The Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) has announced a new Board of Directors, with Arinex CEO Nicole Walker appointed President.

ICC Sydney’s Helen Mantellato is Vice President, Harry the hirer’s Paul Elliot is Treasurer and Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre’s Elissa Duke is Secretary. The two venue designated board positions remain vacant.

The Board has agreed to call for expressions of interest from venue members, which close on December 10.

Walker said it was an honour to be elected as president.

“I will continue the advocacy work, provide our members with clear outcomes, drive quality training and best practice to grow their businesses,” she said.

“Together with the Board and the EEAA team, I will ensure the value of this sector is recognised in Australasia, not only for the industries it supports but for the legacies it leaves long after.”

 Walker replaces outgoing president Spiro Anemogiannis.

“Spiro stated in his outgoing message about the difficulties in bringing the industry together under one umbrella however, I would like to thank Spiro and the EEAA outgoing Board for having this conversation with the Australian events industry and look forward to continuing these discussions,” said Walker.

“I hope to provide enthusiasm for collaboration to ensure consolidation and strength of unity and voice of the exhibition and events industry.”

Mantellato thanked Anemogiannis for his six-year service as President.

“Spiro has devoted so much of his time, effort and passion to the benefit of our industry,” Mantellato said.

“Over the past two years, he presided over the most difficult times of our lives, and despite the challenges we all faced due to COVID-19, his focus was on supporting the Association.”

Taken from EEAA.