Celebrating Lianne Newton: 30 Years of Excellence Behind The Scenes in the Exhibitions Industry

As the Founder and Managing Director of Event Support Solutions (ESS), Lianne Newton has dedicated three decades to transforming and elevating the exhibitions industry. Her commitment to providing exceptional support to exhibition organisers across the UK, Europe and beyond has not only shaped her career but also left an indelible mark on the industry. To celebrate this remarkable milestone, we reached out to some of Lianne's colleagues from over the years to share their experiences and insights about working with her.

Adam Jones, Founder, FFAIR

"When I first worked with Lianne, she was the General Manager at SMS, and it was my first job as a floorplan designer. On my first day, my boss was unwell, so Lianne stepped in and showed me the ropes. We sat in the same office in the early days, so I was able to listen to her calls with all different kinds of stakeholders. It taught me so much about the industry, and the people in it" Adam reminisces.

"She's had a huge impact on the industry, but not in an immediately obvious way. What ESS does is hidden, and Lianne’s approach is understated. She's really modest, letting others take the glory. One of my early memories of Lianne was when I enjoyed listening to music while working. I arrived in the office one day to find a wall had been built, and I'd been shut into my own office!"

Andrew Abbotts, Co-founder & Director, Teem Services

"How many people can claim to be the best in the UK, Europe, or even the world at what they do?! I can’t name many, but Lianne tops the list. She's head and shoulders above everyone else. Her knowledge, attention to detail, tenacity and commitment to her craft that make everyone else's life easier are second to none! She also has the best naughty laugh in the industry!" Andrew shares fondly.

"We used to share an office and Lianne operated what can only be described as a  messy desk policy. Although resembling a bomb site, she always knew where everything was…until my sweeping right arm and a bit of gravity gave her a lovely new clean desk, and a messy new floor! That was the first time I saw the Lianne death stare! A sight to strike fear into any man!”

Andrew Sloane, Health & Safety Consultant

"I met Lianne in 2002 when she interviewed me for my first job in exhibitions. My first show was the British Motor Show, and someone had left last-minute, so I was the Health & Safety Manager despite never having worked at an exhibition before! Lianne was amazing at looking after not just me, but everyone on site. She's so perceptive – she knows if someone needs some support," Andrew recalls.

"We spent 28 days together in a Premier Inn, sharing quite a lot of wine and some good stories – most of them can't be shared here! The way she balances her business and her family is incredible. She also has an incredible ability to engage with everyone in their language, from a CEO to a contractor building something they shouldn’t. She’s the definition of a people person, and she gets the best out of everyone. Lianne is the benchmark. She also has a phenomenal memory. I honestly think the industry would collapse without her. Nobody does it better. She is so loved by the industry too. She has a heart the size of a house."

Michaela Kerr – Technical Director, ESS  

“Lianne is my boss, my sister and my best friend all wrapped up in one. Growing up and watching how she’s evolved from SMS to starting ESS and raising a family has really set the bar high and she’s been the best role model,” Michaela shared.  

“She started me off early, sending faxes from the SMS office during the school holidays to joining ESS at 19. Working alongside Lianne now, I can truly say, is a real privilege, even when her ‘messy desk’ policy still stands!”

Lianne’s 30-year journey in the exhibitions industry is a testament to her unwavering dedication, unparalleled expertise, and genuine care for those she works with. Her modesty, meticulousness, and ability to bring out the best in others have made her an invaluable asset to both her team and her clients, and a beloved figure in the industry.

From mentoring newcomers to setting industry standards, Lianne's impact is profound and far-reaching. Her ability to juggle business demands with family life, while maintaining a personal touch with everyone she encounters, sets her apart as a true leader and role model.

As the ESS team, its clients and friends from across the industry celebrate Lianne's 30th anniversary in the exhibitions industry, we recognise her remarkable achievements so far and look forward to many more years of excellence, influence and a lot of laughs along the way. Here’s to you, Lianne!