The Meetings Show has announced that Martin Rhodes MP, chair of The All-Party
Parliamentary Group for Events, will open this year's show.
The Labour MP for Glasgow will cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of the show on 24 June at Excel London, before touring the show floor to meet buyers and exhibitors where he'll discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the events sector today.
The Meetings Show, the UK’s leading exhibition for event, meeting and conference professionals will bring together nearly 6,000 people for two days (24-25 June) of fresh
ideas and valuable connections.
Rhodes, who was appointed to the role at the end of last year, said: “I am very much looking forward to attending The
Meetings Show this year.
“As one of
the UK’s leading gatherings for the meetings and events industry, it brings
together the people, ideas and connections that drive the sector forward. I’m
looking forward to meeting some of those at the heart of this important
industry, and to hearing first-hand about the opportunities to further grow our
world leading event economy.”
Rhodes will not be the first political figure to attend The Meetings Show. Former Tourism Minister Nigel Huddleston MP (now Shadow Secretary
of State for Culture, Media and Sport) opened the show in 2021 while James Heappey, former Chair of the
All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events has also attended in the past.
Now in its 14th year, The Meetings Show has
established itself as a must-attend for event professionals across the UK and
beyond. This year’s edition will see more than 550 exhibitors and over 80
international destinations represented under one roof, giving attendees
unparalleled access to venues, hotels, destinations and services from across
the globe.
This year’s newly redesigned education programme
spans 63 sessions across three stages, featuring a dynamic mix of panels,
presentations, workshops and Q&As. Headline keynote speakers include Emma
Henderson MBE - one of fewer than 500 female airline captains in the world
until September 2020 and John Vincent MBE, co-founder and former CEO of LEON,
who will deliver a candid session titled ‘From LEON to Live Events: Building
Brands People Love’.
Jack Marczewski, portfolio event director of Northstar Travel Group, said: “We're delighted to have Martin Rhodes MP officially open The Meetings Show this year. It's a fantastic way to kick off what will be two incredible days for the events industry, and we look forward to welcoming him onto the show floor.”
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
