About Us

Introducing pro-ven

pro-ven is a robust and dynamic company with a formidable track record in finding venues and booking accommodation

From small meetings to major conferences, from group reservations to major room allocation management, we have the in-house talent to secure exceptional rates and deliver them to our clients with the smoothest administration

pro-ven delivers…

More than two decades experience managing the requirements and exceeding the expectations of blue-chip clients such as Unilever, Liberty Global, Virgin Media O2, Carlsberg Britvic, Carestream Health, Sony, Procurement Leaders, Nomad Foods (Birds Eye), pladis (United Biscuits), The Gap Partnership, NIIT/Airbus, Advanced and Beiersdorf.

A single-source solution and location for clearer communication and greater efficiencies

Sharper, smarter service, powered by our streamlined proprietary technology – “pro-active”

Meet the Team

Adam Hitchings

Account Director

E: adam.hitchings@pro-ven.com
T: + 44 (0) 1442 835711
M: + 44 (0) 07900 171910

From Bourne Leisure in 2010 I joined the pro-ven Operations Team before moving to Business Development. And now as Account Director, I have a dual role overseeing our brilliant Ops and Sales teams. My home life includes a lovely wife, son, daughter and pug – alongside a rather stressful passion for Arsenal and a painful addiction to tattoos!

 

Alina Boanca

Accounts Assistant

E:  alina.boanca@pro-ven.com
T: + 44 (0) 1442 835708

Equipped with an international degree in Accounting, I initially joined pro-ven in 2017. Following a maternity absence and a pandemic, I rejoined pro-ven in 2022 to find the same professional and committed team and now focus on Credit Control. Outside office hours, I am kept on my toes by my very energetic husband, two boys and our very loving labrador.

Amar Akbar

Accounts Manager

E:  amar.akbar@pro-ven.com
T: + 44 (0) 1442 835732

I joined pro-ven back in 2012 and have seen the company grow from strength to strength within the meeting and events industry.
My role at pro-ven is to work alongside our operations team to provide bespoke financial solutions to our clients. Family, Food, Football, F1, basically sums up my life outside working hours!

Ana Howlings

Assistant Account Manager

E: ana.howlings@pro-ven.com
T: + 44 (0) 1442 835703

Coming from a Sales & Marketing background, I joined pro-ven back in 2018 and have loved my job ever since. When not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, travelling and going on longs walks in the Lake District.

Andrea Manfre

Account Manager

E:  andrea.manfre@pro-ven.com
T: + 44 (0) 1442 835719

I joined pro-ven back in 2015, and have worked in the events industry for over 30 years in different operational and sales roles. My personal time is spent with my husband & travelling when we can to visit our 2 children and grandchildren who all live in Thailand.

Ben Clark

Assistant Account Manager

E:  ben.clark@pro-ven.com
T: + 44 (0) 1442 835709

After drama school & working professionally as a performer for 8 years all over the world. I joined the team at pro-ven in 2025 & I am looking forward to using my creativity and service skills to support our wonderful clients! In my personal time, I love to travel and spend time with my family, friends and labrador.

Charlotte Farrow

Assistant Account Manager

E: charlotte.farrow@pro-ven.com
T: + 44 (0) 1442 835712

Before joining pro-ven in 2023, my first role in business was as an Assistant Buyer for a new-build company. As interesting as buying bricks is, I fancied a change to something that aligned more with my interests! Outside of work, you’ll find me doing something artsy or, most recently, taking on the exciting new project of renovating my first home.

David Setterfield

Account Manager

E:  david.setterfield@pro-ven.com
T: + 44 (0) 1442 835704

Coming from a front office role with Champneys, I joined pro-ven at the start back in 2005. Since then I have held a number of operational roles including the lead in our delegate registration and allocation booking department. My leisure time is spent with family and friends, and playing regular gigs and festivals with my band.

Ella Harris

Assistant Account Manager

E: ella.harris@pro-ven.com
T: + 44 (0) 1442 835720

I joined pro-ven at the start of 2025 after working as a restaurant supervisor and event manager for a number of years. Outside of work you can usually find me in the kitchen baking new creations, and spending time with my families abundance of rescued dogs!

Hayley Long

Accounts Assistant

E:  hayley.long@pro-ven.com
T: + 44 (0) 1442 835716

Having joined pro-ven in 2007, my first few years were spent in our operations team and then as a resource specialist. I was assigned to help out the accounts team for 2 weeks in 2013 – and never left! My personal time is kept busy with 2 teenage daughters and our pooch (my 3rd and favourite child)!

Jaimee Hallett

Account Manager

E: jaimee.hallett@pro-ven.com
T: + 44 (0) 1442 835714

In 2023, I made the exciting career shift to join pro-ven in the venue finding and events industry. With a passion for travel, food, and creating memorable experiences, I love exploring new dining spots and weekend getaways. Outside of work, I’m also a huge dog lover!

Jason Yiasoumi

Commercial Director

E:  jason.yiasoumi@pro-ven.com
T: + 44 (0) 1442 835730
M: + 44 (0) 7775 791250

With a background in finance and hotel development/operations, I have been with pro-ven since formation in 2005. My role is to lead our team providing the bespoke financial and commercial solutions for our clients to support their operational requirements. Outside work I enjoy spending time with family and visiting my house in Cyprus.

Jayne Marriott

Supplier Liaison Manager

E:  jayne.marriott@pro-ven.com
T: + 44 (0) 1442 835706

My early working years were with Hilton in marketing, operations and sales roles, before I joined the agency side and was there at the start with pro-ven (account management then supplier liaison). Two daughters have also kept my husband and I rather busy along the way, and that doesn’t look like changing now they are starting to produce grandchildren!

Julian Laxon

Managing Director

E: julian.laxon@pro-ven.com
T: + 44 (0) 1442 835722
M: + 44 (0) 7976 263975

As founder of pro-ven and with more than three decades experience in the meetings industry, I am committed to developing pro-ven as Europe’s leading venue placement specialist. Outside work, you can usually find me on a golf course or a padel court, or relaxing with my family in Berkhamsted or in Portugal.

Kerris Booth

Assistant Account Manager

E: kerris.booth@pro-ven.com
T: + 44 (0) 1442 835710

Before joining pro-ven in 2024, I spent five years in the hospitality industry, progressing through a variety of roles and made my way up into the management team. Wanting to align my career with my long-term goals and interests, I decided it was time for a new challenge. Outside of work, I love travelling and enjoy spending time with my friends and family.

Louise Carpenter

Accounts Assistant

E:  louise.carpenter@pro-ven.com
T: + 44 (0) 1442 835717

I completed my AAT qualification in 2019 and started with the finance team here at pro-ven in early 2025. I enjoy spending my free time on dog walks, shopping trips and going to the cinema.

Marco Rosic

Business Development Manager

E:  marco.rosic@pro-ven.com
T: + 44 (0) 1442 835733

During the earlier part of my career I worked in travel, sales and hospitality, in various roles including hotels, cruise ships and real estate. Now with pro-ven, I look forward to supporting existing clients and developing some new ones. Travel is still a big part of my life, and having been to more than 45 countries I don’t intend to stop!

Matthew Butler

Account Manager

E:  matthew.butler@pro-ven.com
T: + 44 (0) 1442 835702

I joined pro-ven in 2018 after a number of years working in different event roles in the hotel industry included conference and event management, most latterly with the DoubleTree by Hilton Milton Keynes. Outside the office, my free time is usually spent with friends and family or doing anything football or film related!

Rodney Elwick

Account Manager

E:  rodney.elwick@pro-ven.com
T: + 44 (0) 1442 835707

I joined pro-ven in 2019 after working in a number of different industries and owning my own photographic company. I now focus on our overseas accounts where  I can make best use of my ever-expanding language capabilities. Outside of work I love to travel to various countries with my wife, spend time in the pool hall or go to visit friends and family.

Ros Rega

Senior Resource Manager

E:  ros.rega@pro-ven.com
T: + 44 (0) 1442 835718

My career in the travel and hospitality industry has encompassed long haul tour ops, group sports tours and full event management as well as specialist venue finding. Weekends are spent supporting my partner raising funds for charity in his role as a Grand Lodge Officer in the RAOB.

Safeer Iqbal

Accounts Assistant

E:  safeer.iqbal@pro-ven.com
T: + 44 (0) 1442 835705

Having joined pro-ven in June 2022, I can proudly say that I’m a finance professional with a passion for reconciliations! Outside of work, I’m a big Manchester United fan…and yes they do cause me severe anxiety. I also enjoy spending time outdoors with long walks, making sure I hit my daily step count.

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