New co-chairs of Conference Working Group announced

Andrew Emery and Laura Gower have been appointed as co-chairs of the Conference Working Group (CWG) from June 2024.

Andrew has worked for Cardiff University for 25 years and is currently employed as the Research Development Manager for the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences. He is also an ARMA champion for the University and provides regular ARMA updates to staff. With a rich and diverse background in events management, Andrew previously held the role of Public Engagement Manager at Cardiff University.

Laura works at Northumbria University as a Project Manager for the NERC-funded IMPACT+ Network project. This multi-million-pound, multi-disciplinary project brings together industry and academics in design, environmental sciences, and forensic science to tackle sustainability and circularity across the fashion and textile industries. As Project Manager, Laura leverages her skills in project management, stakeholder engagement, and research support to ensure the successful delivery of research activity and the growth of the multi-stakeholder IMPACT+ Network.

Andrew joined CWG in 2019, initially preparing for the conference set to be held in Newport, South Wales. Despite its cancellation due to the COVID-19 crisis, Andrew has since gained comprehensive experience in organising virtual, hybrid, and in-person ARMA conferences. In this capacity, he organised numerous events, including conferences and public lectures. A highlight of his career was managing Cardiff University’s representation of Wales at the Smithsonian Festival in Washington, which involved a series of conference talks at the Smithsonian Museum and stands on the National Mall. Andrew also managed the university’s presence at the National Eisteddfod for several years, as well as the Hay Literature Festival, where he facilitated talks by academics on their research activities.

Laura joined CWG in 2023 and brings a wealth of conference and event organising experience and an enthusiasm for the positive difference being an ARMA member makes. She has extensive conference and event organising experience having led the development and delivery of several successful conferences and events during her career, including two TEDx events. She enjoys putting together conference programmes that are well thought out, based on audience needs, and use innovative and creative ways to engage others. She is keen to use her skills to help continue the excellent reputation of ARMA’s Annual Conference.

Andrew and Laura are taking over from Dr Jon Hunt, whose term came to an end after ARMA 2024. As co-chairs, they will lead the working group in its objective to facilitate the development of a high quality, innovative and topical programme for ARMA’s Annual Conference, including the identification of speakers, the abstract submission process and contributing to the successful conference delivery by chairing sessions.

Planning for ARMA 2025 is already underway with a call for topics now open for members and non-members to share ideas and suggestions on what next year’s conference should cover by Thursday 8 August.