The Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO) has appointed Karen Edwards, senior events specialist at Bright Events, and Jessica Letters, Head of Events at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, as its new co-chairs.
The appointments were confirmed at ABPCO’s Annual General Meeting on 11 June, where members also celebrated another successful year for the Association, marked by continued membership growth, record revenues, enhanced training opportunities and strong attendance and feedback across its flagship events.
Edwards and Letters will serve a two-year term, succeeding outgoing Co-Chairs Pauline Beattie and Sammy Connell, who have helped guide the association through a period of significant growth and development.
Together, the new Co-Chairs bring a wealth of experience from across the events sector. Letters has built an outstanding reputation within the association and medical conference community, leading award-winning events for the Royal College of Psychiatrists and championing accessibility and inclusivity through innovative delegate experiences.
Under her leadership, the College’s flagship International Congress has earned industry recognition, while initiatives including wellbeing programmes, neurodivergent-friendly catering and inclusive event design have set new standards for member events.
Edwards brings extensive operational expertise gained from delivering some of the world’s largest and most complex events.
Her portfolio includes COP26, COP28, the Conservative Party Conference, international conferences and major exhibitions, alongside a passion for mentoring future event professionals and supporting the industry’s development.
The AGM also showcased ABPCO’s expanding programme of professional development, specialist member groups and strategic partnerships, reflecting the
Association’s growing influence across the UK association and not-for-profit events sector.
Letters said: “I’m really excited about the opportunity. I’ve seen first-hand how much amazing work is undertaken by ABPCO members and I’m keen for us to continue supporting our member groups and the wider membership. We have an incredibly engaged community, and I’m looking forward to helping ensure ABPCO continues to deliver meaningful value, professional development and opportunities for everyone involved.”
Edwards added: “I love what ABPCO does and the membership is so friendly, welcoming, energetic and positive. I can’t wait to get started. We’re taking up our Chairs at an exciting time and we’re passionate about building on the fantastic work already underway, strengthening our educational offering and supporting event professionals as they continue to raise standards across our industry.”
Looking ahead, Edwards and Letters will focus on further strengthening ABPCO’s educational programme, enhancing the value delivered through its flagship events, and supporting the Association’s specialist taskforces and member groups as they tackle the evolving challenges facing event professionals.
Matt Stalker, executive director of ABPCO, said: “It’s an exciting time to be part of ABPCO. We’re a growing organisation with more members and an expanding programme of CPD and support services for our community. I’m looking forward to working with Jessica and Karen as ABPCO enters the next phase of its development.”
He added: “Their combined experience across association events, large-scale conference delivery, operational excellence and member engagement makes them ideally placed to help shape ABPCO’s future. Together, we’ll continue supporting our members, championing best practice and ensuring the Association remains at the forefront of professional development for the events industry.”