James Rees boasts more than 35 years’ experience in event organisation and major venue management. 

A recent ICCA President, the International Congress and Convention Association, James is currently the Executive Director of Conference & Events at ExCeL London, the UK capital’s largest event venue and the president of JMIC Joint Meeting Industry Council.

His career began as a conference organiser for UK-based Water Research Centre organising a variety of national and international events. This was followed by a move to Wembley Stadium Ltd, managing international conferences and exhibitions, as well as concerts for artists such as Madonna and Michael Jackson, and also the FA Cup.

James’ next move was to London Arena as Sales & Marketing Director working with the executive team to establish the venue, before in 2003 moving to join Hilton Hotels and being responsible for booking £30 million worth of conferences worldwide annually.

Shortly after this he joined the ExCeL London team where he’s also a member of the executive board.

During his career he’s also been Chair of the UK & Ireland Chapter of ICCA, an ICCA Board Director and President of JMIC (Joint Meetings Industry Council)