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UK-EU trade deal, geopolitical instability, and more
May’s industry news round-up brings important updates – from the impact of the UK-EU trade deal and geopolitical instability impact on MICE, to beam’s Finance Forum tackling payment fraud, and more.
Here’s everything you need to know:
UK-EU Deal Brings Mixed Outlook for Events & Hospitality
The recent UK-EU trade deal introduces changes affecting the UK’s hospitality and events sectors. While the deal aims to ease trade and mobility barriers, it presents opportunities and ongoing challenges, particularly around staffing, costs, and regulatory compliance.
Positive developments include eliminating certain border checks and streamlining the import process for goods from the EU. This could reduce delays and paperwork for event organisers sourcing supplies.
Read more via Conference News.
88% of Associations Expect Geopolitical Instability to Impact Operations
A major survey reveals that most associations anticipate disruptions due to global political tensions, prompting calls for more agile risk management strategies within the events sector. The findings highlight the need for organisations to adapt to an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.
Associations are encouraged to develop contingency plans, diversify their event portfolios, and engage in scenario planning to mitigate potential risks. Collaboration with stakeholders and investment in technology are also recommended to enhance resilience.
Bas Schot, head of The Hague & Partners Convention Bureau, told M&IT: “Associations are increasingly navigating a complex geopolitical environment, with instability no longer an external factor but an embedded reality. Our research reveals not just concern, but a clear call to action – associations must double down on governance, mission alignment and strategic communication if they are to weather what lies ahead.”
The Meetings Show 2025 Focuses on Inclusivity and Wellbeing
Organisers of The Meetings Show 2025 are making attendee wellbeing and inclusivity central themes, reflecting growing expectations for diversity and supportive event environments.
The event will feature initiatives to create a welcoming atmosphere for all participants. Key measures include accessible venue design, diverse speaker line-ups, and wellness programs to support mental and physical health. The show aims to set a benchmark for inclusivity in the meetings and events industry.
Read more here, via The Meetings Show.
Business Events Growth Programme Reopens for 2025-26
The UK Government has relaunched its funding initiative to attract more international business events, aiming to support regional growth and post-pandemic economic recovery. The programme includes support for candidate city bids and funding for confirmed congresses and trade shows.
Read more via Conference News, including applicable events, and how applications are assessed.
VisitEngland’s new campaign to position England as a top destination for meetings and conferences
VisitEngland’s business events team has launched a fresh campaign to position England as a top destination for meetings and conferences, focusing on regional venues and unique experiences. The initiative aims to stimulate domestic demand and support the recovery of the events sector.
The campaign highlights England’s diverse offerings, from historic sites to modern facilities, and emphasises the country’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in event hosting.
See more:
Global conflicts impact 2 in 3 international meetings, according to IAPCO-led research
Two-thirds of respondents to a recent survey (59.53%) reported that global conflicts have impacted their ability to plan or host international meetings or events – either moderately (45.24%) or significantly (14.29%). Furthermore, 25% have had to cancel, postpone, or relocate events due to safety concerns and instability.
The Global Socio-Political Impact Survey of 2025 was issued by the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO), in collaboration with the National PCO Association Task Force members and global Strategic Partners.
Martin Boyle, CEO of IAPCO said: “The results paint a clear picture of an industry navigating multifaceted pressures, from operational logistics to stakeholder confidence and financial viability. The findings reinforce the need for continued adaptability, contingency planning, and enhanced collaboration across the global meetings and events community.”
The MIA and Manchester Central join APPG for Events
The MIA and Manchester Central have joined the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events (APPG), seeking to influence policy decisions and secure stronger government support for the sector. Their involvement aims to raise awareness of the industry’s economic and social contributions.
By participating in the APPG, both organisations hope to advocate for policies that support the growth and resilience of the events industry, particularly in the face of current challenges.
Events Industry Council and Joint Meetings Industry Council announce partnership
The Events Industry Council and the Joint Meetings Industry Council have announced a partnership focused on sustainability, research, and political advocacy. The collaboration aims to drive progress in environmental responsibility and industry representation.
Joint initiatives will include the development of sustainability standards, economic impact studies, and advocacy efforts to influence policy decisions affecting the events sector.
Read more via Event Industry News.
London’s Growth Agency Publishes 2024-25 Impact Report
London & Partners has released its first impact report for 2024-25, highlighting its role in promoting economic growth in the capital. The agency added £667 million to London’s economy, its highest annual contribution since its establishment in 2011, and supported over 8,200 jobs.
The agency also assisted over 5,000 businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs, and its London Convention Bureau helped attract more than 3,000 international business events to the city.
Access the full impact report here, via Conference News.
Visit Belfast Launches Year Two Plan to Power City Region Visitor Growth
Visit Belfast has unveiled the second year of its strategic plan to boost visitor numbers and business events, reinforcing the city’s role in Northern Ireland’s economic recovery. The plan focuses on attracting high-spending visitors, enhancing the city’s profile, and supporting sustainable tourism development.
Key initiatives include targeted marketing campaigns, partnerships with local businesses, and investment in infrastructure to improve the visitor experience. The strategy aims to position Belfast as a leading destination for both leisure and business travellers.
Marie-Thérèse McGivern, chair of Visit Belfast, told Conference News: “Belfast is a city with ambition, resilience and momentum and the New Horizons strategy reflects all three. As we enter Year Two, we’re doubling down on collaboration, creativity and inclusion to grow tourism in a way that works for everyone.”
beam Finance Forum 2025 to tackle payment fraud, cyber risks, and financial processes
The event agenda, which includes AI-driven payment fraud and cyber liability, was developed in response to feedback from the industry association’s members, identifying the concern over the growing threat of cybercrime – with high-profile cases currently dominating UK headlines.
Confirmed speakers include experts from NatWest, Needham Insurance, Computer Network Defence Ltd, and Good Business Pays, offering practical insights and strategies tailored to the sector.
Louisa Watson, beam Chair, commented: “Agents are highly engaged with these issues, and I encourage all members to take part and collaborate. By working together, we can be more effective in protecting our finances, our clients, and our brand reputations.”
Greengage Solutions announces winners of its 2025 Sustainability Awards
Now in their third year, the awards highlight and celebrate organisations and individuals that are making a real difference in delivering more responsible business travel, accommodation, meetings and events, and related sustainable products and services.
There were awards for 15 categories, including five new categories, at a celebratory lunch at BMA House – itself a Platinum-certified ECOsmart venue – in London. See all the winners and event highlights here.
View from the EDGE
EDGE Venues’ Managing Director, Scott Ford, summed up the latest monthly insights:
“With M&IT Magazine and IAPCO both highlighting the impacts of geopolitical instability on global meetings and events, it’s true that uncertainty is back and in a big way. Global trade wars have been fuelled by seemingly indiscriminate tariffs, new and old conflicts are flaring, and – as the new reality bites – economic reticence widens as companies try to navigate increasing costs and barriers.
“So, why am I so optimistic? Well, it’s generally in times like these that innovation and new ideas tend to develop at pace and drive new ways of working that only a few years before would have been inconceivable. EDGE Venues is embracing this new world, championing and enabling venues, agencies and corporates to rise to these new challenges. Lower cost of sale for venues, with a streamlined pre-qualified RFP process, meaning better and more profitable conversion rates. The ability to showcase special offers and drive business into traditional shoulder periods. This, in turn, allows agencies and corporates to always access the best available rates and offer compelling and good value alternatives to their stakeholders. All of this is wrapped in a controlled environment that, while it meets the increasing demands of the business we serve, still offers world-class choice and flexibility to the booker community.
“It is encouraging to see the government re-launch the Business Events Growth Programme for 25 / 26 aimed at supporting UK destinations to attract more international business and supporting city bids. It’s also great to see the English regions being supported through VisitEngland’s new focus on the regional offerings and experiences that can be found throughout the country.”
Book your next meeting or event venue on EDGEVenues.com
