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Judges

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James Lee

James Lee

CEO & Co-Founder, STEP CONNECT2

Delivering impactful events for the built environment

I am an experienced events leader and CEO of STEP CONNECT2, an award-winning organiser dedicated to creating exceptional experiences for the built environment. With over 20 years in the industry, I have a proven track record of driving commercial success and building long-term partnerships with key stakeholders, including the Department for Education, Scottish Government, Welsh Government, and the Government of Ireland.

Previously, I served as Commercial & Event Director at Step Exhibitions and contributed to UBM’s property portfolio, where I was honoured as Sales Person of the Year in 2006. My focus has always been on innovation, collaboration, and delivering measurable value to clients and audiences alike.

Passionate about fostering excellence in events, I bring a commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and impactful content.

Testimonials

  • A huge thank you for the awards on Friday! It's one of the best awards I've been to in a while! The choice of entertainment was excellent, Dara O Briain was hilarious and it was just generally a brilliantly organised, fun day. Thank you to the whole team for your hard work. You're all fabulous.
    Julia Danmeri
    CEO & Founder, TranslateAble
  • The recognition from AEO means a great deal to us. It reinforces our commitment to providing a premier venue experience that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of our clients and guests. Being acknowledged among our peers in the industry motivates us to continue pushing boundaries.
    Miles Eady
    Head of Events, Roundhouse
  • The day was truly remarkable, and we are sincerely delighted to have received such esteemed recognition for our efforts with the New Futures Network. Winning the Best DEI Initiative Award at such a renowned event, amidst inspiring competition, is an honour beyond words.
    Charlotte Stone
    CEVA Showfreight
  • It is so much fun to have a day out with the industry and to just talk to everyone that loves it and is so passionate about it
    Nico Stanford
    Senior Sales Manager, Olympia London
  • I wanted to congratulate you both, and the wider AEO team, on such a fantastic awards ceremony last week. I have not attended the AEO Awards for several years, and perhaps I forgot just how much of a special day it is… it was incredibly well organised, and it was such a wonderful occasion.
    Ashley Roberts
    Managing Director, CONNECT
  • What a fantastic AEO Awards last Friday; such a buzz and a brilliant afternoon all round. Thank you all for putting on such a fabulous event. What Else Events will be back next year with an even stronger case. For now, being a Finalist is a major achievement in such a competitive category.
    Tim Else
    Founder & Managing Director, What Else Events

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