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...
UK Events Industry Value, influence, and more
This month’s headlines underline the growing economic and political significance of the UK events sector, from record-breaking industry value and global confidence to renewed focus on skills, talent and parliamentary engagement.
Here’s everything you need to know:
UK Events Industry Value Surges to £68.7 Billion as UK Strengthens Role as Global Safe Harbour for Events
UKEVENTS UK Events Report 2025 reveals that the UK events industry is worth an estimated £68.7 billion, reinforcing its position as a cornerstone of the UK economy and a driver of innovation, trade, and tourism.
The report highlights the UK’s growing reputation as a safe, stable destination for international events amid global geopolitical uncertainty. With ongoing conflicts and regional tensions reshaping event strategies worldwide, the UK is increasingly seen as Europe’s “safe harbour”, attracting relocated conferences and exhibitions from higher-risk regions.
London retains its global hub status, hosting major summits and international gatherings, while regions and cities are benefiting from domestic substitution and levelling-up investment.
This trend is supported by VisitBritain’s LVEP framework and VisitBritain’s Business Events Support Programme, together with the integration of events within government industrial priorities.
Despite challenges such as rising operational costs, visa complexities, and talent shortages, the industry is embracing hybrid formats, sustainability-led practices, and inclusivity standards to meet the evolving expectations of clients and attendees. These innovations are helping UK events remain competitive and future-ready.
The UK events sector is forecast to grow 3–5% annually through 2027, outperforming many EU markets. Strategic priorities include lobbying for visa streamlining, enhancing regional infrastructure, and embedding ESG principles into event delivery.
Glenn Bowdin, Chair of UKEVENTS, commented: “This uplift to £68.7 billion underlines the resilience and adaptability of our industry. Events are not just economic drivers—they are catalysts for trade, innovation, and social cohesion and showcase the UK on a global stage.”
The Power of Events expands Schools Engagement Programme into Leeds
The Power of Events is extending its UK Schools Engagement Programme to the Leeds region. The not-for-profit organisation has already engaged more than 106,000 students during its first academic year through 350 school visits across the East of England, Birmingham, the South Coast and Hertfordshire. A full Year 1 report is now available on its website.
The Leeds expansion, from spring 2026, will target more than 10,000 young people in the first year. Ambassador registration is open, and The Power of Events is encouraging event professionals to volunteer via the Schools Engagement Programme portal.
Read more via Event Industry News.
The Power of Events launches into North East with new Leeds region for Schools Engagement Programme
Business events leaders to give evidence at select committee inquiry into UK business events sector
A panel of senior business events industry leaders were invited to provide oral evidence to the Culture, Media and Sport (CMS) Select Committee on 9 December. Hosted within the Houses of Parliament, the evidence forms part of CMS’s wider inquiry into the UK’s Major Events sector.
Read more via Conference News.
Business events leaders to give evidence at select committee inquiry into UK business events sector
New Chair and Officers elected for All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events
The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events (APPG) has confirmed Martin Rhodes, Labour MP for Glasgow North, as its new Chair following its Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on Wednesday, 3rd December at Portcullis House, Westminster.
As well as representing Glasgow North, Martin Rhodes MP serves on several committees within the House of Commons, including the Environmental Audit Committee, Absent Voting (Elections in Scotland and Wales) Bill and Space Industry (Indemnities) Bill. His appointment will strengthen the Group’s work to ensure the continued recognition and support of the UK’s events sector across Parliament and Westminster.
James Asser, Labour MP for West Ham and Beckton and Douglas McAllister, Labour MP for West Dunbartonshire, were both nominated and elected as Officers of the group. They will join Jack Rankin, Conservative MP for Windsor, in driving the direction and decisions of the APPG for Events alongside the group’s Chair.
A spokesperson for the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events said: “We are delighted to welcome Martin Rhodes MP as Chair and both James Asser MP and Douglas McAllister MP as Officers of the Group. All three bring a deep understanding of the importance of the events sector to the UK’s economy and communities, and their commitment will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen the industry’s voice in Parliament.
“We look forward to working with them to ensure that the events sector receives the recognition and support it deserves for its role in driving growth, encouraging innovation, and connecting people across the UK and beyond.”
Discussing his appointment, Martin Rhodes MP said: “I am honoured to have been elected Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events, and look forward to working with my fellow Officers, and my colleagues in Parliament, to continue to give a voice to our world-leading events industry.
“Over the coming weeks, I will be working with the team from The Business of Events, to update our programme to ensure that going forward, we provide the level of engagement and support that this sector both needs and deserves.”
The EGM was chaired by Independent Chair Wera Hobhouse, Liberal Democrat MP for Bath. The election was triggered by the resignation of the previous Chair, Shaun Davies MP, following his appointment as Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to the Secretary of State for Defence. Under parliamentary rules, Government members cannot chair an APPG.
Tomorrow’s Talent 2026 launches search for rising stars
The Meetings Show is on the hunt for the UK’s most exciting emerging event professionals with the return of Tomorrow’s Talent 2026, the programme that shines the spotlight on the industry’s future leaders.
Now in its eighth year, and delivered in partnership with M&IT, Tomorrow’s Talent is designed to celebrate and champion the rising stars working in the UK’s meetings, incentives and events sector. The initiative provides an invaluable platform for up-and-coming professionals to gain exposure, build meaningful connections, and take their careers to the next level.
Each of the 10 winners will receive a year of exclusive opportunities, including VIP access to The Meetings Show 2026, invitations to leading industry events such as the M&IT Awards, and mentorship and networking with senior leaders. Winners will also be featured across The Meetings Show and M&IT channels, raising their profile and influence within the sector.
View from the EDGE
EDGE Venues’ Managing Director, Scott Ford, reflected on this month’s developments:
“This month’s news reinforces just how central events have become to the UK’s economy and global reputation. The sector’s £68.7bn value and its role as a ‘safe harbour’ for international events demonstrate real confidence in what we deliver, even against a backdrop of global uncertainty.
What’s equally encouraging is the focus on the future – from engaging young people and nurturing new talent, to strengthening the industry’s voice in Westminster. Together, these stories point to a sector that’s resilient, increasingly influential and future-focused.”
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