The Meetings Show 2026
Find out what to expect at the industry's must-attend event
Meetings professionals from across the industry are being urged to book time out for The Meetings Show, which offers a rare opportunity to step away from day-to-day demands and focus on planning smarter, more impactful events.
The show, which will be opened by Labour MP and Chair of The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events Martin Rhodes, will return to Excel London from the 24-25 June. Bringing together nearly 6,000 industry professionals over two days, it offers a wealth of fresh ideas, valuable connections, and practical solutions - all under one roof
A faster, smarter way to source events
For busy event organisers, the ability to meet hundreds of suppliers in one place is a major draw. With more than 550 exhibitors and over 80 international destinations represented, attendees can explore venues, hotels and services from across the globe - without the need for endless emails or research.
Big-name brands including Hilton Hotels Worldwide, Cubex Centre Prague, Tourism Ireland, NEC Group, CrowdComms, MM and Company, and Visit Portugal will be in attendance, alongside a host of new exhibitors such as SAX Paris by LXR Hotels & Resorts, Aries Group, Uniworld Cruises, Somerset County Cricket Club, The Palm Beaches (US pavilion), Starhotels, and Social Supermarket - giving visitors access to both trusted names and fresh ideas.
Real insights and practical tools
The show’s new look education programme has been designed with event buyers front of mind – helping them discover new ideas and stay ahead of the latest trends.
Delivered across 63 sessions and three stages, it features a dynamic mix of formats – including panels, presentations, workshops and Q&As – bringing together a stellar line-up of speakers, including keynotes, airline captain Emma Henderson MBE and John Vincent MBE, co-founder and former CEO of LEON’.
Anna Abdelnoor, CEO & founder of isla, will give an eye-opening session titled ‘The sustainability excuses killing progress (and a blueprint on how to shut them down fast)’. A practical, no-nonsense, uncensored session, Anna will tackle the real excuses in event delivery and leadership and replace them with actions that protect margin, reputation, and client relationships.
‘Personalising with intention: designing attendee-first event experiences’ asks why, though personalisation is everywhere, most events still feel one-size-fits-all. In this enlightening session, Catherine Southall, from Amex GBT Meetings & Events, explores how to design attendee-first experiences with intention - creating relevance, inclusion and measurable impact across content, formats, and environments.
Also returning are popular features including The Reckoning – a candid, no-holds-barred debate that will see industry heavyweights debate the impact of AI on how event professionals work, create and connect – and the ever-popular Hot Wings session, alongside a host of interactive formats designed to spark conversation and fresh thinking.
A first for the industry
The Meetings Show will mark a milestone this year as the first meetings, incentives, and events industry trade show to offer a fully staffed on-site crèche for attending families.
Delivered in partnership with event childcare specialist Nipperbout, the crèche will also include a dedicated breast feeding and nappy changing area.
The initiative forms part of The Meetings Show’s ongoing commitment to creating a more accessible and inclusive event experience, reflecting the evolving needs of today’s event professionals, and will be located in North Gallery 10 & 11, just moments away from the main show floor.
The service can be pre-booked here quoting event code: TMS240626 by 10 June. Space permitting, the crèche will also be available for drop-ins on a first-come, first-served basis.
Supporting emerging talent
The show supports upcoming talent through initiatives such as Tomorrow’s Talent, now in its eighth year and delivered in partnership with M&IT.
Celebrating and championing the future leaders of the UK’s meetings, incentives and events sector, the programme provides up-and-coming professionals with invaluable exposure, meaningful connections, and opportunities to make their mark on the industry.
The 10 winners have now been announced and will be at the show supporting, boosting their profile and influence within the sector.
Network supercharger
Home to the UK’s largest hosted buyer programme, The Meetings Show helps you save time, make smarter connections and get more done - all under one roof. Event organisers can unlock pre-scheduled one-to-one appointments with more than 550 UK and international hotels, venues and destinations, not to mention gaining access to an exclusive programme of masterclasses and a dedicated welcome reception ahead of the main show, all designed to enhance connection and learning.
Hosted buyers this year include representatives from Deloitte, AbbVie, Principal Global Events, Bray Leino events and First Event - representing a diverse mix of corporate, agency and association planners.
Alternatively, buyers can choose to attend as visitor buyers, offering greater flexibility to explore the show at their own pace without the commitment of a pre-scheduled appointment diary.
Visitor buyers can take advantage of the extensive education programme, network organically with exhibitors and peers, discover new destinations and suppliers, and tailor their time onsite around their own priorities and interests, making it an ideal option for those seeking inspiration, market insight and valuable industry connections.
There are various ways to register to attend The Meetings Show 2026, which will be co-located with Business Travel Show Europe and TravelTech Show. To find out more about registration options, please sign up here.