Sonal R Patel is an award-winning Executive Producer and Partner at Brunswick Group. She is Group Head of Brunswick Creative, managing world-class creative and production specialists executing critical campaigns and content across design, film, live events, and digital content for multi-national businesses.

Sonal advocates for creative storytelling in corporate communications and advises global clients at Board level on performance and executive visibility.

As a former broadcast news journalist, Sonal has been writing, producing and directing for over 20 years.

“I’m excited to sink my teeth into the Chair role for EVCOM. Despite the challenges faced by our industry, we’re poised for a transformative year. Our focus remains unwavering: to celebrate and accelerate the success of creative industries across the UK. We’re dedicated to nurturing young talent and championing creativity and storytelling. And, our commitment extends beyond EVCOM—to unite and strengthen the entire sector. This year, our goal is clear: to elevate EVCOM as a driving force for success and innovation, shaping a future where creativity knows no limits. We can only achieve this in collaboration with our members and anticipate working more closely with each of you.”

Connie is a seasoned event professional with over 20 years’ experience and has made significant contributions on both the agency and corporate fronts. Her leadership journey includes the creation and management of event specialist teams supporting dedicated accounts on complex initiatives. With an eye on innovation, Connie has actively contributed to the evolution of best practices in the event industry.

Connie currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Operations for FIRST, a global brand experience agency that connects people to the world’s top brands. Connie oversees embedded team operations and her dedication to FIRST has spanned 14 years, during which she has held multiple key leadership roles.

“I am delighted to be a part of the board for EVCOM. Serving in this capacity allows me to contribute to the dynamic realms of both event and film production, where every occasion becomes an opportunity to create a unique and memorable experience. My passion lies in nurturing talent and fostering positive change, aligning closely with EVCOM’s vision and purpose. Together, we can continue to shape the industry, support creative initiatives, and make a long-term impact on the way events and films connect with audiences, leaving a lasting impression.”

With a 25-year career in production, Jules initially worked in broadcasting, finding her niche as a shooting P/D on the long-running BBC1 daytime series City Hospital. From there she transitioned to producing and directing films for the NHS and various government departments, sparking a passion for delivering impactful messages to the right audience. She took this understanding to the national charity RNIB where she headed up film production for over 5 years before moving into leadership roles with creative agencies. Now working independently, she specialises in crafting strong content for clients, including agencies and brands, with a focus on responsible business issues. As a BACP registered integrative counsellor and coach (with an interest in neurodiversity) she also brings a unique perspective to workplace dynamics.

“It has been a rewarding experience to contribute to the EVCOM board over the past four years, including a two-year term as Chairperson. In that time, I’ve been delighted to help facilitate the initiation of our shadow board, which feels like a significant development. While I highly value the wisdom and ideas of our experienced board members, I believe embracing new voices is crucial for our growth and development. Research underscores the importance of diversity in successful organisations, extending beyond race and gender (although, of course, this remains a priority). It involves providing a platform for the ideas of the next generation to shine through and be heard. This inclusive approach is paramount for the evolution of our industry. We need to foster new talent, creating workplaces that are both inclusive and responsible, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

Tim is a freelance director & filmmaker available for hire who can write too; from pitch to screen.  He’s been making corporate films since the year dot spliced with TV documentary work; from short to long form. Specialist knowledge of the energy sector, financial services, NGO’s & charities. Strengths; human stories, emotion, interviewing & imaginative storytelling; and telling engaging, impactful stories on a tight budget is part of my DNA.

“Freelancers are resourceful, tenacious, adaptable and deserving of respect – especially when times are hard – so please treat them well; they will repay you tens times over.”

Whatever the audio-visual digital innovation Andrew has been at the forefront. Whether it be Film Video, Augmented Reality, 360 Filming mobile apps, projection to buildings, or 100 m long screens at US Expos. 

Championing worldwide brands such as McLaren, Vodafone, Sony, Blackberry, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Salesforce, Douwe Egbert’s and P&O, Nissan, PG Tips and IHG where Andrew oversaw the entire creative execution for the rebranding of Holiday Inn Hotels worldwide.  

Andrew’s work, which includes Apps, Augmented Reality, brand commercials, title sequences and product launches have seen him work across a myriad of mediums, from TV and cinema advertising to outdoor digital, and radio commercials to internal corporate communications, Andrew has become a leader in creative communication, and an established heavy-weight in global through-the-line communications. 

On the way to picking up numerous awards, Andrew’s approach to visual communications involves gaining a thorough understanding of the client’s objectives and reaching the audience in new and exciting ways, whilst maintaining a strong adherence to the client’s creative brief. 

Amongst an array of awards, Andrew is a winner New York Film Festival, and most global awards. Production Company of the Year both in Film and AR, multiple awards, and write-ups in Time Magazine. He is also the Past Chairman of EVCOM the film, video and live events industry body and the longest-serving board member of the IVCA, EVCOM and continues to make ground-breaking visual communications for a host of worldwide brands. 

Andrew brings to business the rare blend of creative experience and commercial acumen. He operates with passion, integrity and delivers businesses and their key stakeholders with strategic guidance on high performance driving exponential business growth, change and strategic leadership. Smart, agile, and motivated, possesses a proven track record of building relationships to support the overall vision of the companies, is outcome-focused and delivers timely and accurate planning for strategic decision-making driving brand growth and profitability. 

“EVCOM brings all of the players in film, video and live events together. I have been on the board for over 15 years and extremely proud to be a part of it. EVCOM plays a pivotal role in ensuring that our work maintains high standards of quality and ethical conduct. By advocating for our collective interests, organising recognition through awards, and facilitating knowledge-sharing, it contributes significantly to the growth, professionalism, and resilience of our collective industries.”

Dale has been in the presentation and communication industry for over 40 years. He left school with one goal to run his own business, after just 3 years the opportunity arose and Dale took it, operating at first from a shed at his parent’s home as a filmmaker. 

Today drpg is recognised as one of the leading integrated, full service presentation and communication groups, winning agency of the year multiple times. The drpg team comprises of over 400 specialists across seven locations in Worcestershire, London, Windsor, Manchester, Germany, and the USA. 

drpg designs and produces communications solutions globally. Working with a wide range of corporate clients to effectively communicate to internal and external audiences, all through award-winning film & video, events, experiential, print, design, digital, exhibition and creative solutions. 

Dale is past Chairman of EVCOM and he is actively involved with key corporate clients, he works at a senior level assisting in the development of communication strategies and creating presentation vehicles. 

Dale is passionate about sustainability and believes businesses should be fully integrated into the community. DRPG was the first agency globally to gain the ISO14001 and ISO20121 accreditations plus in 2023 being awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Growth and more recently B-Corp. 

The past 17 years Sustainability and CSR has been a major priority for all the group’s operations. Embracing the triple line principle of people, planet, profit. With an active community programme, a series or environmental initiatives which include renewable energy, zero land fill waste and elimination of single use plastic. Also championing accessibility, inclusion and responsible business. 

Dale is passionate about nurturing new talent and putting his people first. The company holds the Investors in People platinum standard, one of only 1% of companies who have IIP status.  

In 2015 he was presented with the events industry personality of the year and in 2016 honoured with a fellowship award for services to Communication, presented at the House of Lords. In 2022 Dale was awarded CIPR Leader of the Year. 

“Our industry is built on collaboration and communication, I strongly believe across the channels we operate we sometimes need to put aside the competitiveness and work together to create a strong voice for our sector, develop new talent and raise standards of sustainability,  creativity and innovation. This is why believe EVCOM has a vital part to play and why I support the organisation.”

Kevin has been working in the events and communications industry for over 25 years, predominately in a Client Services role and is currently Group Head of Strategic Accounts at Strata.   With experiences across various industries and global agencies Kevin leads Client Service teams offering full service brand experience solutions to corporate clients,  through integrated services including creative strategy, content, creative design, live production, logistics, venue sourcing, delegate management and event technology.

‘The event and film industry brings such variety of services, experiences, knowledge and skills to our clients, looking for support on their brand communication strategies and objectives, and I’ve  been fortunate across my career to have worked with some amazing talent.  Being  client focused and in an ever changing environment where technology is advancing quickly it’s key that we continue to bring innovation and thought leadership to them.  Being part of EVCOM allows us to embrace all that is positive about the industry, learn from each other and to share that with a wider community, to the benefit of all.’

Tom has a background of events, internal and external communications experience and has worked in the Retail, Financial Services and Telecoms sectors. He now leads the Events & Studios teams at LSEG (London Stock Exchange Group), a leading global financial markets infrastructure and data provider. The Events and Studios teams are responsible for creating, producing and delivering a wide range of events and experiential moments, studio broadcasts, digital and film productions.

“Our world of events and film production is really rewarding but can be tough work. As we battle with the ever-changing landscape of technology, budgets, channels and content, the power of a network can be a real lifeline to share, collaborate and support each other. EVCOM brings together some of the best in the business and I’m proud to be a part of it.”