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More than 200 event professionals attended the event, where Baker outlined her plans as president over the 2014/15 year.

She told Event that the association’s new focus would be on fine-tuning member benefits in the industry and listening to what members want from ISES. This began at the AGM itself, where guests could answer a short survey on what they want from their membership. "It’s really to see what the priorities are and gear events towards those," she said.

Baker also plans to host an extended series of networking events, engage with the technology sector at events such as the Event Technology Awards, up membership numbers to 200 and connect with other chapters around the globe.

"We’re reminding members that we are a global association and that there are ways of connecting globally, such as getting involved in international awards," she explained. "It’s about using that online facility to connect too – it’s not just about going to the events over in the US, you can create a web profile and start making introductions."

A new educational partnership with Ashdown Academy, which offers CIM-accredited courses, was also announced.

Finally, Baker addressed the question of changing the association’s name, in regards to the media coverage of the similar-sounding terrorist group Isis. She said: "As far as I’m aware, that question hasn’t been asked by members before. I don’t think its something we can change easily as our name comes from US. I think what we might need to start doing is calling ourselves the International Special Event Society and not just ISES."

Alongside Baker, Kevin Jackson takes on the role of president elect; Graham Brown, director of PR; Cecilia Lavin, director of membership; Jacqui Partridge, director of programs; Peter Kerwood, director of marketing and communications; Mary Baird-Wilcock, director of finance; Jan Booth, director of exhibitions; Toby Heelis, director of partnerships, and Terrence Corness is the director of education.

After the presentations, guest explored the north London venue, where agency House Of Beau worked with event design company Partridge Events to surprise guests with live performers and a number of different themed areas. Other suppliers included Exquisite Cocktails, Ravenous Catering and Events, Event Prop Hire, Giant Itab and Tweet Wall Pro.

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