Ian Houghton

Like many good ideas, MAD//Fest came to fruition in a pub. A motley crew of marketers, start-ups, disruptors, tech types and media folk started talking about events over a few beers. Wouldn’t it be good if there was an event that actually brought together the great and the good? Something that packs a punch with no-nonsense, relevant content? A space where people can have a bit of fun rather than fall asleep in the back row? And so, three pints in, MAD//Fest was born. We believe in making an event that people want, not force feeding the same tired trade show format on people who want more value for their time and money. This means bucketloads of inspiring content and thousands of cherry-picked industry influencers to meet and feast on new ideas, relationships and partnerships. So this event is for you, the people who are carving out the future of marketing, advertising and technology. Meet the biggest brands and freshest start-ups. Join our celebration of London’s unique identity as a hub of innovation, creativity and culture. What does this mean? Check out our charter to see what we’re all about.

Dull, identikit trade shows have had their day. MAD//Picnic & MAD//Fest are the new “Must Attend” festival events where marketing, advertising and disruptive tech leaders connect, realise opportunities and do business in a fun, informal and creative space.

Events consultancy business, currently working commercially and strategically with major global event organisers and government agencies

Consultant to the Government, specifically at UK Trade and Investment. Heading up their commercial relationships. Devised and leading the Event Alliance Strategy involving creating commercially viable partnerships between the government and UK/International event organisers. Helping the organisers to grow their business and UKTi to introduce over 100,000 UK SMEs to new international market regions for them to export their products and services to. Responsible for the creation and launch of the world's biggest virtual events hub, featuring 800 events across 44 industry sectors annually. Also leading sponsorship activity for UKTI globally. Available for new consultancy contracts from March 2014 onwards

Driving revenues and growth across a £30m portfolio of live events, through organic, complimentary and acquisition.

Defining and executing sales strategy to exponentially increase revenues and profits

Commercial leader of the world's largest conference business, driving revenues and growth through clearly defined strategy and hands on execution

Through personal efforts and leadership, developing a magazine group into a multi-media, live event and digital offering, future proofed for growth

Ad Director of Lloyd's List, the oldest daily newspaper in the world, specialising in Shipping, insurance, energy and finance. Running the London, Hong Kong, Dubai and New York based sales operation

Assistant ad manager on Conference and Incentive Travel magazine