The Meetings
Show has
launched its 2026 education programme, revealing a refreshed and even more
immersive format designed to inspire, encourage debate and deliver practical
takeaways attendees can put straight into action.
Taking
place at Excel London on 24–25 June 2026, this year’s programme puts
interaction front and centre, with more opportunities for discussion,
collaboration and hands-on learning.
The
approach builds on the strong success of last year’s education programme and
has been shaped by attendee feedback - evolving an already highly rated
experience to deliver even more of what audiences value the most - honest
conversations, inspiring speakers and ideas that make a difference.
Designed
for all levels, the programme is built to help event professionals navigate one
of the most transformative periods the industry has faced.
Delivered
across 63 sessions and three stages, the programme features a dynamic mix of
formats, including panels, presentations, workshops and Q&As, bringing
together a stellar line-up of speakers offering practical insight,
future-focused ideas and tools that can be applied immediately.
Among
the headline speakers brought by LAI International is keynote Emma Henderson
MBE, who until September 2020 was one of fewer than 500 female airline captains
worldwide. Henderson draws on her experiences over more than three decades to share
lessons from the flight deck to the board room - delivered with authenticity,
compassion and a touch of humour.
Also
headlining is John Vincent MBE, co-founder and former CEO of LEON, who will
take to the stage for a candid session, From LEON to Live Events: Building
Brands People Love. Reflecting on his journey from redefining fast food to
launching Feed NHS during the pandemic, John will share practical insights on
building purpose-driven brands, leading with resilience and creating
experiences people feel genuinely connected to.
The
programme also features a wide range of industry voices, including Amy Wood,
Accessibility Manager at Salesforce, who will discuss how to build
accessibility into the event process in her session: ‘Revolutionising event
accessibility: a person-first approach’. She will share what’s worked (and what
hasn’t) at large-scale events, along with simple, practical ways to make
inclusive planning more scalable.
Wood will also take part in The Corporate Conversation, a fast-paced ask me
anything style session which gives real answers to the questions everyone wants
to ask but rarely gets the chance to. Sessions are designed to be accessible to
all, with captions and AI-supported features enabling full engagement.
Also
joining the programme, Anna Abdelnoor, CEO and Founder of isla, will take on
one of the industry’s biggest frustrations in ‘The sustainability excuses
killing progress (and a blueprint on how to shut them down fast)’. This
straight-talking session will call out the familiar blockers – from “it’s too
expensive” to “clients aren’t asking for it” – and replace them with practical
actions that protect margin, reputation and relationships.
Ahead
of the show, isla is urging event professionals to share the excuses they’re
hearing via a short survey, helping shape the session
and build a no-nonsense, industry-backed blueprint attendees can put to work
immediately. Contributors will also be entered into a prize draw to win one of
two £50 cash prizes.
Looking ahead,
Dr Graham Norris, The Meetings Show Conference Futurist, will lead a live
research workshop during the Hosted Buyer Masterclasses, exploring what events
could look like in 2036. This highly interactive session will invite attendees
to collaborate, challenge assumptions and shape a shared vision for the future,
tackling uncertainty and turning big-picture thinking into a clearer, more
confident plan for the years ahead. Findings will be presented and discussed
with a panel of industry experts and developed into a white paper, with
participants receiving priority access.
Also
returning are popular features including The Reckoning - a candid,
no-holds-barred industry debate - and the ever-popular Hot Wings session,
alongside a host of interactive formats designed to spark conversation and
fresh thinking.
The
Meetings Show’s knowledge director, Samme Allen, said: “We listened closely to
all feedback received and, building on an already solid base, have set out to
make our conference programme the best in the industry. We know attendees are
looking for candid voices, more interaction and debate, and fresh,
future-focused ideas that will see them through the next stages of their
careers. We’ve delivered an innovative programme that ticks all the boxes, with
speakers who can connect and empower delegates with insight, spark meaningful
conversations and contribute to real progress across the meetings and events
community.”
The
2026 programme for the two-day Northstar Meetings Group show will deliver
actionable learning through inspiring and engaging sessions - from hands-on
workshops and data-led discussions to immersive storytelling and lively debate.
An
enhanced digital playbook capturing key insights will be produced post-show
thanks to an ongoing partnership with Lim, extending the value of the programme
beyond the event itself.
The
full education programme can be viewed here.
There are various ways
to register to attend The Meetings Show 2026, which will be co-located
with Business Travel Show Europe and TravelTech Show. To find out more about the buyer, hosted
buyer and visitor registration options, please sign up here.
