About Chris Hartley
30+
Years in Events & Venues
£20m+
Revenue generated for clients
1,000s
of events delivered
15+
Venues Transformed
Trade Shows & Event Organisations
Chris began his career with Centaur Communications and Reed Exhibitions, progressing from Sales Executive to Exhibition Director. He spent nearly two decades organising and running trade shows across multiple sectors, learning how to attract exhibitors, drive attendance, and deliver commercial events with measurable ROI.
Key roles: Sales Executive → Sales Manager → Exhibition Director → Group Event Director at Reed Exhibitions and Advanstar Communications
Business Development Director, National Exhibition Centre (NEC)
At one of the UK's largest venue and exhibition operators, Chris led business development strategy, working across venue sales, client retention, and new business acquisition. This role gave him deep insight into multi-stream venue operations and the commercial dynamics of large-scale event spaces.
Commercial Director, LiveBuzz
Chris built and managed a sales team for an award-winning event registration and staffing provider, growing the client base from 89 events to over 150 and generating £2m+ in turnover. He opened a London office, introduced CRM systems, and secured major contracts with organisers including Centaur, Haymarket, and Media 10.
Results: Contracted £871k of new business revenue | Reduced cost of sales from 31% to 28% | Opened London office at Business Design Centre
Managing Director, NAEC Stoneleigh
Chris was brought in to transform NAEC Stoneleigh from "the best kept secret in the events industry" into a commercially successful, multi-industry exhibition and conference centre. Leading a team of 40 across venue management, technical events, and a 58-bedroom guest house, he restructured sales and marketing to drive occupancy, pricing, and new business.
Results: Revenue grew from £5.2m to £6.6m | EBITDA increased from £681k to £922k | Events grew from 220 to nearly 300 | New business increased from 21 events to 126 | Enquiries rose from 225 to 970 with 15% conversion | Nominated for two prestigious industry awards (AEO Excellence and EN Awards)
Founder, Hartley Consulting & Events
After three decades of hands-on experience across venue management, event organisation, sales, and business development, Chris founded HCE to help venues unlock their corporate potential. He works with venues, destinations, event organisers, and suppliers to identify opportunities, build commercial strategies, and turn underused assets into consistent bookings.
Current focus: Helping venues with strong primary purpose expand into secondary corporate markets through strategic review, business development strategy, and hands-on sales support
Influencing The Industry
BOARD MEMBER
Representing venues and suppliers as part of the Local Visitor Economy Partnership, helping shape the region’s tourism strategy and commercial direction.
JUDGE
Now in his third year judging the region’s leading tourism awards, Chris brings hands-on insight into what’s working, what’s changing, and where the sector’s heading.
What Sets Chris Apart
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Midlands, United Kingdom
07736 107770
Chris Hartley