Chris Parnham, chief strategy officer at veSpace has been appointed as chair of event industry charity Meeting Needs, replacing Chris Peacock, director of Conference Care, who has stepped down from Meeting Needs for health reasons.

Vice-Chair Lene Corgan, of Meeting Needs, said: “It’s been a pleasure working alongside Chris Peacock, who has done a great job engaging a growing board of trustees and he is leaving the charity in a great place. To continue the growth of the charity, we are delighted to have appointed Chris Parnham, who’s energy and drive are legendary in the industry.”

Parnham began his life in the events industry with Barclays Bank as Head of Global Event 25 years ago, holding senior owner and director posts since then. After five years as MD at Zibrant, he left to acquire Absolute Corporate Events.

In 2020, he launched Absolute Digital Communications (ADC) and in 2021 ACE and ADC merged with Venues and Events International. Chris led the rebrand project which led to the launch of veSpace, the new name for Venues and Events International and ACE, and remains on the Board at veSpace.

In recent years, Chris spent two years as Chairman of the HBAA and was President of SITE GB until January this year.

Parnham said: “I am absolutely delighted and flattered to be invited to take over the Chair of Meeting Needs. Having supported and raised significant funds as part of my previous association roles, I am very excited to move to the cliff face and really add value to this amazingly worthwhile and relevant charity. As we celebrate our 20th anniversary year, I look forward to uniting our industry behind Meeting Needs and helping to shape the charity so that it is more than fit for the next 20 years.”