How to source a neuroinclusive venue
The meetings and events industry has made impressive progress in improving accessibility. However, as our understanding of inclusion evolves, it’s clear that ramps, lifts, and...
2026 Autumn Budget event industry asks, event inclusion, and more
This month’s news highlights industry 2026 Autumn Budget asks, an industry driven by growth, accountability and inclusion. From economic gains to new standards and support programmes, the sector continues to move forward with focus and purpose.
Here’s everything you need to know:
UKEVENTS calls on Chancellor to back £200bn events powerhouse in 2026 Autumn Budget
UKEVENTS, the umbrella body for the UK’s exhibitions, conferences, meetings, cultural and live events sectors, has urged the Chancellor to recognise and support the industry’s growth potential in the 2025 Autumn Budget. In its submission, UKEVENTS: The Opportunity for Growth, the organisation outlines how targeted Treasury measures could unlock an additional £14–18 billion in annual trade and consumer activity, while creating up to 100,000 new jobs and boosting tax revenues.
The industry already contributes significantly to the UK economy, generating £61.5 billion in direct consumer spending and driving over £200 billion in trade, research, and innovation each year. With around 700,000 jobs currently supported nationwide, UKEVENTS argues that strategic investment would strengthen one of Britain’s most dynamic and productive economic powerhouses.
Glenn Bowdin, Chair of UKEVENTS, said, “Events are a proven growth engine for the UK economy. They drive trade, tourism, inward investment, and regional regeneration, all the priorities that align with the Government’s growth agenda. With modest, targeted support, the events industry can deliver exceptional returns for the Treasury, create thousands of skilled jobs, and reinforce the UK’s global standing as a hub for innovation, creativity and connection.”
ECOsmart by Greengage launches The Conscious Pledge to cut industry single-use plastics
ECOsmart by Greengage has launched The Conscious Pledge, a new industry-wide initiative to eliminate single-use plastic gifts and packaging amongst the events, business travel, and accommodation community.
The campaign encourages venues, hotels, and agencies to ‘swap plastic for purpose’ by replacing giveaways with meaningful alternatives such as charitable donations or time spent supporting environmental initiatives. The launch comes as global concern around plastic waste continues to rise.
Read more via Event Industry News.
VisitBritain’s business event growth programme delivers £60.6 million boost to British economy.
VisitBritain’s Business Events Growth Programme has delivered a £60.6 million direct UK economic boost between April 2018 and March 2024. Designed to support international conferences and exhibitions, the programme has backed 91 events across 18 cities, generating an impressive £35 return for every £1 invested. Its impact has accelerated in recent years. In 2023–2024 alone it contributed £17.6 million – the programme’s second-best annual result. £39.8 million was produced in the two years since April 2022, almost double pre-pandemic levels.
VisitBritain chief executive Patricia Yates said, “Business events across Britain are a powerful national and regional driver of economic growth, innovation and global collaboration. This programme demonstrates the ability of cities across Britain to host world-class events that boost the economy and position it as a global expert across priority growth sectors.”
Read more via Conference News.
Why smart tech isn’t enough: the future of events belongs to smart thinkers.
Jacqui Kavanagh, EDGE Venues CEO, says the real power of technology in events isn’t about adopting faster – it’s about thinking smarter. In a recent thought leadership piece in M&IT Magazine, Jacqui discusses the explosion of industry digital capabilities – from automation, AI, and immersive platforms to data dashboards – all promising to make our lives easier. She also examines why technology should solve problems, and how – in an industry built on human experience – technology’s role is to elevate, not overshadow.
MIA issues new accessibility guidance for event professionals
The Meetings Industry Association (MIA) has issued new guidance to help event professionals make UK meetings and conferences more accessible. The Practical Guide to Accessible Events offers step-by-step advice on improving inclusion and meeting legal duties under the Equality Act 2010.
Created with diversity consultant Gabrielle Austen-Browne of Diversity Alliance, the guide provides practical examples and checklists. It covers venue design, communication and staff training. It aims to help organisers, venues, and suppliers remove barriers for delegates, speakers and staff with disabilities, and to better understand their responsibilities to make reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act.
MIA chief executive Shonali Devereaux said, “Accessibility is so much more than a legal requirement. As an industry built on connection, inclusivity should sit at the heart of everything we do to ensure that everyone can fully participate in and enjoy the many wonderful experiences our sector works hard to create. This guide has been designed to help our members navigate their legal responsibilities under the Equality Act and take proactive steps to remove barriers and raise awareness, empathy and understanding across our community.”
Read more via Conference News.
Events Apprenticeships moves under The Power of Events as a new standard gets approval
The Events Apprenticeships programme has moved under the umbrella of The Power of Events. . The move come just as the newly revised Level 3 Event Co-ordinator Apprenticeship Standard receives full government approval.
The change also aims to make apprenticeships easier for businesses to understand and adopt as part of workforce planning.
Events Apprenticeships chair Richard Waddington told M&IT magazine that bringing the programme into The Power of Events would help “reach a wider audience and open up opportunities for an even broader and more diverse pool of future talent.”
Elevate marks its 10th birthday and opens registrations for 2026
Elevate, the world’s largest free personal development community for event professionals, marked its 10th anniversary on 7 November. The initiative, open for 2026 registrations, aims to inspire and empower through free mentoring, training and peer support.
Elevate co-founder Max Fellows said, “Ten years ago, Elevate began with a simple belief that the events industry is stronger when we support each other. As we mark this ten-year milestone, we are proud of what we have achieved and grateful to all the people and businesses that power Elevate. We have so many exciting things planned for 2026. Registrations have only just opened, and the response has already been phenomenal. Here’s to the next ten years.”
Apply as a mentee, mentor or both by February 2026. All applications can be made via the Elevate website: www.elevateme.co.
Read more via Prestige Events magazine, here.
EventWell launches new safety standard for quiet rooms at events.
EventWell has introduced a new Quiet Room Safety & Supervision Standard (QSSS™). The launch is in response to growing concerns about how quiet rooms are being implemented across the UK events industry.
Quiet rooms have become increasingly common at conferences, exhibitions, festivals and sporting events. Organisers are looking to support neurodivergent attendees, people with anxiety and anyone experiencing sensory overload. But according to EventWell founder Helen Moon, many of these spaces are falling short of basic safety requirements.
View from the EDGE
EDGE Venues’ Managing Director, Scott Ford, summed up the latest monthly insights:
“November’s news highlights the scale, impact, and forward-thinking nature of our industry. From UKEVENTS’ call for strategic support and VisitBritain’s strong economic returns, to Elevate celebrating a decade of nurturing talent, it’s clear that events continue to drive growth and connection.
“Equally, initiatives around accessibility, sustainability, and wellbeing show our sector’s commitment to inclusivity and responsible practice. Taken together, these stories reflect an industry that is resilient while evolving – we innovate, inspire, and deliver value for people, businesses, and communities alike.”
Book your next meeting or event venue on EDGEVenues.com
