The Meetings Show returns at the end of this month, providing the meetings, events and incentives community with an opportunity to reconnect and re-engage after 18 months apart.
Taking place live and virtually for the first time, the hybrid show will be officially opened by tourism minister Nigel Huddleston, at ExCeL, London on Thursday 30 September, the first of two days of stimulating activity for the industry.
Nigel Huddleston PMBuyers, whether they are part of an agency, plan corporate events, work for an association or co-ordinate incentive travel, will find a host of suppliers ready to talk through latest developments, new products and packages to enable them to provide the best experiences for their clients and colleagues.
Exhibitors attending the ninth edition of The Meetings Show include destination marketing organisations (DMOs) VisitBritain, Finland Convention Bureau, Visit Denmark, Monaco and Conventions Malta, who will be talking about their recently-launched MICE Business Scheme.
Many of the UK’s destination management organisations (DMOs) will be on site at ExCeL London – from London Convention Bureau and VisitBrighton in the south, Meet Leicester and Birmingham and West Midlands Convention Bureau in central England, to Liverpool Convention Bureau and Visit Aberdeenshire in the north.
A number of the UK’s leading conference and event venues, such as ACC Liverpool, ICC Belfast, Newcastle Gateshead Quay, Wyboston Lakes and the QEII Centre London will be highlighting developments, while hotel groups such Hard Rock Hotels and Melia Hotels International will be on hand to discuss their latest packages.
Among those revealing new products and services at the show is Lime Venue Portfolio, which will launch the final chapter in its Beyond Food report, addressing the Future of Conference and Event Food and QHotels Group will be recognising four-legged co-workers, after introducing dog-friendly meetings with Doggie Delegate Days for groups.
While The Meetings Show provides ample opportunities to network, reconnect, and get back to business, it also offers an engaging education programme that provides visitors with insight and information designed to help them build a better business and career.
Ric Salmon CEO of DriiftTo make it easy to find the most pertinent sessions depending on each attendees’ needs, the education programme has been separated into five learning streams – Innovation and Industry Trends, My Career and Personal Development, Event Marketing, Event Technology and Meetings Design.
Sessions run both days of the show, with a wide range of topics to be covered, including sustainability, diversity and inclusivity, networking, data and hybrid meetings and events.
Speakers include Anna Abdelnoor, co-founder isla, Laura Capell-Abra, founder of Stress Matters and John Martinez, CEO of Shocklogic with many more industry leaders and experts delivering talks and participating in panel discussions over the two days.
On 1 October at 11:50, keynote speaker Ric Salmon, CEO of Driift, will take to the main stage to talk about his experience in producing the first virtual Glastonbury festival – Live at Worthy Farm - as well as his success in producing ticketed online events for some of the world’s best music talent.
The Meetings Show will take place at ExCeL London, and virtually, on Thursday 30 September and Friday 1 October. To register to attend visit themeetingsshow.com/register
A desire to travel led Holly Patrick to the business meetings and events world and she’s never looked back. Holly takes a particular interest in event sustainability and creating a diverse and inclusive industry. When she’s not working, she can be found rolling skating along Brighton seafront listening to an eclectic playlist, featuring the likes of Patti Smith, Sean Paul, and Arooj Aftab.
