David Vaughton FIH, managing director of EEF Venues, has been appointed chairman of Venues of Excellence, the 36-strong consortium of quality venues.
He takes over the role one year after the consortium’s rebranding, which has resulted in a 31% growth in membership over the past twelve months.
David Vaughton said: “Having served on the board of Venues of Excellence for the last 13 years, I am honoured to take over the role of chairman of Venues of Excellence. This is an exciting time for the consortium and I look forward to strengthening the positioning of the brand further as the leading sales and marketing resource for exceptional venues.
“Our long term strategic goal is to continue to build on our success over the last two decades and to extend our membership to 50 members by 2020.”
EEF Venues’ three venues – Broadway House in Westminster, Woodland Grange in Leamington Spa and Engineers’ House in Bristol – have been members of the consortium for several years and they continue to reap the benefits of being under the Venues of Excellence umbrella.
David Vaughton said: “At EEF Venues we have first-hand experience of the many benefits of membership of Venues of Excellence, such as strategic partner alignment, enhanced brand visibility, marketing leverage, training and networking opportunities.
“The sharing of best practice is particularly insightful because what unites all members is a common ethos of quality and customer care excellence. As the consortium continues to grow, we anticipate enhanced opportunities for members to seize all of the advantages that strength by numbers brings.”
Before joining the consortium, prospective venues have to meet stringent criteria in terms of quality, facilities, accommodation and customer care.
”The promotion of best practice and return on investment for members will continue to be key drivers going forward,” said David Vaughton.
“The quality and diversity of our members, ranging from stadia, hotels and sports venues to academic and residential venues, makes Venues of Excellence a unique industry voice within the UK MICE sector.”