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Judges

AEO People's Award

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Rachel Parker - AEV

Rachel Parker

CEO, AEV

Rachel began her career at Montgomery Exhibitions, where she spent six years learning the role of an organiser within the Art Fairs team, and developing into an operations manager for a number of key exhibitions held at leading UK venues.

Crossing over into venue operations she joined Earls Court & Olympia in 1994 where, over 18 years, her career took her from Event Manager to Group Halls Director with responsibility for all customer facing and operational departments.

Following a short break, Rachel returned to the event industry, taking on the role of AEV Director, where she has developed member engagement opportunities for its members. These have included the launch of the AEV Conference, the Chairman’s Dinner, and the creation of new working groups that are the heartbeat of the association. Over the last two years Rachel has been at the fore front of government liaison representing the industry during the pandemic.

Throughout her career Rachel has deployed her strong administrative, inter-personal and commercial skills to great effect, also demonstrating expertise in budget preparation and control. Rachel is  an experienced and highly respected venue and event operator with a proven record of success within large scale facilities.

Two daughters and two dogs keep Rachel busy outside her career, as well as a husband working in the same industry. She is a keen skier, loves the sun, and cooking accompanied by a glass of wine!

Testimonials

  • I think for us to actually champion the amazing people that work in this industry is to be hugely applauded and to be able to recognise the incredible talent that lives and breathes in our world is very important
    Lisa Tyson
    Deputy Managing Director, Aztec Event Services
  • It's the people that make the industry, without the hard work and determination from all of them we wouldn't have what we have today.
    Kane Thomas
    Commercial Director, Full Circle Events and Exhibitions
  • Everyone is doing such a good job in the industry that even being nominated was such a proud moment for me
    Daniel Burton
    Winner of Newcomer of the Year 2026
  • I’ve worked so hard to get to where I am and I wouldn’t be here without my team. I love being with my team and the events industry so this is a true recognition of all my hard work
    Karen Abarian
    Winner of Senior Marketing Manager of the Year 2026

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