CHALLENGE ACCEPTED

Andy joined the NEC Group in 2024, his role is to lead the Conventions and Conference division of the business based across ICC Birmingham, NEC Birmingham, and the Vox Conference Venue. Andy's role is to attract domestic and international conventions to the venues and also to deliver a best-in-class experience to visitors.

Prior to Andy’s role at Stadium MK, he was a Managing Director at the Ricoh Arena and Commercial Director at GES. Through these roles he brings with him significant experience in delivering conventions, exhibitions and conferences, as well as live music and sporting events.

Facilitating an ambitious growth strategy for conventions across the venues, his innovative focus continues to push the boundaries of event delivery.

Allan’s previous position with the Group, from 2014-2019, was Director of Event Services of the Group Convention Centres.  During that time, Allan significantly progressed event processes at the ICC and was heavily involved in the mobilisation and development of the Vox, which opened in 2015.  This position had further dual responsibility, handling operations not only at the ICC and Vox, but also The Convention Centre Dublin (CCD) - which was under the successful management of the Group between 2014-2016.

Prior to his recent positions in Birmingham, Allan held the Catering Director role at the then newly built CCD, where he was tasked with setting up the catering contract and hospitality function. He was promoted into the role of Events Operations Director in 2010 to oversee the full operational delivery of the business.

Allan joined the CCD from the ICC, where over a 14-year period from 1995, he held a variety of positions, acquiring vast and in-depth knowledge about the venue, the region and the events industry.

Craig has vast experience in delivering outstanding conference and banqueting, and during his time with the Group has led the mobilisation of the catering operation at the Vox upon its opening in 2015, as well as being a vital support in his role as mentor to Amadeus colleagues at the Belfast Waterfront Conference Centre.   

Before joining the ICC team, Craig oversaw catering at Highfield Road Stadium, where Coventry City Football Club had great success in the FA Premier League.

He is a Chartered Accountant with over 15 years post-qualified experience having qualified with PwC in Nottingham, and has previously worked in the leisure sector for Punch Taverns Plc.

In his current role as Divisional Finance Director, Ed is now responsible for the combined commercial finance team across the NEC, ICC and Vox. Ed works in partnership with the Managing Director and senior management teams, providing leadership in the development of strategy and financial plans to deliver on strategic objectives.

Prior to Becky joining the NEC Group, she studied a degree in International Hospitality Management at Oxford Brookes University. She then went on to work in account management at Stoneleigh Park and as Business Development Manager at SACO Apartments where she gained valuable experience in the world of events.  

Becky joined the NEC Group as Association Senior Account Manager in 2016. Swiftly after joining she was promoted to Vox Account Director where she thrived for the next 7 years. Today, Becky is Sales Director for the Conventions Account Management team, covering the ICC, Vox & NEC. 

Kelly began her career at the NEC Group in 2006 in a Sales Executive position working with exhibitors focusing on additional Event IT services for their exhibition stands. Following her passion for events she moved over to join the Conference Sales Team as an Account Manager selling the NEC conference suites and had subsequent promotions to Senior Account Manager, Account Director and Senior Account Director where she transitioned into selling the ICC, and Vox along with some of the largest live events that take place at the NEC.

Kelly is now, Sales Director for Agencies within the Conventions team, developing and working closely with our event agencies, venue finders and production companies at the NEC, ICC and Vox.

With over 20 years of experience in the events industry, Helen is a dynamic and forward-thinking director at NEC Group, dedicated and instrumental to driving new business initiatives to our premier venues. Her extensive expertise in full-service event production, ideation and creativity, paired with a keen understanding of market dynamics and client needs, positions her as a pivotal force and industry leader in enhancing your customer experience.

Helen’s strategic vision and proactive approach allows her to identify your needs and in turn showcase NEC Group's unique offerings. She is passionate about building strong relationships with our clients and stakeholders, ensuring that your needs are met and exceeded at every level.

With a solid background in sales and marketing, Helen can craft innovative campaigns that effectively engage and resonate with your target audience and draw them to your event. Her commitment to embracing a culture of creativity and collaboration empowers her team to deliver outstanding events that leave a lasting impression.