The association is planning a series of activities under the PPA Events banner, which include: hosting regular member forums on issues relevant to events professionals; undertaking research projects to gauge the scale and potential for publishers in this area; and holding a dedicated conference and awards to share best practice and highlight the talent within this booming sector of the publishing industry.
PPA Events will be led by a board of industry representatives responsible for overseeing the group’s strategy and initiatives. The PPA Events Board will be chaired by Faversham House CEO Amanda Barnes with support from Joe Hames, Business Media Manager of the PPA.
Barry McIlheney, CEO of the PPA, said: “Publishers’ revenues have shifted considerably in recent years, particularly in the case of our B2B members. According to the PPA’s Publishing Futures annual census, 30% of the revenue of PPA Business members is now derived from conferences, exhibitions, awards and other face-to-face or digital events, and we are keen to support our members in expanding their businesses in this exciting growth area.”
Joe Hames, PPA Business Media Manager, said: “Live events continue to emerge as a vital part of our members’ businesses. Many of today’s publishing brands deliver great content to specialist audiences in a face-to-face environment in the same way they deliver great content via digital channels or in more traditional print formats. It’s important for the PPA to work alongside our members and support them as they change and grow in this way, and this is what PPA Events has been set up to achieve.”
Amanda Barnes, CEO of Faversham House and Chair of PPA Events, said: “Faversham House has a vibrant and growing events portfolio serving our B2B professional audiences. The PPA Events initiative reflects the increasing importance of events to many publishers, and is a welcome addition to the excellent services the PPA provides its members.”
