco shared insights into how beam empowers members, its plans, and opportunities for members, and how we can all play a part in shaping its future.
On the benefits of beam, Tracy commented: “There are lots of benefits of being a member, alongside the collaboration and networking amongst us all. There are tools available, training and development, and a lot of expertise. And also, the beam Code of Practice which can help with dispute resolution, whether you are a venue or an agent.”
Talking about the beam’s commercial partnerships that both Tracy and Ben Hioco are responsible for, Ben added: “We’re looking at the diversity of what we do in terms of both agency and supplier members, to work with select partners that can add value for everyone – we’re looking at another three or four members in this year, and the reason is twofold.
“It helps fund events like this and also works to hand that value back into those sitting in the room. Nearly all our commercial partners are here today. Many of you use Greengage, presenting today, Venue Directory and Talent Hive are here connecting with everyone in the room, E.ON are here to share more about venue charging points, and we’ve got a great partner in Needham Insurance too, also already providing services and advice for members. Talk to our partners – they’re here for your benefit.”
Linden focused on beam’s community aspects, too, commenting: “Talk to other members and your board, as well. I guarantee that if you meet somebody here you want some advice from in the future and drop them a LinkedIn message or an email for assistance, they will give you time. I’ve done this myself and I’ve had people do it to me. There’s so much strength within our membership. And it’s very difficult to put a price on what that’s worth.”
On beam’s financial strengths, Linden added: “Financial security is really important to us. To clarify, that doesn’t mean profitable. We’re not looking to make money. But what we want to do is ensure that the association is secure and you get real value from your membership.”
Ben Hull commented: “There were two individual moments which really made me sit up and take note of beam, and one is the Code of Practice. It highlights for me that this is an association willing to stand by its values and enforce them. The other was beam’s first State of the Nation event last year, at Cliveden House and learning about beam’s advocacy piece on behalf of not only the association but for our industry – I want to be a part of that pushing for and making change.
From a marketing standpoint, Ben added, “We offer so much in terms of resources and reach. So, for you as members, please use the marketing team that we have for sharing your news, messaging, and job vacancies. And use your member login on the website, access additional resources – we’re building on this every week.”
Ben also highlighted the opportunity to volunteer and join one of beam’s Action Groups. Speaking about how to find out more, Louisa said: “If any member wants to get involved with the action groups, you can go to the website, have a look at the various action groups, and pop the office and email which one that you’re interested in, and then forward that to the action group head, and somebody will contact you.”
David Tremmil, beam’s Vice Chair and UKEVENTS’ executive committee member – who leads advocacy and government relations said:
“I’m glad I came on board, because beam has evolved. It’s now about true collaboration – bringing everyone to the table and ensuring every voice is heard. As someone from a smaller agency, I’m living proof of that.
We’ve come such a long way in such a short time, and it shows that when we work together and make space for everyone, real change is not only possible – it’s already happening.
“I’m incredibly passionate about industry advocacy,” says David. “Too often, our sector ends up speaking only to itself – but real progress comes from collaboration and presenting a united front to government. That’s how we drive meaningful policy change.
“beam was one of the first organisations to become a group member of the APPG (All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events), and both Louisa and I have already attended APPG dinners. Engaging with the committee is essential – it exists to hear from our industry and to focus on the challenges we face. One of the key issues is that the Treasury doesn’t fully recognise who we are or understand the revenue we generate. The APPG gives us the opportunity to speak up and change that.
“Of course, change takes time, but we’re committed to keeping the momentum going. Even having APPG representatives attend our events and enabling our members to meet and engage with them, is a vital step. These conversations matter.
“There’s a dedicated advocacy page on the beam website with information about the APPG – who they are, how they work, and how members can get involved. It’s a great place to start.”
In summing up, Louisa said: “beam has always been about community and networking and people. People were the inspiration for me when starting to put together the Annual Forum for this summer: Human Connection, Relationships, 2.0 (Registration is now open). Let’s strip it back to what we’re all here for, and that’s to do great business together. We do great business because when we have great relationships. So yes, it is the best community – I know I’m biased, but beam is a great association.”
