FEA to merge marketing and exhibition committees

The Foodservice Equipment Association (FEA) has announced that it will be merging its marketing committee and exhibition liaison committee.

Malcolm Harling (pictured), sales and marketing director of Williams Refrigeration, is stepping down as chair of revenue and marketing committee. Harling commented: "The overlapping responsibilities of the two committees meant that there was good reason to restructure in line with our strategic plan. A lot of the work in marketing was involved in our exhibitions, so it makes sense to combine the two and avoid duplication.

"On another point, I hope the merger will allow us to bring younger blood into the committee as we build for the future."

John Whitehouse, chair of FEA, added: "Malcolm has certainly served his time – he first joined the marketing committee back in 2001. I'd like to say a personal thank you to him for his sterling work. FEA's profile has gone from strength to strength in recent years, and in no small measure that's been down to his leadership of, support of and input into the marketing effort."

While he is stepping down from chairing one committee, Harling will continue to chair the FEA refrigeration product group forum and remains a member of FEA Council. Meanwhile Simon Lohse, who is managing director of Rational UK, will chair the new combined revenue and marketing and exhibition liaison committee.

With the pandemic encouraging further use of digital technology, FEA has established a digital marketing expert group to help in the development of its events, training, exhibition and statistics elements.

FEA is currently developing a series of virtual events for operators and suppliers to discover the latest advances and advice in FEA's key areas, as well as current issues such as food waste and FOG (fats, oil and grease), connectivity and Brexit.