David Browne, Operations Manager at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, has been at the heart of Northern Ireland’s events industry for over three decades. His career began at the iconic King’s Hall in Belfast, where he first joined the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) and began a journey that would see him help shape the future of large-scale events in the region.
Reflecting on his time at the King’s Hall, David recalls the significance of the Venue—not just for RUAS, but for Northern Ireland as a whole. “It was a place full of character and history,” he says. “Some of my earliest memories there are tied to the buzz of the Balmoral Show and how the team pulled together to make big events happen in what, at times, were very challenging conditions.”
That spirit of teamwork and adaptability became even more crucial when, in 2013, RUAS made the bold decision to relocate from Belfast to Lisburn. It was a turning point not only for the Society, but for David and his colleagues. “When the Society made the move to Lisburn, it marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter,” David explains. “I’ll never forget walking through the construction site in the early days of what would become the Eikon Exhibition Centre, trying to imagine how it would all come together. By the time we opened the Eikon Hall in 2015, there was a real sense of pride in what we’d achieved. We had built something from the ground up that could take the events industry here to the next level.”
Over the last ten years, David has helped oversee the growth of Eikon from a new venture into one of Northern Ireland’s most important event venues. From agricultural shows and trade exhibitions to consumer events and festivals, the centre has welcomed a diverse range of organisers and audiences. “Relocating gave us the space and flexibility to grow,” he says. “It’s been brilliant to see our long-standing events flourish and to welcome entirely new ones that previously wouldn’t have been possible. That diversity is what makes the job exciting.”
As Operations Manager, David’s role spans the entire 55-acre site, including the Eikon and Logan Halls, livestock facilities, and expansive outdoor spaces. He leads a skilled and committed team that he credits for much of the Venue’s ongoing success. “I’ve had the privilege of working with an incredible team—some of whom have been with us since day one,” he says. “We’ve built a culture of collaboration and problem-solving. Whether it’s a last-minute request from a client or an unexpected operational challenge, the team always steps up. I want to take this moment to congratulate and thank them all for the dedication and passion they’ve shown over the past 10 years.”
Looking to the future, David’s passion for the Venue remains as strong as ever. “There’s a real energy about what’s ahead,” he says. “We’re seeing a wave of interest from different sectors, and we’re continuing to invest in the site and in our people. The goal is simple—to keep delivering the best possible experience for our organisers and their visitors.”
As the Eikon Exhibition Centre marks 10 years and gets ready to enter another exciting chapter, David Browne remains one of its most committed champions—driven by the same passion, teamwork, and pride that first brought him from the King’s Hall to Lisburn over a decade ago.
