NEC Strategic Insights Manager

Marc Aston has been appointed Strategic Insights Manager for the NEC – a newly created role that aims to create compelling commercial propositions based upon strategic industry insight that will drive value for exhibition organisers.  

As part of the role, Marc has been tasked with proactively monitoring a range of industries and marketplaces, regularly reviewing the competitive landscape and tracking trends. Using this knowledge, Marc will work alongside the NEC’s Market Development team to develop new commercial opportunities for exhibitions, and compile proposals for future growth opportunities. 

Richard Mann, Market Development Director at the NEC, said: “This new role opens a whole world of opportunity for the NEC and its exhibition organisers. Through Marc’s expertise we will be able to develop exciting propositions that will provide real additional value for our customers – we are thrilled to have him on board.

“The NEC has been operating in the live events industry for over 40 years, so we already have a huge amount of knowledge and experience that we are able to share with our organisers. This new role will help us to take the customer relationship even further; delivering on our promise to be a forward thinking venue partner and ensuring that we remain the UK’s number one venue in an increasingly competitive industry.” 

Marc joins the NEC from the world’s largest market research agency, Nielsen, where he held the role of Senior Client Manager and worked closely with a number high profile clients in the wine and spirits industry.

Commenting on his appointment, Marc said: “I am delighted to have joined the NEC and excited to have been given the opportunity to establish and develop this newly created role. I’ve already got a whole host of research and analytics experience under my belt and relish the challenge to use these skills in a completely new industry. The NEC hosts over 550 events each year, and I look forward to working with the organisers of these events and other prospective organisers to identify and develop innovative propositions.”