The Alliance of Independent Event Agencies (AIEA) has announced that its annual Industry Great Debate will return for a fifth year in January, with the spotlight this time falling on preferred supplier agreements and their impact on venue sourcing.
Taking place on 14 January 2027 at the Cambridge Union Society in Cambridge, the debate will ask attendees to vote on the motion: “This house believes preferred supplier agreements are creating a closed shop and biased venue sourcing culture.”
The event, delivered in partnership with the Cambridge Union Society, will bring together voices from across the sector to discuss whether preferred supplier agreements influence venue selection practices, and what that means for agencies, venues and clients.
Sabine Edwards, chair of AIEA, said the topic was one likely to generate strong opinions.
“I’m delighted that the Great Debate has become such a fixture in the industry calendar. It’s a fantastic space for open and frank discussion, where we can tackle some of the trickier subjects we’re all talking about,” she said.
“Our partnership with the Cambridge Union Society, the home of free speech and the world’s oldest debating society, is key to the event, and the Chamber is a very special setting for these debates.
“Preferred supplier agreements are a subject where views run strong on both sides, so I’m looking forward to the audience hearing the arguments and making up their own minds.”
The speaker line-up has yet to be announced, with details to be revealed through AIEA's social media channels in the coming weeks.
Since launching in 2022, the Industry Great Debate has become a regular forum for tackling contentious topics across the business events sector. Previous motions have focused on whether the UK events industry is failing, how the sector treats its workforce, the value of industry awards, and the integrity of familiarisation trips.
AIEA said the event will be open to anyone working within the industry, while a number of suppliers are expected to organise hosted buyer groups to attend.
The organisation is also inviting sponsorship partners and other stakeholders interested in supporting the event to get involved.
AIEA, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026, represents around 120 independent event agencies across the UK through its purchasing collective and membership alliance.
Registration for the Industry Great Debate is now open.
M&IT editor Paul Harvey is a journalist with more than 15 years of experience. He began his career in the local press, working for various titles across the north. Since joining M&IT in 2013, he has become a trusted and respected voice in the sector, championing event professionals and reporting on all aspects of the events industry for the brand.
