About the AAE

Damian Hutt FIEM

Executive Director

I’m responsible for the strategy and operational management of the Association of Association Executives, with all members of the team reporting to me. With the advice of members, Advisory Panel members, and the team, I decide what new products and services to offer, and how they should be fulfilled.

I have over 35 years experience in conferences and events, with 21 specifically supporting associations with their events, publishing, member engagement, and association management. I have headed up the AAE since its beginnings in 2006.

Email:

[email protected]

Phone:

+44 (0) 203 954 8000

Extension:

x4

Twitter:

DamianHutt

LinkedIn:

https://linkedin.com/in/damianhutt/

Cecilia Spoor EMIAM

Leadership Programme Director

I look after the leadership activities for the AAE. This involves chairing the Leaders Forums at the UK and the World Associations Congresses, as well the Leaders Summits and identifying other opportunities to support association leaders, for example new programmes and forums to bring Executive Heads together. 

I have been working on the AAE leaders events for eight years, contributed to the leadership aspects of all AAE's activities, and have an Executive Masters in International Association Management from Solvay Business School, Brussels.

Get in touch if you would like to hear more about our leadership activities at AAE or if you would like me to put you in touch with a trusted advisor or another executive director with experience of a particular issue. 

Email:

[email protected]

Vicky Gallagher

Conference & Events Manager
Association of Association Executives

I'm responsible for managing the AAE's portfolio of events and training courses, from the large congresses to the seminar and member meetings, working with other team members. 

I manage the speakers, the venues, suppliers, event mobile apps, delegate and speaker communications, budgeting and forecasting, and the operations onsite.

I started working for associations in 2010 and have worked for the ACCA, MSI Global Alliance and a variety of other organisations, including training businesses.

Email:

[email protected]

Phone:

+44 (0) 203 954 8000

Extension:

2

Anca Urdea

Awards & Success Story Manager

I've been with the AAE since 2011, and I manage the Association Success Awards programme of awards, and I produce the Association Success story case studies for our Resource Centre.
I have a BA in Sociology, and an MA from the University of Greenwhich, and am a certified Certified Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, a Certified Master Practitioner of Time Line Therapy and a Certified Master Hypnotist.

Email:

[email protected]

Sarah Stutt

Account & Content Manager

I have been with the AAE since 2018 where I ensure seamless event experiences by managing sponsor and exhibitor participation, while simultaneously fostering strong business partnerships. This includes collaborating with partners to optimise their event engagement and promotion strategies.

My commitment extends to the AAE's Resource Centre, where I curate valuable content (supplier updates, industry news, insightful articles) to keep members informed. Additionally, I actively support business partners by providing information and guidance on how to effectively engage with the AAE community and promote their services and products.

Email:

[email protected]

Phone:

+44 (0) 203 954 8000

Extension:

x3

Bori Csala

Seminar Programme & Membership Communications Manager

I'm responsible for developing and managing the Seminar programme and Member communications.

I'm working with our community of over 20,000 association employees and leaders as well as consultants to bring you business-critical content on transforming your products, services, membership, events, communications, governance and operationsal efficiency, as well as raising the value of your association and sector.

I'm bringing over 10 years experience in associations in multiple roles in European and International associations.

Email:

[email protected]

Simona Milenkova

Marketing Manager

Lian John

Research & Data

I am responsible for researching new members of the AAE community and ensuring our community system has the right information to enable the AAE to be a great success.

I have worked on association projects and have been researching associations since 2010 worldwide, and understand their personnel and roles and responsibilities.

I can help you to ensure your association data is up-to-date, or how to update it yourself directly, and can provide you different levels of access to our system online.

Email:

[email protected]