The International Special Events Society (ISES) UK chapter has reached its highest number of members to date; nearly hitting its target of 250, new president Jonathan Byrne has revealed.

“The UK chapter is now one the largest in the world,” he said. “This membership growth, together with events income and sponsorship means ISES UK is financially very strong as an organisation and we have a solid base for growth.”

Byrne, also COO of 4 Hamilton Place in London, added that Meet in Ireland had confirmed its sponsorship for 2011 and 2012. Meanwhile, new sponsor, staffing agency Crewsaders, had agreed to undertake a research programme on behalf of the society.

“We’ve narrowed it down to seven possible areas for the research and will be putting the ideas out to members to see if it’s the sort of thing they want to discuss,” he said. Other initiatives include a discounted ‘First Steps’ membership for those in their first year of employment.

Outgoing president Richard Foulkes said it was a bittersweet experience to be handing over ‘his baby’ but that he was confident Byrne would continue to expedite the strategy devised by himself and previous president Zanine Adams. “I achieved 70 per cent of my objectives and I know Jonathan will achieve the rest or set new ones,” he said.

Byrne added that he did not want to make any major changes under his presidency: “It’s my job to be the guardian of what is a damn good brand because that will strengthen ISES for the future.”

At the event, which took place at The Deck at the National Theatre, Byrne also announced that Bonnie May, global operations director of Global Infusion Group, had been named as ISES president elect.

Foulkes, director of Imagination, will officially hand over the reins at the society’s AGM and summer party onboard HMS President on the Thames on 11 July.