Member Spotlight
On this page we shine a spotlight on AEME Members. Please scroll down to find out more.
Member Spotlight: Centre for Events and Festivals (CEF)
What does your organisation do?
The Centre for Events & Festivals (CEF) (www.eventsandfestivals.org) is the international professional body for the events industry. CEF exists to advance the professionalisation of events and festivals worldwide by connecting industry leaders, academics, policymakers and practitioners. Through professional development, recognition, research, standards, training and industry tools, CEF supports event professionals throughout their careers. Our mission is to harness collective intelligence to set global standards, develop accessible learning opportunities, recognise excellence, share research and advocate for the power and impact of events. CEF's long-term ambition is to become the world's first Chartered Institute for Events and Festivals by 2030.
Why have you joined AEME?
CEF has joined AEME to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry and to contribute to the continued professionalisation of the events sector. We recognise the important role that AEME plays in advancing event education, research and knowledge exchange. Through membership, we look forward to sharing insights, collaborating on research and professional development initiatives, and supporting pathways between higher education and industry practice. As a global professional body, CEF is committed to fostering international partnerships that enhance standards, develop future talent and ensure that research informs practice while industry challenges shape future scholarship and education.
How can other AEME members engage with you?
AEME members can engage with CEF through becoming a university partner (https://www.eventsandfestivals.org/partners/university). Partnerships provide programme accreditation and use of the CEF Accredited Programme logo, Associate Fellowship (CEF-AF) for graduates, student membership, access to CEF's global experts network, research and teaching resources, EventsPRO™ courses, mentoring, careers support, speaking opportunities, Professor Board representation, industry events, and collaboration on research, professional development and knowledge exchange initiatives.
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Member Spotlight: Calm Nest Collective
What does your organisation do?
Calm Nest Collective works with event organisers, venues, and production teams to create sensory-friendly, neuroinclusive event spaces and experiences. We design quiet sensory rooms, and practical event journeys that reduce overwhelm and help more people, visitors and event crews alike, to take part comfortably. Our work supports inclusive event design from planning through delivery, with a focus on accessibility, psychological safety, workforce wellbeing, clear communication and more. Through our Calm by Design Framework, we help events teams embed inclusion into layouts, signage, sound, lighting, and visitor & crew experience. We aim to make events calmer, kinder, and more accessible for everyone.
Why have you joined AEME?
I joined AEME because I believe events education and practice need to reflect the realities of who attends and works in our sector. Calm Nest Collective is rooted in the idea that inclusive event design should be embedded from the start, not added as an afterthought. AEME offers a valuable space to connect with educators, researchers, and practitioners who care about shaping a more ethical, inclusive, and responsive events industry. I wanted to join a network that supports learning, discussion, and challenge around how we design, teach, and deliver events more thoughtfully.
How can other AEME members engage with you?
Members can connect with me around inclusive event design, neuroinclusion, accessibility, sensory-friendly spaces, and visitors & crew wellbeing. I’m open to guest talks and panel hosting engagements, workshops, research conversations, and collaboration on events education and practice. I’d especially welcome connections from those interested in making event experiences more accessible and inclusive.