The international exhibitions and events industry has lost a true gentleman with the passing of Paul Streeter on 3 July 2026. Over the course of a career that spanned more than five decades, Paul led many exhibition centres and created and managed many events.
His career began in sales with Olivetti before progressing through increasingly senior commercial roles at Sharp Electronics and Philips Consumer Electronics, where he developed the commercial discipline and leadership skills that would define the rest of his working life.
It was, however, the exhibition and venue management sector where Paul made his greatest mark. As sales director at Alexandra Palace, he helped establish one of Britain’s most iconic venues as a thriving destination for exhibitions and live events. He subsequently became director of Wembley Arena at Wembley Stadium Ltd, overseeing one of the country’s premier entertainment venues during an important period of its history.
In 1999, Paul was appointed managing director of National Boat Shows Ltd. There, he spent seven years leading one of the UK’s best-known specialist exhibition businesses. His understanding of exhibitors’ needs, visitor expectations and commercial partnerships earned him a reputation as one of the industry’s most capable organisers. Those who worked alongside him remember a calm, measured leader who preferred collaboration to confrontation and treated colleagues with respect.
Paul’s expertise later took him to the Middle East, where he became managing director of Turret Middle East before joining IDEX in Abu Dhabi as deputy director. During a period of remarkable growth in the Gulf’s exhibition sector, Paul helped deliver events of international significance, bringing with him the professionalism and operational excellence that had characterised his career in Britain.
“Paul help me set up my exhibitions business in the Middle East,” said Richard Hease, now chairman of Stable Events. “In fact, we worked together on many events – both consumer and trade – both in the UK and overseas. He possessed the rare ability to combine business with genuine kindness. Clients trusted him, colleagues respected him, and many who began as business associates became lifelong friends”.
Paul died following a long battle with cancer. He will be remembered with gratitude, admiration and deep affection.
