The Meetings Show has opened, inviting thousands of event professionals from around the
globe to meet the world’s leading MICE suppliers, learn and network under one roof.
The UK’s leading event that brings together the world’s meetings and events community,
began at Excel London on Wednesday 25 June with three packed-out interactive sessions
designed to provoke a positive mindset in event professionals embarking on an inspirational
two days.
On Stage One, organisational psychologist and futurist Dr Graham Norris provided a
framework to think through the future uncertainties for the events industry and gain clarity on
what could happen in Thinking Strategically About The Future Of Events.
Popular
speaker, Judge the Poet made an inspired return on Stage Two with his session Improv Your
Life: The Magic Recipe For Well-Being And Success.
Meanwhile, in the Blank Canvas, Bassanti Pathak, CEO at NeuroVeda by Pathak Yoga
brought some calm to the show floor with her session Workplace Yoga: More Than Just
Stretches! How To Optimise The Brain Through Body, Breath & Awareness.
Through the rest of the day, other education sessions, introduced by the winners of
Tomorrow’s Talent 2025, informed and inspired event professionals.
Highlights included a presentation of the latest findings from the Northstar/Cvent Meetings
Industry PULSE Survey, where event planners were urged to be cautious and prepare for
the ‘what if’ given rapidly changing world events and increase in natural disasters; and the
sharing of insights from Gen Z in a vibrant discussion with Tomorrow’s Talent 2025 winners.
The Business of Events also shared its 2025 Planner Sentiment Report. The report,
sponsored by Tourism Ireland and released to coincide with the opening of The Meetings
Show, revealed a marked divergence in event planner priorities across global markets.
More insights are set to be revealed on Day Two (26 June) following a 7am start for a 5k run
or 3k brisk walk around Custom House with Go! Running Tours.
The show day kicks off with some hot debate at 9:45am in The Reckoning. Three
discussions hosted by members of Northstar Meetings Group’s editorial team, will tackle
sustainability; talent and workforce and value perception and advocacy.
At 10:40 comedian and seven-time Emmy-winning comedy writer Beth Sherman will be on Stage
Two sharing her top tips for using humour in business to aid connection, persuasion and
impact in her session Humorizing Business: Laughter As A Tool For Leadership.
Attendees will be able to speak directly with Sherman and other experts, including Claus
Raasted of The College of Extraordinary Experiences, Taylor Smith of BCD Meetings,
Megan Garmers of Streamline Social at 1:20pm in The Meetings Show’s Human Library.
This new feature allows event professionals to attend 15 minute one-to-one chats with
experts. Ask them anything!
Sessions will continue throughout the day on Stages One and Two, the Blank Canvas and
on selected stands, including the mia, MESA and the Power of Events hub with -45dB.
There will also be the chance to meet more than 600 exhibitors, including hotels,
destinations, destination management companies, venues, conference centres and
technology suppliers; and attend a host of networking events.
Jack Marczewski, portfolio event director at The Meetings Show, said: “It has been a
fantastic start to The Meetings Show. The atmosphere around the show floor has been
electric with event professionals eager to glean insight from our incredible speakers and
experts and make connections with suppliers and new and existing contacts. We can’t wait
to see what’s in store for tomorrow.”
The Meetings Show 2025 is co-located with the Business Travel Show Europe and
TravelTech Show. All onsite registrations will be charged at the ticket price of £999.
For a comprehensive guide to everything at The Meetings Show visit the Show
Preview page.
Registered attendees can also plan ahead through the app, which is ready to
download here.
