Category: Uncategorized
-
New UK research reveals face-to-face is vital in AI-enabled world
AI is increasing the need for human meetings, not reducing it, according to new research commissioned by The Meetings Show. Challenging assumptions about the role of technology in improving efficiency, almost two-thirds of business leaders (62%) say AI is increasing the need for human discussion and alignment. The findings come from the UK Productivity Gap…
-
The Business of Events’ Policy Forum to feature key update on Major Events Inquiry
The Business of Events, the leading Think Tank and Advocacy Network for the business events sector, has announced its initial line up of politicians, policymakers, campaigners and leading industry figures for its signature Policy Forum. Returning to IET London: Savoy Place on Tuesday 7th July 2026, the Policy Forum is designed to drive growth within the UK’s business events economy through developing policy initiatives. Among the…
-
Event planners want to deliver accessible events but lack confidence, clarity and support, new research reveals
A lack of clarity, confidence and budget is preventing event planners from delivering accessible events, according to new research from The Business of Events and ICC Wales, conducted with accessibility specialist Dr Shani Dhanda and supported by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events. Based on feedback from over 50 event planners last month, this latest…
-
The Business of Acquisitions: The rise of founder investment in the events industry
Steve Monnington, CEO of Mayfield Merger Strategies summaries this months’ transactions and looks at funding for founders in the events sector. It has been a relatively quiet month for completed transactions but a frenetic one behind the scenes for the potential buyers of CloserStill Media, primarily Private Equity firms, where first round bids were submitted…
-
The Business of Events Announces 2026 Partners
The Business of Events has strengthened its global think tank and advocacy network for the events sector with a raft of new strategic partners for 2026. New partners include the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), The Meetings Show by Northstar and Cvent. They join long-standing partners VisitBritain, VisitScotland Business Events, ICC Wales, MeetEngland and the All-Party…
-
The Business of Acquisitions: Founder ecosystems and the rise of SCALE Expo
Steve Monnington, CEO of Mayfield Merger Strategies summarises this month’s transactions and talks to the co-founder of SCALE Expo, supporting founders and scaleups. There were 6 transactions this month covering USA, China, India and Australia. A few highlights below. Terrapinn kicks off 2026 with 2 more acquisitions Terrapinn has announced a long-term partnership with Australia’s Smart…
-
Event planners invited to contribute to next phase of landmark accessibility research
The UK events industry is making progress on accessibility, but there is more to be done – and event planners’ insights are key to the next stage of research. Following the groundbreaking ‘Access All Areas: Closing the Accessibility Gap in Events’ research by The Business of Events and ICC Wales, with support from accessibility consultant Dr Shani Dhanda and the All-Party Parliamentary Group…
-
Discover the MeetEngland Impact Network – harnessing intellectual capital and strengthening England’s global competitiveness
MeetEngland, part of VisitEngland, has launched the MeetEngland Impact Network. Held at the historic Cutlers’ Hall in Sheffield on 12 February, representatives from 15 cities across the country joined 19 ambassadors and five industry colleagues to celebrate the experts, innovators and thought leaders who help position England as a world-leading knowledge destination. The MeetEngland Impact…
-
The Business of Acquisitions: At what point does consolidation create a shortage of shows to acquire?
Steve Monnington, CEO of Mayfield Merger Strategies, summarises the biggest transaction of the month and explores the circular relationship between founders and the larger acquisitive organisers. How 2026 M&A has started Another six exhibitions and three event services acquisitions continue M&A momentum. The biggest news of the month is the mega merger of Informa’s B2B…
-
EICC board appoints Judy Rae as Non-Executive Director
The board of the world-class Edinburgh conference and events venue, Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) has appointed Judy Rae as a non-executive director. Announcing the appointment, EICC board chair, Cllr Lezley Marion Cameron said: “We are delighted to welcome Judy to the EICC board at this exciting and challenging time for the company and the business events…