Association of Event Venues

Overview

The Association of Event Venues (AEV) is the UK's primary trade association for event venues. Based in Barnet, the association represents the interests of venues across the country that host a wide range of events, from conferences and corporate functions to weddings, exhibitions, and entertainment. The AEV serves as the collective voice for the event venue sector, advocating for venue operators and supporting them in navigating industry challenges and opportunities. Whether you run a hotel ballroom, conference centre, historic estate, dedicated event space or other venue hosting events, the AEV is designed to help you succeed within a competitive and evolving sector.

Who Should Join?

Membership of the Association of Event Venues is intended for organisations that operate or manage event spaces and venues in the UK. This includes:

• Hotel and resort venues hosting events, conferences and private functions
• Dedicated event venues and function spaces
• Conference centres and convention facilities
• Historic estates, gardens and outdoor venues used for events
• Arts venues, theatres and entertainment spaces that host events
• Venue managers, operators and proprietors
• Venue management companies

If your organisation generates business or revenue from hosting events, or if you are involved in the management or operation of event spaces, the AEV may be relevant to you. The association primarily serves venue operators and decision-makers within venue organisations, though it may also be valuable for professionals working in venue management, sales, operations or event coordination roles.

Why Join?

Membership of the AEV provides venue operators with several distinct advantages in a competitive sector. The association offers a platform to stay informed about industry trends, regulatory changes and best practice developments that directly affect how venues operate. For venue teams managing challenges such as staffing, customer expectations, safety requirements and business recovery, membership can provide practical guidance and solutions informed by shared experience across the sector.

The AEV strengthens the collective position of UK event venues through industry advocacy and engagement with government and regulatory bodies. Members benefit from being part of a unified voice representing venue interests during policy discussions and industry negotiations. This connection to a larger professional community also provides opportunities to learn from peers facing similar operational and commercial challenges.

Beyond advocacy and peer support, membership offers venues practical benefits that can improve operations and competitiveness. These may include access to industry knowledge, networking opportunities, recognition within the sector, and resources to support business development and professional growth.

Member Benefits & Opportunities

The AEV provides members with access to industry information, best practice guidance and resources relevant to venue management and operations. Membership typically includes networking opportunities with other venue operators, allowing you to share experiences, learn from peers and build relationships within the sector. Members may also benefit from recognition and visibility through association channels and events.

The association represents a collaborative platform where venue professionals can engage with colleagues facing similar challenges, whether in customer service, operations, marketing, or business development. Through membership, venues can amplify their profile and demonstrate their commitment to professional standards within the event venue sector.

Industry Role & Professional Standing

The Association of Event Venues plays an important role as the sector's representative body. The AEV advocates on behalf of UK event venues in discussions with government, regulatory bodies and industry partners. The association monitors developments in areas such as employment law, health and safety, licensing and planning regulations that impact venues, helping members stay informed and compliant.

By joining the AEV, venue operators connect themselves to an established professional community with defined standards and collective influence within the events and hospitality sectors. Membership demonstrates commitment to professional practice and association with an industry body that represents the interests of UK event venues.

For more information about membership and the services available, visit the Association of Event Venues at www.aev.org.uk or contact the association at their Barnet office.