The Business of
Events (TBOE), the think tank and advocacy network, has published its plan of activity for 2024/5.
The
plan, which begins on 1 April, will see a significantly expanded schedule of
work and activity as the next 12 months is set to be a critical year for the
global events economy, with several high-profile elections taking place around
the world. In the UK, as well as a general election likely to be held towards
the end of 2024, local government and mayoral elections will also be held
around the country, potentially changing the local political landscape.
Martin Fullard, director of news and content at TBOE, said: “The need for increased advocacy to highlight the opportunities available by having a strong event economy has never been greater, which is why this year we are significantly expanding our sphere of activity; more research, more events, more insights and more engagement.
“In the UK, we have a limited but critical window of opportunity to tell our story, as the focus shifts towards a general election and a much-changed Westminster landscape. This is why we have been focusing on engaging with those who are likely to be in parliament and in positions of influence, as well as continuing to connect with the corporate and association planners and agencies, to ensure our partners have real time insights into how the UK can become even more competitive as a world leading event destination.”
As
well as engaging with what will be one of the largest intakes of new MPs in a
generation, the activity will also connect event planners, both domestic and
international, with TBOE partners. These connections will help ensure that the
UK remains at the forefront of the global business events industry and
continues to meet the needs of planners and delegates.
Working
alongside strategic and content partners, the plan also includes an expanded
programme of regional, national, and international events. These events will be
predominately invitation only, bringing together senior event industry leaders
to connect with politicians, policymakers, stakeholders and planners to look at
ways in which together we can build better local and national economies through
business events.
This
year, a number of regional events will also take place, along with specific
Advocacy Forums, which will be held within existing events and trade shows. Due
to the UK general election potentially taking place in the autumn of 2024, the
signature Global Policy Forum will now be held in February 2025 in Westminster.
Full
details of the plan can be downloaded
here.
