The Business of Events (TBOE), the independent think tank for the events sector, has confirmed that its Global Policy Forum will return to IET London: Savoy Place on Tuesday 7 July 2026.
The forum examines the current economic and political climate and reviews the latest policy developments affecting the events sector. In 2025, it attracted 300 senior leaders from destinations, venues, exhibition organisers, agencies, associations and trade bodies, alongside MPs, ministers, officials and policymakers.
The 2025 edition was attended by, among others, Sir Chris Bryant MP, then tourism minister, and Dame Caroline Dinenage, chair of the Culture, Media and Sport select committee. Dame Caroline used the forum to announce that a group of cross-party MPs would examine the business events sector and propose recommendations to government as part of a dedicated inquiry.
On the eve of the 2026 Forum, TBOE will also host a Westminster dinner, where partners can meet with APPG for Events MPs in a relaxed setting to begin conversations on how the event sector can be better supported.
Jess Mooney, business development manager at IET London, said: “IET London: Savoy Place has been proud to host
The Business of Events Global Policy Forum for the past two years, and we look
forward to welcoming attendees back in 2026. Being a TBOE partner has not only
brought valuable recognition to our venue but also created meaningful
opportunities for our team to engage with a wide and influential network of
industry leaders.”
TBOE has also launched its new Partnership Prospectus, outlining opportunities for organisations to align with the forum and its broader work. Partnership levels range from headline sponsor to forum supporter, with benefits including branding, invitations to speak, panel participation, PR opportunities and shared lobbying activity.
Mike Fletcher, TBOE’s director of news and content, said: “Our primary role is to raise the importance and
profile of events as a driver of economic and social growth and to maximise the
opportunities achieved by having a strong sector. We achieve this through a
combination of content, engagement, advocacy and policy, bringing together
senior leaders to connect with the Government, policymakers and influencers,
public sector organisations and Members of Parliament. By becoming a TBOE
partner, you’ll help us continue this important work.”
The forum announcement follows news of a ministerial reshuffle prompted by the resignation of deputy prime minister Angela Rayner. Sir Chris Bryant MP has moved from DCMS to become a minister of state at the Department for Business and Trade.
Mike Fletcher added: *“We’d like to thank Sir Chris Bryant for his active engagement and appreciation of the value and importance of business events to UK economic success. It’s experience we trust will serve him well in his new role at DBT.
“We also warmly welcome the Rt Hon Ian Murray MP to the DCMS. We look forward to working with him alongside the APPG for Events to deliver our seven policy initiatives and ensure continuity of focus on the UK’s £61.6 billion events economy as an effective lever to drive investment, jobs, tourism, and growth across the regions.”*
TBOE does not receive direct government or public sector funding and relies on the commercial support of partners and sponsors to deliver its programme of research, advocacy and engagement.
For more information, visit thebusinessofevents.co.uk.
