Geoff Ellis Honored For Outstanding Contributions To Live

Geoff Ellis, CEO of Glasgow-based DF Concerts and Events, has been honored with the National Arenas Award 2024 for his outstanding contributions to the live entertainment industry.

2025 marks Ellis’s 40th year in live music. Throughout his career, Ellis has continued to deliver a huge contribution to the UK’s arena business, helping to bring world-class artists to venues including the OVO Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland, as well as P&J Live in Aberdeen.

Since being appointed chief executive of DF Concerts in 2001, Ellis has dedicated his life to bringing the very best live music and events to Scotland. He has been influential in supporting the growth of venues such as Glasgow’s OVO Hydro, working with the biggest names in live entertainment including Take That, Kings of Leon, Eminem, AC/DC, The Eagles, Rihanna, Radiohead and Coldplay. He has also helped to break countless new artists who would go on to great success in arenas across the UK, including Gerry Cinnamon, Paolo Nutini and Lewis Capaldi.

Debbie McWilliams, board member of the National Arenas Association (NAA), and managing director of strategy and people at the Scottish Event Campus, presented Ellis with the award.

Geoff Ellis: ‘Not Just For The Paycheck’

John Drury, VP and general manager of the OVO Arena Wembley, and chair of the NAA, commented, “It feels fitting that we celebrate the significant contribution of Geoff as he marks four decades of incredible work in the live music industry. Geoff has become particularly synonymous with live music in Scotland, but his influence extends far beyond this as a member of the Concert Promoters Association. Backed by a brilliant team at DF, his support for the arenas business has been unwavering so I’m delighted that we’re able to give this award to such a deserving recipient.”

On picking up the accolade, Ellis said, “I was very pleasantly surprised to receive the Outstanding Contribution award from the National Arenas Association – it means so much to be recognized by colleagues, all working together to both present life-affirming live events but to also keep our wonderful live music industry moving forward. It is a genuine honor but also very humbling to be in such esteemed company as the previous recipients.”

The NAA Outstanding Contribution award has been selected and presented annually by NAA members since 2009 to recognize those who have gone above and beyond in their contribution to either the NAA, the live entertainment industry or the music industry.

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