Event industry news round-up for August 2025

This month’s industry news has showcased the resilience and impact of the meetings and events sector, from record-breaking destination success stories to charitable milestones, innovative trend reports and initiatives driving inclusivity. These stories reflect a sector that continues to adapt and deliver value on a global scale.

Hospitality jobs among UK’s most competitive

Conference News has shared new analysis from Funding Circle which shows that UK hospitality sector is facing one of the toughest recruitment landscapes in the country.

The report shows that 112 applicants are chasing every hospitality vacancy, making those roles among the most competitive UK jobs. It also creates time-consuming recruitment bottlenecks for businesses such as hotels which are being ‘inundated’ with applications from ‘often overqualified or underqualified candidates’.

Read more via Conference News here.

Blackpool’s business events sector generates almost £1m economic benefit in June and July

As reported in the Prestige Events Magazine, Blackpool’s business events sector generates almost £1 million economic benefit in June and July. MeetBlackpool, the town’s conference and exhibition arm, is celebrating its most successful months on record for business events securing a diverse array of conferences and events for June and July 2024, attracting thousands of delegates to the seaside town.

Discussing the results, Julie Vincent, Head of MeetBlackpool, said:

“Business events are more than just catalysts for economic impact; they serve as platforms for knowledge exchange and innovation, nurturing growth and development that ultimately benefit the lives of people in the area.

NOWIE launches events series

NOWIE (The Network of Women in Events CIC) has shared an ambitious line-up of UK and Ireland events spanning all four nations of the UK, alongside its partners.

NOWIE told Conference News that the ‘diverse programme marks a significant step in expanding NOWIE’s reach while providing more inclusive and accessible opportunities for women and non-binary professionals across all sectors of the industry.’

Read more.

SXSW London launches inaugural Trend Report

The report dives into eight standout ideas and future-facing themes from SXSW London’s first event in June 2025. The ideas include:

• Agentic AI will transform work
• Space: The Next Business Frontier
• Collective Individualism
• Community Driven Brands
• Business With Conscience
• The HealthTech Revolution
• Experience Led Marketing
• Redefining Influence & Authority

Download the report here.

Ottawa reports surge in global life sciences conferences

As reported in Conference & Incentive Travel (C&IT), Ottawa is set to strengthen its position as a global hub for life sciences conferences, with seven major international association events confirmed between 2025 and 2027.

The events are expected to attract nearly 5,000 delegates, boosting both the city’s economy and its reputation in the sector. Ottawa Tourism credits the surge to the region’s strong research and innovation ecosystem, which includes leading universities, hospitals, research centres, and government agencies.

“Ottawa is home to groundbreaking research and vibrant cross-sector collaboration that makes it a natural hub for global dialogue in life sciences,” said Stephanie Seguin, vice president of business and major events at Ottawa Tourism. “We’re thrilled to see a growing number of associations and international leaders choosing Ottawa for their events.”

Read more.

De Vere raises £100k for charity partners at inaugural Gala Dinner

De Vere has successfully raised more than £100,000 for its charity partners during its first-ever Charity Gala Dinner, hosted at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in Covent Garden this July. The midsummer-themed ball welcomed 400 guests to the Grand Hall, featuring fine dining, curated wines, and live entertainment.

Funds were donated to three charities: the British Heart Foundation, Hospitality Action, and the Willow Foundation.

Laurie Nicol and Alan Corlett, Co-CEOs at De Vere, commented:

“We are incredibly proud of the success of our inaugural Charity Gala Dinner. Raising over£100,000 for these outstanding charities is a remarkable achievement, and we are so thankful to our guests, team and partners who made the night possible. The evening was more than just a gala, it was a celebration of purpose, generosity, and community, reflecting our shared belief that business should be a force for good for our guests, our people, and our planet.”

Read more via Event Industry News.

View from the EDGE

EDGE Venues’ Managing Director, Scott Ford, summed up the latest monthly insights:

“This month’s news underlines the sheer breadth and dynamism of our industry. From the impressive economic impact of Blackpool’s thriving events sector and Ottawa’s growing profile as a global life sciences hub, to De Vere’s demonstration of how hospitality can be a true force for good, it’s clear that business events continue to deliver value well beyond the meeting room.

At the same time, initiatives like NOWIE’s nationwide programme and SXSW London’s forward-looking trend report remind us of the power of inclusivity, innovation and future-focused thinking in shaping what comes next.

Yes, the hospitality job market is more competitive than ever, but that in itself reflects the strength of our sector and the appeal it holds for talent. Taken together, these stories highlight an industry that is not only resilient but also evolving, one that thrives at the intersection of community, creativity, and economic growth.”

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