Exhibition industry professional James Gower has been appointed lead consultant for ITV’s expanding live events strategy.

Gower claimed the television network has identified live events as a key sector for expansion over the next five years and will actively seek relationships within the events industry to realise its ambitions.

“Television brands and events are a major part of our industry: Top Gear Live, The Gadget Show and Grand Design Live are some well-known examples but actually there is a great deal more to be done and some radical new business models to look at too,” he said.

Gower pointed out ITV had a huge brand portfolio and archive including programmes and films such as the Carry On series and Thunderbirds.

“I’m interested to hear from organisers and businesses that have live event ideas for ITV or from those who simply want a chat,” Gower said. “Once the review is fully underway, we will engage in formal negotiations to determine exactly how large the opportunity is.”

Gower has 20 years experience in the events industry and has worked for DMG World Media, Marine Industry Events and its bid to launch the Liverpool Boat Show, Brand Events and its Top Gear portfolio, National Boat Shows and Emap (now i2i Events Group). He was most recently a business development director at Clarion Events.

He has also worked in the broadcasting sector on a series of well-known brands including a Channel 5 series of the Ideal Home Show, ITV’s annual coverage of the London Boat Show, the World Indoor Windsurfing Championships and a reality TV show for children.

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