Brooks, whose company runs B2B exhibitions and international trade fairs like the upcoming EMEC Europa, was elected at the AEO annual general meeting.
He takes over the role from Tarsus Group managing director Douglas Emslie who has held it since 2009.
Brooks said that under his watch the AEO would "make promoting the industry its priority and through its marketing arm, FaceTime, will drive activity that influences the people who spend money on events."
He also said the AEO would look to grow its membership, after a loss of 11 organiser memberships in 2010.
Quartz Business Media MD Paul Michael was also elected vice chairman of the board, replacing Upper Street Events MD Paul Byrom.
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