beam has announced the appointment of David Tremmil as its incoming Chair and Linden Beattie as its incoming Vice Chair, with both roles taking effect from 1 February 2026.
The leadership handover will be formally marked at beam’s Gala Dinner on 30 January 2026, taking place in the Masters Suite at The Belfry, as current Chair Louisa Watson officially steps down following a highly impactful year leading the association.
David Tremmil, Managing Director of Inloco Events, steps into the role of Chair, having served as beam’s Vice Chair, ensuring continuity and continued collaboration and growth to the association. His appointment follows a year of leadership alongside Louisa Watson, who made history as the first venue representative to serve as Chair of beam.
Linden Beattie, General Manager of Down Hotel, Spa & Estate, will assume the role of Vice Chair while continuing in his position as the association’s Finance Director, ensuring financial stability and consistency as the association enters its next chapter.
Together, the appointments reflect beam’s commitment to balanced representation across the business events ecosystem, with leadership spanning agencies, venues and suppliers.
During her year as Chair, Louisa led the association through a period of significant progress and industry challenge. Key achievements included the upcoming launch of beam’s Service Charge for MICE Best Practice guidance, a comprehensive review of the Code of Practice, and landmark advocacy work in collaboration with the MIA and The Business of Events, resulting in the submission of 19 new SIC codes to the Department for Business and Trade for review with the ONS. A major step forward in improving national recognition of the business events industry.
beam’s 2025 events programme delivered a series of standout moments for members, including the Summer Annual Forum, the inaugural State of the Nation at Westminster, a collaborative ESG event with the MIA, a sold-out Finance Forum, and the continued success of Leaders Lunches and All Member Meetings, all designed to encourage open, honest dialogue between agents and venues. Throughout the year, beam also raised vital funds for its charity partner, Rainbow Trust, with plans to expand fundraising activity in 2026.
The association continued to invest in its future through strategic partnerships, including a new technology partnership with Cvent, closer collaboration with the Business Travel Association, and the opening of new international opportunities for UK buyers following engagement with IACC. beam also maintained its role as a Corporate Group Member of the APPG for Events, reinforcing its advocacy credentials ahead of key sector discussions in 2026.
Louisa Watson, outgoing Chair of beam, commented:
“It has genuinely been an honour to serve as Chair of beam. This year has been energetic, challenging and incredibly rewarding, and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together, from meaningful advocacy and stronger partnerships to events that brought our community closer. beam’s strength lies in its people, and I leave the role as Chair confident that the association is in a brilliant position as we head into 2026. I look forward to supporting David and Linden as Past Chair while continuing my work as ESG Director, building on what we’ve achieved together.”
David Tremmil, incoming Chair of beam, said:
“Stepping into the role of Chair after serving as Vice Chair is a real privilege. Louisa leaves an incredible legacy, and I want to thank her for the energy and leadership she has brought to the association. I am focused on building on that momentum. I want to ensure we strengthen advocacy, deepen collaboration across the industry and ensure beam continues to deliver real value for its members.”
Linden Beattie, incoming Vice Chair and beam Finance Director, added:
“beam has had a standout year, and it’s exciting to support the association through this next phase. Continuing my role as Finance Director alongside Vice Chair allows me to help ensure stability and long-term sustainability, while working closely with David and the board to grow beam’s impact and member engagement.”
The handover will take place during beam’s Gala Dinner on 30 January 2026, marking both a celebration of the year gone by and the start of a new leadership chapter for the association. Tickets for beam’s flagship event of the year are still available – don’t miss out and book yours today.
