The International Live Events Association (ILEA) has appointed Lee Charteris, vice president of operations at Flash Entertainment in Abu Dhabi, UAE, as the new president for its Middle East chapter.     

A voluntary global network dedicated to education and professional development of the international live events industry, ILEA said Charteris will head the association till June 2017.

A priority for the association over the coming 12 months will be to elevate the Middle East chapter within the global organisation, in turn bringing more business opportunities to the Middle East from colleagues overseas, said a statement from ILEA.

Health and safety is also a key concern for ILEA, and under Charteris’ leadership the association will continue to drive and develop awareness, best practice and educational opportunities for industry professionals throughout the year in the form of targeted events and health, safety, and environment (HSE) guidelines, it added.

Welcoming the new appointment, former ILEA president Rebecca Wilson, said: "I am proud to have served as president of ILEA Middle East. After two years I am excited to hand over the reigns to Charteris and his new board who I know will carry on the good work and take the chapter to the next level."

“It’s been hard work, but hugely rewarding and I really feel that we have strengthened our focus on promoting professionalism and best practice, and providing a knowledge sharing platform for members and the industry,” she stated.

On his new role, Charteris said: "I would like to recognise all board members, advisors and committee members for their continued time and efforts (all voluntary) on behalf of the association to make this rapidly growing chapter a beacon of best practice and shared knowledge."

"We must come together as an industry to become an even stronger voice and also lobby for change where needed, and be a go-to for all those who need inspired, impartial and professional advice at every level from the individual right up to government.” he added.-TradeArabia News Service