MeetEngland boosts international ties on European trade mission

MeetEngland - the business events brand of VisitEngland - hosted its annual European trade mission in Geneva, Paris and Brussels alongside leading English convention bureaux, highlighting the importance of association congresses across key growth sectors in England.

Across three days, the MeetEngland team – who were joined by representatives from London Convention Bureau, Manchester Convention Bureau, Meet Bristol & Bath, Conference Leeds and Experience Oxfordshire Venues – hosted international associations and professional congress organisers (PCOs) who work within key growth sectors such as medical, life and social sciences, professional and business services, conservation and clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and the creative industries.

For each of the networking events, attendees were officially welcomed by local UK ambassadors who spoke about the importance of the association sector and the significance of partnership when looking to deliver impactful experiences for global delegates. These included Ambassador Simon Manley at the British Embassy Residence in Geneva; minister and deputy head of mission Andrew Dalgleish at the British Embassy Offices & Garden in Paris; and Ambassador Anne Sherriff at the British Embassy Residence in Brussels.

The MeetEngland delegation in Paris Photo Credit: image supplied

In addition to this diplomatic support, each event offered opportunities for the PCOs and associations to engage with attending convention bureaux, spotlighting the critical role they play in securing future events in England with each city offering tailored support alongside access to extensive sector and academic networks, and regional and national stakeholders.

Head of business events at VisitEngland, Paul Black, said: “Association congresses play a critical role within England’s business events ecosystem, serving as catalysts for knowledge exchange, innovation, and collaboration across key growth sectors, whilst significantly contributing to the regional and national visitor economy. Our European trade mission enables us to deepen engagement with this sector and support in the creation of new bid opportunities, foster new partnerships, and position cities across England as premier destinations for future congresses.”

Richard Moss, business visits and events manager at Manchester Convention Bureau, added: “For Manchester, attending trade missions with MeetEngland is more than representation - it’s about the connection. By engaging directly with international trade associations and PCOs, we champion collaboration, exchange bold ideas, and position our city as a vibrant hub for innovation and partnership. These moments strengthen Manchester’s global voice and – alongside the support of MeetEngland - deepen our ties across the industry.”

England's strength as a congress destination is recognised through its academic infrastructure and innovation, with it being home to more than 120 universities and world-leading research centres. This foundation aligns closely with the UK Industrial Strategy 2025, which prioritises growth in high-impact sectors such as life sciences, financial services, advanced manufacturing, and the creative industries.

Association congresses play a vital role in supporting this strategy by bringing together global experts, facilitating knowledge exchange, and accelerating innovation across these sectors. This is already reflected in the 2025 calendar of major congresses already confirmed or that have already taken place across the country, including: 

• Preventing Overdiagnosis 2025 International Conference – Oxford  
• IEEE International Symposium on Circuits and Systems – London  
• Microscience Microscopy Congress – Manchester  
• European Society for Translation Studies Congress – Leeds  
• International Association for Social Science Information Services and Technology – Bristol  

The European mission is part of an annual calendar of international activity organised by the MeetEngland team to facilitate platforms for English convention bureaus to meet and do business with international associations, meeting, incentive, and event planners from high volume and developing international markets.