Leading names from across the events spectrum are set to take the sector's case to MPs at the inaugural evidence session of the newly-reformed All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Events.
On Monday 18 January, the group’s first evidence session will take place and will be hosted by APPG Events chair Theresa Villiers MP. In attendance will be the group’s vice chairs and representatives from across the UK’s event sector, including Simon Hughes, chair of the Business Visits & Events Partnership (BVEP), Jane Longhurst, CEO of the Meetings Industry Association, Chris Skeith, CEO of the Association of Event Organisers and Rick Stainton, founder of Smyle and #WeCreateExperiences.
The APPG has also launched its official website, http://appgevents.inparliament.uk/. The APPG will use the website to share news updates and upcoming event dates as well as notes and evidence from its meetings and evidence sessions.
The full agenda for the session is as follows:
Monday 18th January 2021
11.30am – 12.30pm
11.30 Welcome/Purpose of session
Rt Hon Theresa Villiers MP Chair APPG Events
11.40 Role of the APPG
Robert Wright davies tanner/APPG Secretariat
11.45 Overview of UK Events Industry
Simon Hughes, chair – Business Visits & Events Partnership
11.55 The Conference & Meetings Sector
Jane Longhurst, CEO – Meetings Industry Association
12.00 The Exhibition & Trade Show Sector
Chris Skeith, CEO – Association of Event Organisers
12.05 The Outdoor Events Sector
Susan Tanner, CEO – National Outdoor Events Association
Steve Heap, Chair – Events Industry Forum
12.10 The Live Events Sector
Rick Stainton EVCOM/#WeCreateExperiences
12.15 Questions/Open Discussion
12.30 CLOSE
Following the meeting, any relevant outcomes and actions will be posted onto the APPG Events website.
Further information or questions can be obtained via [email protected] and the industry can get regular updates from the official APPG for Events twitter feed @appgevents.
Founded in 2011, the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events (APPG) is a cross party group made up of members from both Houses of Parliament, and acts as the industry’s voice in Westminster. The APPG conducts Parliamentary enquiries, holds debates and engages with various Ministers and departments. The APPG has been credited with the events industry establishing far stronger links with both Parliament and Government in recent years.
M&IT editor Paul Harvey is a journalist with more than 15 years of experience. He began his career in the local press, working for various titles across the north. Since joining M&IT in 2013, he has become a trusted and respected voice in the sector, championing event professionals and reporting on all aspects of the events industry for the brand.
