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Inquiry into the UK business events sector, research insights, and more
April’s industry news round-up brings important updates – from a formal inquiry into the UK business events sector to funding challenges and fresh research insights, and more.
Here’s everything you need to know:
Inquiry planned into business events sector
The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events has announced a formal inquiry into the UK business events sector, aiming to assess its role in driving economic growth and tourism. Evidence sessions are expected to take place throughout the summer.
This inquiry marks a pivotal opportunity for industry stakeholders to present their successes and challenges directly to policymakers. A strong case could bolster government support for infrastructure investment, skills development, and international promotion of the UK as a world-leading event destination.
Read more via Conference News, here.
Key insights from the 2024 Incentive Travel Index
The latest Incentive Travel Index highlights trends including the critical role of experiences in incentive travel and the growing emphasis on sustainability. Buyers and suppliers alike are shifting priorities to meet new attendee expectations.
The study also shows that experiences now often outweigh traditional financial rewards, as companies aim to create lasting emotional connections with participants. Organisers should note the importance of personalisation and environmental responsibility in designing future incentive programmes.
Read more via Conference Meetings World, here.
Training and automation touted as solutions for venue costs
A recent white paper suggests that better staff training and greater use of automation could offer venues an effective route to managing rising operational costs.
The report highlights that tech investment, such as AI-driven booking systems and automated service operations, could both improve customer experience and reduce manual overheads. However, it warns that without matching this with robust staff development, venues risk falling behind.
Read more via Conference News, here.
Martyn’s Law receives Royal Assent
In a significant step forward for venue security, Martyn’s Law – legislation designed to improve public safety at venues and events – has officially received Royal Assent.
Under Martyn’s Law, venues will be required to put in place new security measures appropriate to their size and risk profile. Training, risk assessments, and detailed contingency planning will become mandatory – a move broadly welcomed by event organisers prioritising attendee safety.
Read more on EDGE Venues, here.
beam’s All-Members Meeting to focus on industry future
beam’s upcoming all-members meeting promises a deep dive into the future of the business events sector, with sustainability, digitalisation, and workforce development high on the agenda.
This year’s meeting is expected to foster collaboration across sectors, offering insights from thought leaders and sparking conversations around innovation. With evolving market demands, beam aims to equip members with practical strategies to future-proof their businesses.
ABPCO reports a strong 2024
The Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO) shared impressive figures for 2024, with nearly £48 million generated in sponsorship and over one million delegates supported.
These figures highlight the continued resilience and demand within the business events market, despite wider economic challenges. ABPCO attributed much of the growth to a focus on hybrid events, increased corporate partnerships, and a return to larger in-person gatherings.
UKEVENTS pushes back against VisitBritain funding cuts
Industry body UKEVENTS has voiced strong opposition to proposed cuts to VisitBritain’s GREAT campaign funding, warning it could damage the UK’s global competitiveness for attracting events and conferences.
VisitBritain’s promotional campaigns have been a cornerstone in positioning the UK as a premier international destination. Reductions in funding risk undermining years of progress and could lead to a loss of valuable inbound event business to competitor markets like France, Germany, and the UAE.
Venue survey 2024 now open
The annual Conference News Venue Survey is now live, providing a vital opportunity for venues to share their challenges, successes, and priorities for the year ahead.
The insights gathered will inform a major report benchmarking venue performance across the UK. Participation is crucial – it offers venues visibility and helps shape the sector’s conversations with policymakers, investors, and clients moving forward.
Read more via Conference News, here.
Diversity in event agencies under the spotlight
A new study reveals mixed progress in diversity efforts within event agencies, with calls for the industry to push harder toward creating genuinely inclusive workplaces.
While some agencies have implemented proactive initiatives, others are lagging behind, highlighting a need for stronger accountability and leadership commitment. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices are increasingly influencing client decision-making in agency selection.
Read more via Live Recruitment, here.
IAPCO members generate $17BN from 20,000 conferences
The International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) has released data showing its members delivered nearly 20,000 conferences in 2024, generating an impressive $17 billion globally.
These figures underline the critical economic impact that professional conference organisers bring to destinations worldwide. The data also signals a strong post-pandemic rebound, with record delegate numbers and increasing demand for high-quality, professionally managed events.
View from the EDGE
EDGE Venues’ Managing Director, Scott Ford, summed up the latest monthly insights:
“It’s great to see progress from the APPG for events with their forthcoming enquiry, which will hopefully spotlight the importance of the event sector in the UK and generate more government support.
The evolving delegate expectations are highlighted by the incentive travel index. This supports evidence we are seeing in terms of delegates looking for a more emotional connection to the events they attend and looking for those events to reflect their priorities, especially in the arena of sustainability.
ABPCO’s 2024 report saw continued demand and resilience in the events sector last year, and a trend we can see continuing so far in 2025 with impressive growth via the EDGE Venues platform.”
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