Overall

Association for Project Management – Professor Adam Boddison OBE

Association for Project Management (APM) is the only chartered membership organisation for the project profession globally. It is essential that our CEO reflects the ethos and values of the organisation in their relationships, activity, and vision. Beyond functional and operational aspects, we need our CEO to deliver growth in a manner that aligns with our core values: Progressive, Thoughtful, Warm and Excellent.

Professor Adam Boddison OBE embodies these characteristics. He is an example of inspirational leadership, stellar business acumen and visionary approach. His appointment as CEO has significantly enhanced APM’s visibility and impact.

Adam became CEO at APM in September 2021, marking a pivotal moment in our organisation’s journey. Under his leadership, APM’s membership has grown from approximately 36,000 when he joined to 45,000 today. Uptake of APM’s prestigious Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) standard has also increased significantly, from approximately 2,000 when Adam joined to over 3,700 today. APM has fostered positive relationships and openly collaborated with organisations traditionally considered to be competitors. The positive workplace culture has been externally recognised with a two-star rating from Best Companies, the leading employee engagement specialist.

Adam’s leadership has propelled APM to new heights, making him a deserving nominee for this award.

 

British Thoracic Society – Dr Paul Walker

Since 2021, Dr Paul Walker has been an outstanding and inspiring BTS Chair of the Board of Trustees. The BTS Chair is the Society’s most senior representative and ambassador and plays a key role in shaping its work on behalf of its healthcare membership. Paul works tirelessly to improve the treatment for the millions of people in the UK who live with respiratory disease. During his tenure, membership increased by 14% to over 4,500 members.

Paul has shaped emerging healthcare innovations like Virtual Wards where patients are treated within their own homes. He worked on a landmark report, ‘A Respiratory Workforce for the Future’ (2022), which has been downloaded over 2000 times from the BTS website, and also contributed to media interviews and two film series, which attracted over 500,000 views.

Paul is committed to addressing social inequality and promoting diversity. He endorsed a new Inclusion, Diversity, and Equality policy and a Position Statement on Health Inequalities. He also encouraged the delivery of hybrid opportunities like short courses to address accessibility barriers.
Above all, BTS has benefitted from Paul’s humour, kindness, and never-ending drive. His leadership and passion for inclusivity are appreciated by both staff and members.

 

Federation of Small Businesses – Julie Lilley

As a leader of the UK’s largest business organisation with over 150,000 members, Julie has modernised the business from top to bottom in how it lobbies on behalf of the 5.5 million strong UK small business and self-employed community, how it provides services to its members to grow their business, and how it connects and upskills people locally through a mix of in-person and online bootcamps and business networking.

 

Institute of Directors in South Africa – Professor Parmi Natesan

Parmi’s journey began with humble beginnings, earning a bursary to attend university and becoming the first in her family to graduate with a degree. Overcoming significant challenges, such as being underestimated as a young-looking woman of colour, she has remained strong and confident, earning respect through the quality of her work.

Today, she is privileged to have established a recognizable brand and voice, a responsibility she takes seriously. Parmi advocates for leadership empowerment in South Africa through various channels, including thought leadership pieces, media releases, and speaking engagements.

Since becoming CEO in 2019, she has instilled the organisation’s core values, known as the 4 P’s: Purpose, Passion, Professionalism, and Performance. These values are now integral to each staff member’s performance appraisal.

In 2023, under Parmi’s leadership the IoDSA launched two certification programmes aligned with her vision to elevate directorship as a profession through the Mentorship and Board Enhancement Programme. Every new IoDSA member, whether individual or corporate, brings the organisation closer to its professional body vision: Better Directors. Better Boards. Better Business.

She is committed to driving IoDSA’s mission to influence, develop, and advance corporate governance and directorship through ethical and effective leadership in South Africa.

 

NAHT – The School Leaders’ Union – Paul Whiteman

We would like to nominate NAHT General Secretary Paul Whiteman, who took up this role in September 2017, bringing with him trade union knowledge, plus hands-on experience of the challenges faced by school leaders. We believe Paul should win this award for his outstanding leadership of NAHT and proven track record lobbying for positive change that not only ensures the voices of our members are heard in government, but positively impacts the entire education sector. His ability to collaborate with other unions and relevant bodies gives us all a more powerful voice and is key to achieving demonstrable change.

NAHT represents more than 50,000 school leaders and life members in every phase and sector of education including early years, primary, secondary, special schools and FE colleges, making it the largest association for school leaders in the UK. We represent, advise and train school leaders while using our influence at the highest levels of government. We speak for school leaders and our organisation is democratically shaped and directed by members. Key to our association’s success is our ability to share our voice and make a difference for our members.

 

National Residential Landlords Association – Ben Beadle

Since taking the helm at the National Residential Landlords Association in 2020 I have been working with colleagues to create a truly member-first organisation.
I have led from the front as a figurehead for the NRLA, and over the last 12 months have secured 4,810 items of media coverage, outlining issues affecting the sector – and potential solutions – with a strong focus on challenging stereotypes.

Another priority is to deliver innovative products and services to a growing membership and wider markets. The NRLA has made major steps forward on this front in the last 18 months, during which time I have managed the purchase of property compliance certification company Safe2 and overseen the development of the NRLA’s ‘Portfolio’ property management system.

In a bid to create a positive and inclusive working environment I have introduced a number of initiatives to support and incentivise the workforce, including an annual bonus scheme and offering an additional day of holiday on each colleague’s birthday.

My ‘People First’ strategy has already proved to be successful, with the NRLA in the top 10% of performers when it comes to engagement for a company its size and membership of the organisation growing by 35%.

Electrical Distributors’ Association

Founded in 2014, the EDA celebrates 110 years in 2024. The Association represents UK electrical wholesalers, the essential link in the supply chain between electrotechnical product manufacturers and the installing contractors and electricians. Members range from national chains with over £1billion in turnover, to one-branch £1million operations: over 50% of members are in latter category.

EDA also has 120 affiliates: leading suppliers to members.

The supply chain is critical to the construction industry, the UK economy, and has acquired greater importance in race to NetZero and electrification.

The Association is growing strongly, with 2023 a record year: membership up 168% since 2016 to 260; affiliate membership up 131% to 120; turnover up 173% to £1.5 million; team grown from 3 to 10.

This growth is due to additional new services which add considerable value to members and raising EDA’s profile within and outside the sector.

Our annual strategic business plan includes ‘four pillars of work’ and ensures focus and clarity of purpose. Each pillar has its own budget, mission, objectives, smart targets all on target at time of writing:

• Business Community
• Training & Apprenticeships
• Digitalisation
• Industry Insight & Representation

 

Independent Healthcare Providers Network

IHPN is the membership organisation for independent healthcare providers. We play a leading role in the sector by bringing independent providers together, representing their interests, and supporting them to deliver great care to patients.

IHPN has delivered anothery year of outstanding achievements that have delivered real and tangible benefits to our members and the patients and communities they serve.

We have promoted patient safety and quality in independent healthcare; worked effectively to ensure that independent sector capacity can help to drive down NHS waiting lists; and promoted the role of private care in helping people get the treatment they need.

IHPN has also led the way on sustainability with record numbers signed up to our industry net zero commitment, and launched new networks to improve diversity in the industry.

Institute of Directors

The Institute of Directors enjoyed a stellar year in 2023. We returned to growth, stabilised our finances and increased our reach among the wider business community. This achievement during our 120th anniversary year is testament to our resilience, innovation and dedication to our strategic goals.

The Institute of Directors (IoD) is a thriving membership community for directors in the UK and beyond. Members can connect with other business leaders, develop their skills and be heard. At a time when great directors have never been more important, the IoD offers its members world-class professional development, valuable connections and policy influence.

Throughout our 120 years of supporting and nurturing directors, we have become part of the fabric of UK society. Through our Regions, Nations and branch network, we touch the lives of individuals across the length and breadth of the UK, providing a community to enable members to learn, develop and grow.

 

Institute of Employability Professionals

The IEP has demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication to advancing the employability sector. The association’s strategic initiatives, expanded engagement, and commitment to professional development make it a deserving candidate for the 2024 UK Association of the Year award. By continuously enhancing its services and fostering a supportive community, the IEP is making a significant impact on the employability sector both in the UK and globally, playing a significant role in terms of economic and social value by supporting more practitioners to help more people face their barriers to enter sustainable employment.

This Awards submission highlights the IEP’s achievements, strategic initiatives, and positive impact on its members and the broader employability sector.

 

National Residential Landlords Association

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) is the UK’s largest membership organisation for private residential landlords, supporting and representing more than 108,000 members.

Created by landlords, for landlords, the association offers landlords, agents and investors everything they need to run a professional, successful and compliant lettings business.

The association has an average TrustPilot rating of 4.8 out of five from 3,225 reviews, proof – from the horse’s mouth – that it is delivering when it comes to supporting members.

Since the association was created through the merger of legacy organisations in May 2020 membership has increased by 35%. Last year the association answered well over 100,000 calls to its dedicated landlord support line with more than a million documents and guides downloaded from the website.

A one-stop-shop for all things PRS, over 10,500 people have taken courses with the association’s Training Academy, and it is now home to almost 5,000 accredited landlords – a 20% increase year on year – with a further 9,800 working towards the scheme.

With one eye on the horizon the association has also invested in property compliance firm Safe2 and has developed software to allow members to manage their property portfolio via their NRLA accounts.

 

Railway Industry Association

The Railway Industry Association (RIA) delivered exceptional performance in 2023, demonstrating outstanding leadership and value for its members. Amidst many challenges, RIA championed the rail supply sector effectively.

RIA achieved over 20% membership growth, enhanced member satisfaction, acquired Rail Business Daily, increased political influence, successfully lobbied for sector support, strengthened relationships with devolved governments, promoted rail electrification and digitalization, delivered over 100 successful events, and planned for its 150th anniversary, showcasing a commitment to continuous improvement.

RIA’s exceptional leadership, creativity, and operational excellence in 2023 make it deserving of the UK Association of the Year award.

 

The Payments Association

The Payments Association (TPA) is the UK’s largest trade body for the payments sector, representing over 7,000 individuals and 237 corporate members since 2008. TPA enhances commercial interests, tackles financial exclusion, and drives payment innovations.

In the past 18 months, TPA’s PAY360 and Financial Crime 360 events attracted over 3,000 non-member attendees, significantly boosting membership. The Payments Review Magazine, launched last year, delivers industry insights to over 2,000 subscribers.

TPA operates as an independent industry representative, collaborating with key bodies like the Bank of England and HM Treasury. Their Payments Manifesto has been referenced in the National Payments Vision announced in parliament.

With seven stakeholder working groups, TPA drives innovation and represents member views. Their exclusive research and comprehensive activities, including PAY360, Financial Crime 360 conferences, CEO roundtables, and training sessions, strengthen the ecosystem.

TPA’s transformative strategic shift balances a 50/50 focus on membership and events, resulting in explosive membership growth and high member satisfaction. They maintain an 82% revenue renewal rate and a best-in-class Net Promoter Score of +54.

TPA’s efforts have earned significant public recognition and policy influence, positioning them as strong contenders for the Best Trade Association of the Year

 

The Walking Football Association

The broad and extensive impact that the WFA has had over the unique sport of Walking Football continues to be ambitious, innovative and far reaching. Supporting the huge growth of the sport in all formats in a plethora of ways– men, mixed, women only, impairment and globally.

The sport is the fastest growing in the world and the WFA is made up of an entirely voluntary group of passionate aficionados who are making impressive progress in supporting all the participants, and making the game safer, more inclusive, more diverse, and more visible, delivering demonstrable benefits to its members, thereby achieving the aims of the WFA.

Alliance for Rural Electrification

The Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE) is the global association for the decentralised renewable energy (DRE) industry, catalysing private sector-driven markets for sustainable electricity services, creating jobs and powering equitable green economies.

ARE enables improved energy access through business development support for more than 200 Members along the whole value chain for decentralised/distributed renewable energy technologies.

 

Confederation of Europen Paper Industries

Cepi is the European association representing the paper industry. We offer a wide range of renewable and recyclable wood-based fibre solutions to EU citizens: from packaging to textile, hygiene and tissue products, printing and graphic papers as well as speciality papers, but also bio-chemicals for food and pharmaceuticals, bio-composites and bioenergy.

We are a responsible industry: 91% of our raw materials are sourced in Europe and certified as sustainable, 92% of the water we use is returned in good condition to the environment. We are the world champion in recycling at the rate of 79.3%. At the forefront of the decarbonisation and industrial transformation of our economy, we embrace digitalisation and bring 20 billion value addition to the European economy and €5.5 billion investments annually. Through its 19 national associations, Cepi gathers 480 companies operating 856 mills across Europe and directly employing more than 175,000 people.

 

Energy Industries Council

The Energy Industries Council (EIC), established in 1943, is a global trade association representing 950 companies, headquartered in 54 countries, in the energy supply chain. With offices in London, Dubai, Houston, Kuala Lumpur, and Rio di Janeiro, EIC offers extensive support to its members to export, diversify and grow.

Member benefits include access to EICDataStream, a global database of energy projects, EICAssetMap, providing detailed asset information and EICSupplyMap, mapping energy sector organisations. Member support services also include a global events program, featuring 130 events, including pavilions, trade delegations, conferences, webinars and regional awards.

Focussing on member engagement has been key to the growth of EIC, with our Survive & Thrive report providing a platform to not only understand members businesses in greater detail, but also providing profile-raising opportunities for the member. Investment in staff to support our member services has been instrumental, with key staff appointments and reintroduction of our lobbying team. A positive culture of celebrating success and commitment from staff has contributed to membership growth of over 50% since 2018. EIC’s excellence has been recognised by awards such as the King’s Award for Enterprise and Market Intelligence Platform of the Year in 2023.

 

ETSI

ETSI provides its members with an open, inclusive, and collaborative environment to support the timely development, ratification, and testing of globally applicable standards for ICT-enabled systems, applications, and services across all sectors of industry and society.

ETSI, established in 1988 as a not-for-profit organization, has 946 members from 64 countries (end 2023). These include world-leading companies from the manufacturing and service sectors, regulatory authorities, government ministries, small/medium-sized enterprises, innovative start-ups, universities, R&D organizations, and societal interest groups. 23% of our members are SMEs and micro-enterprises, and 15% are universities and research bodies.

‘Designing tomorrow’s world’ is ETSI’s strategy that recognizes the global importance of ICT for society’s sustainable digital transformation. Our vision is to be at the forefront of Information and Communication Technology and to lead the development of standards that enable a sustainable, securely connected society. To deliver this vision, ETSI follows a path marked by five key strategic directions that express the journey to achieve our ambitions.

By maintaining an unwavering focus on the future – as we have done for the last three and a half decades – ETSI will maintain its continuing relevancy as an effective participant in the European standards-making ecosystem.

 

European Association of Communications Agencies

The European Association of Communications Agencies (EACA) is a top contender for the International Association of the Year Award due to its exceptional contributions to the marketing and advertising sector. EACA excels in three key pillars: ESG (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Sustainability, and Talent), marketing effectiveness, and public affairs.

ESG Initiatives:

DEI: EACA’s DEI Task Force and Global DEI Census 2023 promote inclusivity across European agencies. Initiatives like the “She is a Keeper” playbook and “Creative Equality in Advertising” report address gender inequality and talent retention.

Sustainability: EACA champions environmentally responsible practices through the Ad Net Zero Europe Hub and the EACA Sustainability Task Force.

Talent Development: The Young Board initiative empowers emerging professionals, fostering innovation and addressing the talent crisis.

Marketing Effectiveness:

EACA runs the prestigious Effie Awards Europe, spotlighting impactful campaigns. Collaborations with Kantar and workshops enhance industry knowledge.

Public Affairs and Advocacy:

EACA shapes a supportive regulatory environment, addressing legislative challenges and advocating for members’ interests. Initiatives like the EACA AI Hub and the “Value of Advertising” event promote the industry’s economic and cultural significance.

EACA’s innovative strategies, commitment to sustainability, and industry-wide impact make it a deserving candidate for this award.

 

Institute of Employability Professionals

The IEP (Institute of Employability Professionals) is the international membership body for employability professionals who help some of the most disadvantaged people in society gain work, progress in work, and retain work. Our vision is ‘Employability Professionals Everywhere Ar the Best They Can Be”. Over the past 12 months we have successfully advanced the aims of the employability sector, delivered significant value to our members, and enhanced our international reputation. Our focus on quality improvement, professional standards, and building a global community has positioned IEP as a leader in the global sector. We are building a vibrant and thriving community of practitioners wherever they are in the world.

 

 

The Institution of Structural Engineers

In 2023, we significantly advanced the science and art of structural engineering, focusing on Structural Safety and Climate Action. These strategic themes, established in 2019, are central to the IStructE’s mission and aims.

Our proactive and inspirational approach involved IStructE leading the conversation in 2023 regarding two high-profile issues related to Structural Safety and Climate Action: Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in the UK and our global Climate Action initiatives.

All our work aligns with our Royal Charter to promote and advance structural engineering and facilitate the exchange of information and ideas. Through impactful projects and policies, we advocate for our members and the broader industry, collaborating to champion the work of structural engineers. We have significantly influenced our members and the industry, providing outstanding support, resources, and professional development opportunities, with an ongoing commitment to professional excellence and leadership.

 

World Commerce & Contracting

World Commerce & Contracting (WorldCC) is a global leader in contract and commercial management (CCM), serving over 70,000 members in 180 countries. Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2024, WorldCC provides resources in research, benchmarking, tools, learning, webinars, and networking.

As a non-profit, its mission is to enhance CCM practices through training, certification, and advisory services. Key initiatives include the updated Contract and Commercial Management Practitioner (CCMP) certification, Modern Contracting workshops, and an online Introduction to Relationship Management program. A 2019-2022 survey showed a significant increase in CCM professionals with qualifications, and WorldCC-certified professionals now earn notably higher salaries.

WorldCC is renowned for its research, producing impactful papers on topics like AI and ESG in contracting. Strategic partnerships, such as with the National Contract Management Association (NCMA), enhance industry standards. Events like AI Contracting Week and regional roadshows reflect WorldCC’s adaptability and member-focused approach.

Operational improvements include a new CRM and enhanced marketing strategies, leading to increased recognition and engagement. Growth initiatives include the WorldCC Foundation, free CCM resources, and expanded APAC region activities. The Student Connect initiative and tiered membership pricing further demonstrate WorldCC’s commitment to accessibility and member engagement. WorldCC exemplifies excellence and leadership in CCM, setting industry standards

American Chamber of Commerce to the EU – Susan Danger

We would like to nominate Susan Danger, the CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU), for the Association Leadership Award. After 28 years at AmCham EU, Susan has decided to step down this year. With this award, we would like to pay tribute to Susan’s exceptional trajectory and for dedicating her career to AmCham EU, the American business community invested in Europe and the transatlantic partnership. Susan Danger has dedicated her career to transforming AmCham EU into the association that it is today: one of the most effective advocacy organisations in Brussels and a trusted discussion partner for European institutions and governments. Susan assumed the role of CEO of AmCham EU during periods of unprecedented uncertainty and volatility in the global business landscape. Her leadership journey has been marked by a steadfast commitment to advancing the interests of American businesses in Europe while fostering dialogue and collaboration with European policymakers and stakeholders. Under Susan’s outstanding leadership, AmCham EU has demonstrated exemplary leadership, innovation, and resilience in navigating complex challenges and achieving significant milestones. This is why we believe that Susan Danger deserves this prestigious recognition.

 

British Generic Manufacturers Association – Mark Samuels

Mark Samuels’ role as CEO of the British Generic Manufacturing Association has been an exceptional example of leadership, vision, tenacity and commitment.

He started his position during lockdown at a time of the escalating Brexit crisis, internal organisational issues and a government that didn’t recognise the massive impact BGMA members had on the supply of essential medicines in the UK.

Working with a range of demands that each had emergency priority, he hit the ground running, ensuring a smooth supply of drugs was maintained despite facing various external and political pressures.

He simultaneously established the professional and legal status of the BGMA, dealt with various financial and structural issues and addressed the need for a greater presence within the media and the industry.

He did this while encouraging a complete culture change within his team, maintaining relationships with the now growing membership and developing the organisation to be fully effective and with a powerful voice among political and industry leaders.

It is testament to Mark’s exceptional leadership skills that this was all achieved within his first year of tenure – despite continued pressure of COVID 19, Brexit, Northern Ireland protocols and a level of ‘invisibility’ within the corridors of power.

 

Builders Merchants Federation – John Newcomb

As CEO of the BMF (Builders Merchants Federation), John Newcomb’s creativity, vision and professionalism are frequently cited as sources of inspiration, while his straightforward ‘can-do’ approach motivates internal and external colleagues alike.

He leads a Federation that represents the building materials sector (made up of merchants, suppliers and service suppliers) which is a significant part of the UK economy. Aware of this responsibility, John has committed the BMF to positive economic, environmental and social programmes that contribute to the nation as a whole, tackling areas including sustainability, employment/young people’s prospects and digitalisation.

Under John’s leadership, the BMF has become one of the leading trade bodies within the entire construction eco-system, and his work goes far above and beyond that expected of a CEO.
His achievements, determination to make a difference, creativity, innovation and commitment to serve the BMF and wider industry for the greater good are the reasons he is being nominated for this award.

 

Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine – Will Booth

Will Booth joined the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine (FPM) in April 2023 and in the short time since then has made a significant and lasting impact on the organisation. FPM was facing several business-critical challenges, which Will rose to. In just his first few months at FPM, Will managed the development of a plan for implementing a major training programme (DPM Training) which now provides an income of nearly £190k per annum. He worked to refine and deliver the ‘in company’ pharmaceutical medicine induction programme that FPM was developing for new pharma company employees which to date has turned over £220k. He also led the development of an internal promotional campaign to replenish the number of FPM examiners.

 

Golf Club Manager’s Association – Tom Brooke

The Golf Club Manager’s Association (GCMA) proudly nominates CEO Tom Brooke for the Outstanding Leadership Award, highlighting his transformative leadership and unwavering dedication to advancing the association’s mission. Tom’s clear vision and strategic initiatives have elevated the recognition and development of golf club managers, aligning the GCMA’s purpose and values with industry needs. His ambitious yet achievable goals are exemplified by the GCMA Accreditation Programme and the Mentor Programme, fostering professional growth and knowledge sharing.

Tom has also prioritized member wellbeing, introducing the Personal Use Support Services and Legal Cover package, and launching regional Mental Health First Aider training and wellbeing workshops. His advocacy has restored the GCMA’s influence in the golf industry, leading to significant collaborations, such as the governance guide with England Golf.
Tom’s member-centric approach ensures that feedback shapes the association’s strategies, demonstrated through comprehensive bi-annual surveys. Under his leadership, the GCMA has significantly enhanced its brand standing and membership benefits. Tom Brooke’s dedication, vision, and commitment to excellence make him an exemplary candidate for the Outstanding Leadership Award, inspiring future leaders within the golf industry.

 

Personal Investment Management and Financial Advice Association – Liz Field

Liz Field has been the CEO of PIMFA for 10 years. Under her leadership, PIMFA has grown from strength to strength and is today seen as trusted representative of the wealth management and financial advice sector. PIMFA was recently the winner of the Best Place to Work by the Sunday Times, showing the result of Liz’s hard work in ensuring PIMFA is a fantastic place to work for its employees. The feedback she gets from my members and her team, is that she has transformed this organisation through her leadership and inspiration and she is seen as one of the most influential leaders in the financial services sector today.

American Chamber of Commerce to the EU – AmCham EU team

The American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU)’s team is the pillar of and the energy that drives our organisation forward. Our team prides itself on its remarkable diversity, encompassing individuals from 16 different nationalities and cultural backgrounds. With team members hailing from across Europe, North America, and beyond, our diversity not only enriches our perspectives but also strengthens our ability to effectively advocate for American business interests in Europe. Although diversity can sometimes be challenging as we all have different ways of working and communicating, the team performs brilliantly when it comes to conciliating differences and working together as one. As our team’s hashtag says: we are #OneTeam. With expertise in a variety of sectors and an ability to manage major projects, we believe the AmCham EU team to be extremely deserving of this award.

 

Association of Event Organisers – AEO team

The Association of Event Organisers (AEO) showcased exceptional teamwork, strategic innovation, and consistent achievement from 2023 into 2024. Prioritising member involvement, AEO ensured their members felt valued and engaged. A partner, Lisa Tyson, praised the AEO team for their camaraderie and openness to new ideas and technology.
Key achievements include selling out all four flagship events, increasing event attendance by 28.7%, launching the successful AEO Marketing Social, and achieving a record number of entries for the AEO Excellence Awards 2024. AEO also transitioned to a new accounting system and completed Mental Health First Aid training for all team members.

Strategically, AEO focused on sustainability by completing a carbon measurement project and setting reduction targets. The AEO International CEO Summit and Forums exceeded expectations, reflecting strong planning and high attendee satisfaction. Membership grew by 9%, with increased engagement in working groups and successful sponsorships and renewals.

Advocacy efforts included introducing a member advocacy engagement plan and a new Business Events Report, increasing industry recognition at government levels. Internationally, AEO planned global engagement initiatives, broadening members’ horizons.
AEO’s dedication to member support, environmental goals, and diversity, equity, and inclusion has led to high satisfaction rates and positive financial outcomes, underscoring their commitment.

 

European Association of Research Managers & Administrators – Events & Member Engagement Team

Our team at the European Association of Research Managers & Administrators (EARMA) has faced incredible challenges and triumphed with unparalleled success. Despite starting as a one-person team during the height of COVID-19, we have grown into a formidable group of five dedicated members. Our journey included managing the largest EARMA conference ever, overcoming logistical hurdles, unexpected illnesses, and even a burst pipe on the first day of our event.

We successfully transitioned from relying on external organizers to handling all aspects of our events in-house, demonstrating remarkable innovation and resilience. Our 2024 conference in Odense, Denmark, saw over 1400 attendees, the highest in our history, and featured pioneering elements like an app, robots to greet guests, and 100% sustainable digital badges.

Despite significant personal and professional challenges, including my surgery for a tumor and limited communication support, our team’s unwavering dedication and extraordinary collaboration made it all possible. We embraced sustainability, with a 100% vegan gala dinner, and consistently adapted to unforeseen obstacles.

Our team’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and mutual support exemplifies the spirit of true teamwork. We believe our story of overcoming adversity and achieving remarkable success makes us the ideal candidates for the best association team award.

 

NAHT – The School Leaders’ Union – Membership and Operations

Over the last year, the work completed by the Membership and Operations Department has been instrumental in the growth and reputational positioning of NAHT. Our most recent engagement survey of members highlighted that 98% were satisfied with NAHT and 90% would recommend someone to join. As we pivoted our services to respond to members’ needs, we promoted NAHT Wellness and Protect – a staff absence protection insurance with complimentary whole school well-being and leadership support.

NAHT represents more than 50,000 school leaders and life members in every phase and sector of education including early years, primary, secondary, special schools and FE colleges, making it the largest association for school leaders in the UK. We represent, advise and train school leaders while using our influence at the highest levels of government. We speak for school leaders and our organisation is democratically shaped and directed by members. Key to our association’s success is our ability to share our voice and make a difference for our members.

 

Railway Industry Association

Darren Caplan, RIA Chief Executive, nominates the Railway Industry Association (RIA) team for “Team of the Year” due to their exceptional performance in 2023. The 22-member, diverse team, demonstrated remarkable dedication and flexibility, contributing to RIA’s significant achievements.

Highlights include:

• Transformation from a London-centric to a UK-wide presence, supporting decentralization efforts in Scotland, Wales, and English regions.
• Impressive membership growth.
• Increased political influence, with MPs’ familiarity with RIA rising from 38% to 57%.
• Successful lobbying for key sector objectives and leading campaigns on crucial issues.
• Record-breaking events, including the largest Innovation Conference and Annual Dinner.

RIA’s low staff turnover, attributed to comprehensive employee benefits, underscores its commitment to its team. Caplan highlights the team’s critical role in RIA’s continuous transformation and success as it approaches its 150th anniversary.

 

SolarPower Europe – Team Solar Shining Bright

SolarPower Europe unites over 300 organisations to champion solar power and shape the best possible framework for our technology to thrive. Our mission is as clear as a sunny day: to make solar the leading energy source in Europe by 2030.

When it comes to teamwork, our crew really knows how to shine. SolarPower Europe has delivered a record number of impactful political campaigns, events, and reports in 2023. Through a challenging year for the sector, the team has persevered. SolarPower Europe thrives on innovation and creativity – and we make sure to celebrate our successes with our very own Solar DJ!

If you ever visit the SolarPower Europe offices, you will find a united team, hear a lot of laughter, you will notice our trampoline and our new Solar Captain mascot – but most of all feel the sense of pride and drive that is ingrained in the SolarPower Europe team DNA.

Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply and Think – Content Partnership

The way membership organisations are creating, distributing, and monetising content has shifted dramatically in the last 12 months – and with it the way agencies and organisations work together. At Think, we’re proud to be driving this positive change, creating even more impactful partnerships with clients that genuinely deliver brilliant results, and our partnership with CIPS, is a great example of this. In less than a year, the combined teams have transformed the CIPS member engagement programme, launching a brand-new suite of high-performing content – from podcasts and videos to private dinners and conferences – that has already started to change the way members and the procurement and supply profession think about organisation and its influence. This isn’t a traditional agency/client relationship but one that shows what can be achieved when you fully integrate teams and get them collaborating successfully on a shared vision.

 

Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management & Redactive

We like to think that back in 2003, the then British Institute of Facilities Management met its perfect match when it contracted Redactive to publish its fortnightly membership magazine.
Since that time, we’ve overcome multiple challenges – shifting markets, recessions, Brexit, COVID-19, a new client identity – to forge a truly symbiotic relationship cemented in the untypical business model of a shared P&L.

Over the past 12-18 months that partnership has reached new heights with the realisation of ambitions inconceivable the first time we met, including:
• The digital transformation of the IWFM’s owned media brand Facilitate
• Delivering a fully carbon-neutral awards event
• A new content development relationship linked to the IWFM’s evolving business model

During our long-standing relationship, the two organisations’ skills, values and vision have inevitably become entwined. Redactive’s people now sit and advise on the Institute’s steering committees. The IWFM’s stellar sustainability credentials are influencing Redactive’s own journey to net zero. Stronger, more successful and more sustainable together.

International Institute of Nutrition and Health & D2L – Advance Wellness Learning

The International Institute of Nutrition and Health (IINH) provides globally accredited awards and continuing professional development to wellness professionals in around 40 countries. Training is an important part of the mission at IINH, and it has a rich and well-established online learning presence and content. IINH partners with D2L, a global learning technology leader, to help it meet the needs of members and the wellness profession through a digital learning experience that helps advance the association’s aim for consistent, high-quality knowledge levels within the industry. In 2023/24, IINH set itself four learning programme objectives to enhance efficiency, learner reach and the learner and educator experience. It achieved this by launching an online alumni space, expanding its portfolio of short courses and webinars, implementing rubrics and Zoom integration, and introducing new features including online drop-in sessions. The result is a more cohesive online learning experience, transparency of assessments for learners, less administration for assessors, an active alumni community, and opportunities for members to interact, request help and receive support.

 

LIQUONA – Creative Services

LIQUONA partnered with the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) to create a Virtual Reality (VR) Laboratory aimed at showcasing the vital role of biomedical scientists, the hidden heroes of healthcare, to the next generation!

The VR experience allows users to act as biomedical scientists, analysing a urine sample with realistic equipment, thus highlighting the field’s complexities and significance.

The VR lab was used at career fairs to attract school leavers.

The project required close collaboration, innovative solutions and thorough user testing.

The immersive experience, set in a spacecraft-like environment, made biomedical science exciting, enjoyable and therefore memorable.
Results included over 200 students engaging with the VR at autumn career fairs, a microsite receiving substantial viewer engagement, and a social media campaign reaching over hundreds of thousands. The project successfully raised awareness and inspired students about careers in biomedical science, with positive feedback from both IBMS members and students.

A student at a careers fair summed it up best:
“I love science, but I never knew this kind of career was possible!”

The project demonstrated LIQUONA’s creativity, innovation, and effective partnership with IBMS, evidencing their genuinely collaborative approach.

 

Royal College of General Practitioners and Wonderly

The RCGP and Wonderly have been working together since 2016, to produce, develop and deliver the RCGP Annual Conference and Exhibition – the College’s annual flagship membership event.

Our partnership has spanned more than eight years, a period that can sometimes lead to a decline in enthusiasm. However, the last year and a half has been exceptionally dynamic and successful, thanks to a highly productive strategic shift we’ve undertaken together.

We’ve been asking ourselves a crucial question: in today’s competitive environment, how can membership events remain impactful, sustainable and profitable? We have joined forces to tackle this challenge – working collaboratively to revamp the proposition, ensuring it continues to deliver long-term benefits for members. With this ever-stronger strategic alignment, we have seen more dialogue, more joint research and ideas than ever before.

And the proof is clear. Not only did the 2023 Annual Conference break all records, but we could also reinvest the profits to fund the a new free-for-members global virtual event – the RCGP A Vision for the Future of General Practice – which saw over 3,400 members engaging with the College from all over the world, generating overwhelming positive feedback and enhancing the member value proposition.

 

Royal College of Psychiatrists and D2L

The Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) is the professional medical body that supports psychiatrists from training through to retirement. The College sets standards, promotes excellent mental health services, and is the voice of psychiatry. As it trains and educates psychiatrists, training is an important part of RCPsych’s offering to its 21,000 members, 15% of whom are overseas.

To meet the needs of members and psychiatry, RCPsych partners with D2L, a global learning technology leader, as its trusted learning management system provider. In 2023/24, RCPsych wanted to evolve its offering, blending face-to-face and online to reach more of its audience and provide convenient access to content. In particular, it wanted to meet the needs of attendees and non-attendees at its annual congress, deliver an objective to upskill psychiatrists in areas of clinical need including autism and public mental health, and maximise insights from the programmes to optimise learner support. It achieved these goals by working with D2L on two significant new courses, both of which offer features for more in-depth learning experiences, a Congress Webinar

Library that has improved access to content, and sophisticated data analytics that support continuous improvement.

 

Scottish Plant Owners Association

In May 2023, the SPOA partnered with the Scottish Partnership Against Acquisitive Crime (SPAACE) to tackle plant and fuel theft across Scotland. The campaign was the first crime prevention campaign to be delivered by SPAACE.

SPAACE is a multi-agency partnership involving key organisations collectively working to tackle acquisitive crime, which is defined as high volume crime often targeting the most vulnerable.
The SPOA created a campaign to tackle plant and fuel theft across Scotland which was fronted by a Police Scotland liveried JCB 3CX, generously loaned by SPOA members JCB and Scot JCB. For 12 months, the JCB 3CX, which soon became known as the ‘machine on a mission’, attended events all over Scotland with representatives from the SPOA and Police Scotland to raise awareness of this form of acquisitive crime and offer advice to plant owners.

Over 25 free information events took place all over Scotland, ensuring that plant owners had the opportunity to come and speak to Police Scotland and get advice on how to avoid being a victim of plant and fuel theft.

Thanks to the campaign, Police Scotland has changed the crime reporting process to include a specific ‘construction crime’ tag which did not previously exist.

AXREM – AXREM Sustainability & Social Value Special Focus Group

Pioneers in the MedTech sector, AXREM established the Sustainability Special Focus Group, a unique platform for our members to engage and collaborate with the NHS England Sustainability Team and NHS Supply Chain. By working in collaboration we aim to tackle the pressing challenges in achieving the NHS net zero target, positioning our members as thought leaders in this critical agenda.

Our Sustainability & Social Value SFG boasts a groundbreaking blend of AXREM members and representatives from NHS England, NHS Scotland, NHS Supply Chain, Department for Health & Social Care, Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine and Royal College of Radiologists. This inclusive approach has propelled AXREM to the forefront of sustainability leadership, enabling us to influence prudent decision-making.

AXREM’s actions will create a sustainable future through our contributions to reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and enhancement of the social value we create within our members organisations, supply chains and communities. We will be proud of the fact that future generations will be able to look back at what we have done and know we made a difference.

 

Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment – CISI Certificate in Ethical AI

The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI), the leading professional body for securities, investment, wealth, and financial planning professionals, launched the CISI Certificate in Ethical Artificial Intelligence (AI) in November 2023.

Recognising the rapid growth of AI in financial services and the need for ethical training, CISI developed this Certificate under the auspices of the 695th Lord Mayor’s Ethical AI Initiative, to help place integrity at the heart of AI in finance.

The Certificate offers a flexible 12-hour online course, blending mandatory modules with optional learning tailored to individual needs and engaging content, including text modules, animations, webinars, and quizzes.

To reach a broad audience, CISI has formed distribution partnerships with professional bodies and educational institutions worldwide. Since its launch, the Certificate has garnered 5,000 registrations from over 50 countries, reflecting its significant impact and demand.

CISI will continue to develop its learning offer on ethical AI, helping to ensure a responsible and transparent future for AI within financial services.

 

Electrical Distributors’ Association – EDATA data pool

The UK government urges the construction industry to digitalise, led by the ‘Government and Industry Interoperability Group (GIIG)’. Their Construction Industry Playbook calls for “greater sharing of better data.” For the UK’s electrotechnical supply chain, the Electrical Distributors’ Association (EDA) is taking action with 2 initiatives:

1. ETIM product data standard
2. EDATA data pool

Recognising the need for sector transformation, in 2018 we introduced ETIM to the UK: an international, language-agnostic product data standard used by an expanding network of countries. ETIM is used by manufacturers to describe a product’s technical attributes – features, measurements, voltage etc. Inspired by progress, in 2019 the Builders Merchants’ Federation adopted ETIM for their sector, and the EDA and BMF formed the ETIM UK Ltd partnership.

ETIM is part of the solution, but wholesalers were still finding it challenging dealing with multiple manufacturer suppliers to obtain high quality product information. In 2020, the EDA launched the EDATA data pool: a hub through which wholesalers access (foc) consistent, well-populated, uniformly-structured product data from multiple manufacturers. EDATA is revolutionising the sharing of digital data along the supply chain: 80+ leading brands (and counting) share high quality product information on 260,000+ SKUs with wholesalers.

 

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants – Accounting for a better world

We believe that the global nature of accountancy – and the central role of accountants working in and for organisations – means that our profession is unique in its ability to drive sustainability.

Over the last year ACCA has led a wide-ranging initiative to empower our members and wider community to implement sustainable business practices across the world. At the same time, we’ve significantly progressed our organisational sustainability journey.

We’ve launched and promoted a wide range of learning opportunities and guidance, significantly expanding what we offer to members and the wider world
• Our cutting-edge research has gained headlines across the world focusing on the need to take action and drive change
• We’ve become the first global professional accountancy body to have its net zero targets verified by the Science-Based Targets initiative
• We’re mobilising our half a million members and future members across the world by inspirational campaigning
• We’ve influenced positive change among policymakers and businesses on stage at COP28 and through partnerships including with the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB)

 

The European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons – A shared vision for the ESCRS IOL Calculator

The ESCRS IOL Calculator is a valuable online tool designed to assist ophthalmologists in calculating the power of intraocular lenses (IOLs). An intraocular lens (IOL) is a tiny artificial lens that replaces the natural lens of the eye during cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange. The natural lens becomes cloudy due to cataracts, affecting vision. IOLs restore clear vision by focusing light onto the retina.

Calculating the correct IOL power is crucial for achieving optimal vision after surgery. Different formulas exist because no single formula fits all eyes equally well. This means that surgeons need to enter the measurements from the patient into different online calculation tools and compare the results. This is an arduous task open to error and the need to automate this would benefit the 7.5k members of ESCRS and the wider ophthalmology community as a whole.

Over 4 months the calculator had processed 1,274,051 calculations worldwide by 49,621 individual users. This significant digital transformation has had a positive impact for surgeons and patients alike and continues to improve outcomes globally.

 

Wonderly – Our Journey to Sustainable Event Excellence

Wonderly agency anchored their commitment to sustainable event management on a wider sustainability drive of the Haymarket Media Group. As a group, we have held ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 accreditations for years. As a testament to our dedication to environmental and energy management, in 2022, we transitioned all our UK offices to renewable energy. But it was in 2023 that we honed in on Sustainable Event Management and, as a result of this, we are the first UK event agency to have achieved the ISO 20121 certification for our sustainable event management practices.

We believe our commitment to transformative event sustainability practices aligns seamlessly with the award criteria, showcasing innovation, expertise, and success across all sustainability-focused dimensions. We aren’t just organising events; we’re on a mission to infuse sustainability into every project.