The Meetings Show has unveiled all the details of the
masterclass programme and welcome reception for hosted buyer visitors.
Event professionals approved as hosted buyers can attend a bespoke
programme of masterclasses at Excel London on the afternoon of 23 June, before heading
off to the welcome reception at London’s rooftop bar, Savage Garden.
The masterclasses and reception – only open to hosted buyers
– precede The Meetings Show which takes place at Excel London from 24-25 June.
Make way for the masters
The masterclasses, sponsored by Venues of Excellence, Imago
Venues and Preferred Hotels & Resorts, offer a more in-depth learning
environment tailored specifically to hosted buyers.
This year’s programme reflects the evolving needs of the
global events industry and focuses on future-facing thinking and real-world
application. Across the day, hosted buyers will explore the key forces shaping
the sector from AI and automation to generational change, engagement design and
the human experience of live events.
SongDivision, global pioneers of music-based teambuilding,
will set the tone for the day with a networking lunch that will blend music,
creativity and collaboration to break down barriers and spark meaningful
connections.
They will also wrap up the end of the day by performing a
live, co-created TMS Anthem, incorporating key takeaways from the day.
Futurist Dr Graham Norris also returns to this year’s event with
a live research workshop exploring what meetings and events could look like in
2036.
There will also be interactive sessions such as ‘From gen X
to gen AI: bridging teams across time, tech & TikTok’, where hosted buyers
can discover how different generations collaborate and communicate within
modern event teams and ‘Networking without the cringe’, examining more
inclusive and effective approaches to event networking.
A warm welcome
The welcome reception follows the masterclasses, giving
hosted buyers the chance to connect in a more relaxed setting before the show
opens.
Sponsored by Manchester Convention Bureau, part of Marketing
Manchester, the reception will take place at Savage Garden rooftop bar overlooking
the Tower of London.
Bringing together hosted buyers, exhibitors and industry
peers for an informal evening of networking, it will include live music,
Manchester-themed cocktails, and real-time cooking stations. There will also be
an opportunity to ‘sip & paint’ a Manchester-themed mural in collaboration
with Paintillio.
Victoria Braddock, managing director at Marketing
Manchester, said: “We’re delighted to sponsor the welcome reception and be part
of such an important moment in the hosted buyer journey. It’s a fantastic
opportunity to bring people together in a relaxed and welcoming environment.”
Setting the standard
The Meetings Show’s popular hosted buyer programme not only
gives early access to education and exclusive networking events, buyers can also take part in pre-and post-show fam trips.
Jack Marczewski, portfolio event director, The Meetings
Show, said: “We know how valuable time is for event professionals, which is why
we’re always looking for ways to enhance the hosted buyer experience. Our
dedicated masterclasses and welcome reception mean buyers can start making connections
and gaining insights before the show has even begun - creating a more
meaningful and rewarding experience from start to finish.”
This year’s hosted buyer programme is at capacity. A waitlist
is open for those still wishing to apply with places offered on a first-come,
first-saved basis.
Visitor buyer places are still available at the show. To
find out more about the buyer and visitor registration options at The Meetings
Show 2026, which will be co-located with Business
Travel Show Europe and TravelTech
Show, please sign up here.
