The Business of Events has today announced that Stephanie Peacock MP, Minister for Sport, Tourism, Civil Society and Youth, will deliver the opening address at its signature 2026 Policy Forum.
The Forum, which takes place at IET London: Savoy Place on 7 July 2026, brings together politicians, policymakers and industry leaders to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the UK’s business events economy.
The View from Westminster
The programme also includes a session with Nick Watt, Political Editor at BBC Newsnight, who will provide an overview of the current political landscape in the UK.
Martin Rhodes MP, Member of Parliament for Glasgow North and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events, will focus on the work of the APPG and how they are supporting the events sector in Parliament.
Public safety campaigner Figen Murray OBE will share insights into her personal journey to Martyn’s Law, while Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, Member of Parliament for Gosport and Chair of the Culture, Media & Sport Select Committee, will discuss the Committee’s ongoing inquiry into the visitor economy and events sector.
An international perspective
Providing an international perspective on growth and development within the sector, Sherrif Karamat CAE, President and CEO of PCMA, will explore the opportunities available to destinations and event organisers in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.
Accessibility advocate and multi-award-winning changemaker Dr Shani Dhanda will deliver the closing keynote on closing the accessibility gap in events, highlighting the opportunities and responsibilities facing organisers and venues.
The Forum will also see the launch of the 2026 Global Destination Report, presented by Neil Brownlee, Head of Business Events at VisitScotland and Sarah Fleming, Managing Director of SFA Connect, offering fresh insights into destination competitiveness and future growth opportunities.
The Business of Events, said: “Our Policy Forum is our flagship annual event and continues to bring together influential voices from politics, policy and industry.
“This year’s programme reflects the breadth of issues shaping the future of our sector, from public policy and safety legislation to accessibility, destination competitiveness and international growth. We look forward to welcoming senior leaders from across the business events community to explore how the sector can deliver economic, social and strategic value for the UK.”
The Business of Events Policy Forum will take place at IET London: Savoy Place on Tuesday 7th July 2026, complimentary tickets to attend can be applied for here.