Joining a dynamic group of AEO Board members, Neil was selected alongside Austen Hawkins of F2F Events, Carsten Holm of Diversified Business Communications UK and Phil Soar of Transec Exhibitions at the recent AEO annual general meeting.

Neil Felton commented: "I am honoured to be part of this highly accomplished organisation. AEO has had great success in uniting the industry and represents the leading events organisations from around the world. I hope to bring something different to AEO's Board by representing a not-for-profit event organiser, however as my background is commercial, I can contribute from both perspectives."

He continued: "There has been a distinct lack of a marketing voice for the event industry, underlined by the recent success of FaceTime in such a short space of time. FaceTime's results are very encouraging, demonstrating what I have always believed in, the power of exhibitions. The face to face interaction visitors are able to have with brands and products at a show can never be underestimated."

"As the only organisation on the AEO board that represents trade associations worldwide, Fespa anticipates that my involvement with the Board will enable our organisation to work with a variety of different people and exhibition organisers in countries where Fespa has no presence currently."

The AEO Conference 2012 will take place on 13th January 2012 at the Business Design Centre, London.