Daniel Watson Events Officer Hull City Council

Daniel Has over 15 years event experience working in Local Authority events teams for a few different councils up and down the UK.  Daniel’s experience is vast in many areas of event operations from organising high profile events to overseeing mass participation events on public land. 

His experience also stretches to commercial and contractual negotiations, overseeing filming and commercial promotions on public land, website design, highway closures and licensing advice.

Ian Baird Outdoor Events Development Manager Brighton & Hove City Council

With roles varying across theatre, events, marketing and health and safety management Ian has a sound understanding of audience perception and crowd safety.

With 15 years’ experience, Ian has honed his project management skills and timeline planning. Ian’s drive is to continue to expand his portfolio of outdoor events with the aim of creating exciting bespoke events that are slick, sustainable and socially beneficial.

Jon Hogan Head of Events Coventry City Council

Jon has 30+ years in the leisure and culture business, from theatre to heritage and outdoor events.  From small to huge crowds, and from installations to public spectacles. 

Jon is passionate about bringing joy to public audiences, place making and partnerships.  From supporting the city through the 2021 City of Culture to attracting rights holders events to the city. Jon is keen that Local Authority organisers share practice and information with each other, with our common interests and challenges!

Adrian Hodgson Vice Chair of LAEOG Honorary Member

Adrian is a Freelance Environmental Health Practitioner (EHP) with over thirty years’ experience in the events industry and has been a member of LAEOG since its inception, with expertise specialising in Event Safety.

Adrian’s breadth of his Local Government and event industry experience was recognised by LAEOG who made him an Honorary member of the Committee.

Andy McNicholl Honorary Member

Before taking up his teaching role at Liverpool John Moores University, Andy spent the previous 25 years organising a programme of award winning events for the City of Liverpool.

Andy's expertise spans many aspects of event management, including event logistics, health and safety, licensing, crowd dynamics, feasibility studies, managing event impacts and contingency planning.

Leanne Littlewood Director of Culture House Sunderland

Leanne has worked in the public sector for over 19 years.  Leanne’s current role as Director of Culture House Sunderland and is working towards shaping and delivering 'Culture House Sunderland’, opening Autumn 2025.

Leanne joined Sunderland City Council in 2023 from Middlesbrough Council where she held various roles within the Culture Portfolio including Events and Cultural Infrastructure Manager and Head of Culture.

Linda Tod Commercial Development (Events & Film) Bath & NE Somerset Council

Linda is responsible for the commercial development of council owned assets through land hire for events and filming. Also delivering council-led seasonal events.    

Linda is from a town management background where she worked in partnership with business, community, town councils and the local authority to regenerate and achieve common goals.

LAEOG is the only association dedicated to those working within events in Local Authorities.