APPG for Events unveils chair elect - and new commercial membership

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Events is set to be reformed with a new chair and a new commercial membership option.

The APPG, which serves as a platform for discussing and advancing the UK events industry, will meet on Tuesday 5 November at Portcullis House in Westminster, with Shaun Davies, Labour MP for Telford, taking the helm as chair elect. 

Under new provisions, private sector businesses can now join the APPG for Events as non-voting members. UK-based organisations are invited to become members for £1,500 + VAT by nominating a senior representative, offering them the opportunity to engage directly with MPs and influence policy decisions. Sponsorship of the group is now also available at £5,000+VAT. A full prospectus can be downloaded on the APPG for Events website here.

In accordance with new Parliamentary rules, the group requires a chair and four vice chairs. The group will welcome a cross-party group of MPs as vice chairs, including:

• Barry Gardiner, MP for Brent West (Labour)
• Jessica Morden, MP for Newport East (Labour)
• Kim Johnson, MP for Liverpool Riverside (Labour)
• Martin Rhodes, MP for Glasgow North (Labour)
• Rachel Taylor, MP for North Warwickshire & Bedworth (Labour)
• Jack Rankin, MP for Windsor (Conservative)
• Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate & Knaresborough (Liberal Democrat)

Shaun Davies said: “I am very pleased to put my name forward as chair of the newly reconstituted All Party Parliamentary Group for Events, ahead of the formal election on 5^th November.

“The UK events industry is a world leader, and the event economy delivers significant benefits for our country, creating jobs, exports and inward investment. It also offers major opportunities for growth, which I know is a key priority for our new Government. My constituency is home to a major venue in the Telford International Centre, so I appreciate the cultural and economic value that events can provide to communities like Telford.

“I look forward, along with my colleagues on the APPG, to continuing to give the UK events industry a voice in Parliament and helping unlock its significant potential.”

The Business of Events, through its advocacy network, will act as the official secretariat for the APPG for Events, which was originally established by Davies Tanner in 2011. 

The APPG will focus on the key areas outlined in The Business of Events’ Policy Agenda, which include:

1. Updating SIC codes: Advocating for accurate representation and tailored support for the events sector.
2. Easier visa schemes: Supporting international collaboration post-Brexit for both inbound and outbound events.
3. Event tax credit scheme: Offering financial incentives to attract new events and support existing ones.
4. Attracting international events: Positioning the UK as a top destination for global business events.
5. Practical support for competitiveness: Using events as a catalyst for sector-wide growth.
6. Investment in convention bureaux: Supporting regional and national convention bureaux to drive economic development.
7. Leveraging events for policy objectives: Using business events as platforms to promote and deliver government policies.

The APPG for Events has previously been chaired by former MPs Nick de Bois, James Heappey, and Theresa Villiers. Members from both Houses of Parliament being encouraged to attend the first meeting of the new Parliament.