UKEVENTS has welcomed the government’s commitment to including business events in its forthcoming National Events Strategy, saying it is encouraged by moves towards a more coordinated approach across government.
The industry body said the government’s response to the Culture, Media and Sport Committee’s report on business events recognised the sector’s economic importance and provided positive signs of stronger engagement with industry.
The government has confirmed that business events will be included in its wider National Events Strategy, currently being developed by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) with industry input and due to be published in spring 2027.
UKEVENTS and its partners have been contributing to stakeholder discussions and workshops informing the strategy’s development.
Government officials are also exploring ways to improve ministerial engagement and advocacy for major events and bids.
Glenn Bowdin, chair of UKEVENTS, said: “We welcome the Government's recognition of the vital role business events play in driving economic growth, trade, investment and innovation across the UK, and the constructive response to many of the recommendations put forward by the Committee and supported by industry stakeholders.
“The commitment to a more joined-up approach across Government, stronger engagement with the sector and the inclusion of business events within future strategic planning are all positive and encouraging developments.
“We look forward to working with Government and industry partners to help translate these commitments into practical actions that strengthen the UK's competitiveness and unlock further growth opportunities for the events industry.”
UKEVENTS said it had been pleased to provide both written and oral evidence to the committee’s inquiry, welcoming its recognition of the sector’s contribution to economic growth, investment and innovation.
It also acknowledged the work of the committee and industry representatives who contributed to the inquiry, including the Events Industry Alliance, The Business of Events and Liverpool Experience Campus, alongside parliamentarians including members of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Events.
The government’s response stopped short of accepting the committee’s recommendation for a standalone national business events strategy, instead placing the sector within the wider National Events Strategy.
It also rejected the recommendation to establish a National Business Events Council, although said the proposal would remain under consideration.
