Hughes, formerly director of live events at the now-defunct Central Office of Information, believes the industry needs to find a better home when it comes to engaging the government with the economic growth potential that it represents.
"Losing Jeremy Hunt to health is an indication of how the success he enjoyed as a result of riding on the back of the Olympic Games triumph can turn careers around," he said.
"I'm not convinced that losing the understanding and insight that his role gave him into the dynamic world of staging major events will be a good thing for the industry as a whole."
Echoing comments made by some political observers, Hughes added: "Maria Miller coming into the post at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport is an unknown quantity. What we do know is that she now has two roles to fulfil and a plan to reduce the DCMS by 50%.
"The announcement that John Penrose is stepping down as Tourism Minister because of his worries over the lack of resources only serves to underline this problem. John proved to be a strong advocate for tourism, but it appears now that the Olympic legacy priorities for a much-reduced department will be sport and culture related."
Despite the challenges, Hughes believes there are some positive developments to come out of the changes.
"Paul Deighton (ex-Locog CEO) being given a role in the Treasury must be good news, because his experience and understanding of what this industry can deliver is in many ways unique. Some of the other appointments at a lower ministerial level in the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills also give us new people to talk to who seem to be focused on business growth opportunities."
He concluded: "It will be critical for the whole of the event industry to engage with the right people and make our case as a major employer, representing a huge creative sector and a world-class workforce that really can drive success forward for the country."
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