ESSMA's history
ESSMA has been around for more than 25 years. We would like to give you an insight into the highlights of our history.
Learn more about the Association's highlights throughout the years.
April 1996
ESMA (European Stadium Managers Association) was founded.
July 1996
First event organised at Stadio delle Alpi.
July 2008
After the unfortunate passing of ESSMA's founding father, Lionel Dreksel. John Beattie takes over the role as ESSMA President.
July 2008
Switch from ESMA (European Stadium Management Association) to ESSMA (European Stadium & Safety Management Association).
June 2010
Dimitri Huygen takes on the role as Managing Director to further professionalise ESSMA.
June 2011
Establishment of ESSMA's Advisory Committee and Executive Committee.
September 2012
Launch ESSMA's second logo.
January 2015
First ESSMA Summit at Allianz Arena.
July 2015
Move to our current offices at Stayen, home of STVV.
August 2015
First ESSMA USA tour.
January 2016
ESSMA Summit 2016 in Bilbao, San Mamés Stadium.
November 2016
Extension ESSMA board during the ESSMA Summit in Lyon.
January 2017
ESSMA Summit 2017 in Lyon, Parc Olympique Lyonnais.
October 2017
Launch ESSMA Knowledge Platform.
January 2018
ESSMA Summit 2018 in Dublin, Aviva Stadium.
January 2019
Switch towards ESSMA's current branding and newest logo.
January 2019
5th ESSMA Summit in Porto, Estádio do Dragão.
January 2020
ESSMA Summit 2020 in Budapest, Groupama Arena.
April 2020
Launch of online ESSMA webinar series.
January 2021
First edition of our largest online event, ESSMA Spotlight.
April 2021
ESSMA celebrates 25th anniversary.
July 2021
Ludwig Sneyers takes on the role as Managing Director.
November 2021
ESSMA Summit 2021 in Turin, Allianz Stadium.
May 2022
ESSMA Summit 2022 in Marseille, Stade Vélodrome.
March 2023
ESSMA Summit 2023 in Warsaw, Stadion Wojska Polskiego.
January 2024
10th ESSMA Summit in Amsterdam, Johan Cruijff Arena.
November 2024
11th ESSMA Summit in Madrid, Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
November 2024
Francesco Gianello succeeds John Beattie as the president of ESSMA.
What our members say about ESSMA
What is your most memorable ESSMA moment or what is your main raison why you joined the ESSMA Community? Some of you have been a part of ESSMA since 1996, while others joined more recently. Nevertheless, we’re interested to hear more about your best ESSMA memory! Send us your most important ESSMA memory and we'll share it with the rest of the community.