Mark Cooke Joins UKGE As Operations Director

Mark brings with him a wealth of experience in running large-scale tabletop gaming events, as well as a deep understanding of the community, exhibitors, publishers, designers and players who make our hobby so special.

This appointment marks an exciting next step for UK Games Expo as we continue to grow and develop the event for the future. Just as importantly, we want to reassure everyone that this is not a sudden change of leadership or direction.

The transition will be carefully phased. Mark will work closely alongside Richard Denning and Tony Hyams over the next few UK Games Expo events, ensuring that knowledge, experience and responsibilities are handed over gradually and thoughtfully.

Richard and Tony will remain closely involved during this period, working with Mark to maintain the continuity, character and values that have helped make UK Games Expo what it is today.

A phased transition

The decision to bring Mark into the senior operational team has been made with the long-term future of UK Games Expo firmly in mind.

Mark will continue to work on AireCon until its final event at which point he will transition to full time with UKGE.

Over the coming events, attendees, exhibitors, volunteers, publishers and partners will see Mark increasingly involved in the planning and delivery of UKGE, while Richard and Tony continue to work alongside him.

This approach gives us the opportunity to combine the experience and knowledge that has built UKGE over many years with fresh energy and ideas for the future.

Mark Cooke said:

“I’m incredibly excited to be joining the UK Games Expo team and to have the opportunity to play a part in the next chapter of such an important event for the tabletop gaming community. I have huge respect for what Richard and Tony have built over the years, and I’m looking forward to working alongside them over the coming events. This will be a gradual transition, giving us plenty of time to share knowledge, ideas and experience. My aim is to build on the fantastic foundations already in place while helping UKGE continue to grow and thrive for many years to come.”

Richard Denning said:

“As UKGE has expanded to now one of the world’s largest shows we have gradually grown our team, adding event managers, administrators and logistics support. Bringing in Mark as Operations Director is the next logical step as we put in place plans to ensure UKGE can run far into the future. We have known Mark through AireCon and other industry roles for many years now and he is an ideal choice bringing both event management experience, energy and fresh ideas to the team as well as a safe pair of hands as and when Tony and I eventually step away from the show we have built together with others.”

Tony Hyams said:

“Mark Who? Has he got any sandwiches?”

We know that any change within an event as important to its community as UK Games Expo naturally brings questions.

Our priority is to make this transition carefully, transparently and with the interests of the UKGE community at its heart.There is a huge amount that we are proud of, and much that we want to build on. Mark’s appointment gives us an opportunity to strengthen the operational foundations of UK Games Expo while retaining the experience, relationships and spirit that have made the event such a success.

We look forward to welcoming Mark formally into the UKGE team and to working together over the coming years to make UK Games Expo bigger, better and, above all, a fantastic celebration of tabletop gaming.

We’re excited about the future — and we’re looking forward to sharing it with you.