Izania Downie has been appointed as the new Executive Director of events industry trade association, Eventia, with effect from 29 August.

Downie joins the Association from Starwood Hotels and Resorts, where she has been working for four years – the last two of which have been as Global Account Director for the MICE sector.

A Commerce graduate from New Zealand specialising in marketing management, Downie has amassed 14 years’ experience in the Events industry, both in New Zealand and in the UK. Her career has spanned the corporate, agency and hotel sectors.

No stranger to Eventia, Downie was elected to the Association’s Board in 2005 and has been a prime mover on its Membership Committee, as well as being co-Chair of its Education Committee. She is also a member of MPI UK and has been involved in its Education Committee for the last two years.

Says Eventia Chairman Nigel Cooper: “I believe Izania’s combined agency, hotel and association experience gives her a formidable insight into the industry. Her responsibilities will centre around the management and growth of the Association ensuring that we are in contact with the members and delivering the key benefits they are asking for.”

Commenting on her appointment, Downie says: “I'm very excited about taking on this new challenge. A lot of background work has been done over the past year and now it's time to drive forward the new Association, deliver those key benefits to the membership and implement our vision and strategy.” 

“I see my role as three simple words 'Make it happen' and I'm up for that. However, as we know, delivery is a complex balance and requires the whole 'team' to pull together in order for this to happen. I know we have a lot of support out there and I'm looking forward to working with all of our members to make things happen, after all you only get out of it what you put in so with some good effort we could reap fantastic rewards. “