Alexis Neron-Bancel graduated in scientific and international business studies both in France and in the UK. Alexis started his career in the event industry back in 1997 when he joined International Trade & Exhibitions and was appointed Oil & Gas Divisional Director in September 1999. During the following 6 years Alexis and his team launched and organized events in 23 new countries making ITE one of the world's largest and most respected Oil & Gas exhibition and conference organizer. In 2003 Alexis was appointed Executive Director in charge of organizing the 18th World Petroleum Congress held in South Africa in September 2005. In April 2006, Alexis was headhunted and joined Reed Exhibitions UK as Managing Director to head up a number of trade events in Aerospace & Defense, Design, Information Technologies and healthcare sectors. Alexis was also appointed chairman of the Conference Working Group set up by the Reed Exhibitions worldwide board with the aim of developing the conference business.