AEV welcomes Coventry University as an Academic Associate Member

The Association of Event Venues (AEV) has welcomed Coventry University as its newest academic associate member.

Launching in 2022, AEV Academic Associate Membership provides educational institutions with event management courses a link between venue members and students. Through membership, students have the opportunity to build relationships with the event venues industry, building a better understanding as they study, preparing them for the careers they may seek beyond their studies.

Dr Richard Tomlins, Group Regional Director for UK and Europe, Coventry University said: “We are delighted to be part of this collaboration with AEV, giving our event management students access to a wealth of support, knowledge and experience, on next to the real-world experience of the industry through AEV member locations and beyond.”

Tomlins continued: “I am grateful to Andy Ginn, Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor and his team at CU London for initiating this collaboration. The direct link with the events industry will ultimately result in our students gaining invaluable experience even before entering the industry.”

Academic Associate Members are given access to the AEV Academic Working Group, which is currently working on the creation of an AEV Event Management Diploma Endorsement Program to be launched in the autumn, in addition to the right to bring up to five students of event management diploma at the AEV annual conference.

Alden Arnold, Head of Commercial and Projects, commented: “The collaboration of our universities and member venues brings industry experience, fresh thinking and new talent. Many students have already benefited from the hands-on experience of AEV, attending our conferences at member locations in both support and participation capacities.”

Arnold added. “Students also have access to industry mentoring. As the network builds, greater opportunities will emerge for both students and our members, ensuring a future generation of experienced and passionate event industry professionals.”

Coventry University joins Manchester Metropolitan University, University of East London, Leeds Beckett University, University of West London, Birmingham City University, University College Birmingham and lead academic associate University of Greenwich as the eighth AEV Academic Associate Member .