The appointment was announced at the trade body's annual general meeting on Friday 12 June at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel in London.
The meeting also saw Mark Saxby, sales and marketing director at agency World Events, appointed as Eventia vice-chair, and Stephan Roberge, managing director of Monaco Tourist Authority and Convention Bureau UK and Ireland, join the board.
Standing down from the board were:
Jonathan Cohen, marketing manager, conference and incentive travel, Visit Denmark
Gary England, director of sales and marketing, Ascot Hospitality
Clive Tyers, head of conferences and exhibitions, Bournemouth International Centre
John Walker, managing director, Oxford International
Re-elected to the board were:
Rob Allen, chief executive, TRO
Hamish Reid, general manager, Jersey Conference Bureau
Aileen Reuter, director, marketing, Grass Roots
Matt Storey, head of business development, Gallowglass
Commenting on his new role, Taylor said: "We have many challenges in the current economic climate and it is imperative that Eventia offers a visibility as well as a voice for the industry.
"We want to achieve many things, such as: a wider range of membership, including more production companies and venues; targeting the corporate and association markets for membership; offerring greater networking and education opportunities; and continuing to offer best advice in the new legislation that is planned, such as changes to the Tour Operators Margin Scheme."