By Louisa Watson, Chair of beam - As Chair of beam, I speak on behalf of a sector that continues to show resilience and innovation in the face of ongoing economic uncertainty. The business events, accommodation and meetings industry contributes more than £61 billion to the UK economy each year, yet it remains particularly vulnerable to inflationary pressures, talent shortages and inconsistent government support.

Powering on from last year’s Covid re-bound, ABPCO members maintained the same high levels of activity and financial growth throughout 2024.

UKEVENTS has confirmed its new Executive Committee following the February Full Partners Meeting, with a clear focus on strengthening engagement with policymakers and capitalising on new relationships forged at the recent Houses of Parliament exhibition.

Confidence in UK business meetings and events is high, with 61% of businesses forecasting higher revenue this year according to the Meetings Industry Association (MIA).

UKEVENTS hosted a special exhibition in Parliament to highlight the vital contribution of the UK events industry to the national economy, 3-6 February. Over four days, UKEVENTS representatives engaged with MPs and Lords, emphasising the £61.6 billion value of the sector and its pivotal role in supporting local economies, driving business tourism, and creating jobs across the country.

Jack Rankin for Windsor, and our Sponsor MP for the Exhibition Event at the House of Commons.

UKEVENTS, the umbrella organisation for the UK events industry, is set to host an exhibition in the Upper Waiting Hall of the Palace of Westminster from 3-6 February 2025.

A new cap on the price of resold tickets for concerts, live sport and other events are among measures that have been announced by the government on 10th January 2025.

UKEVENTS 2024 Review and Looking Ahead to 2025 (Chris Skeith OBE, Chair, UKEVENTS)
2024 has been a year of significant change for the UK events industry. Following the General Election, we welcomed a new Government, which has brought both challenges and opportunities as we adjust to the reshuffle at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). Much of our focus in the second half of the year has been on building relationships with the Labour Government, ensuring the events sector continues to have a voice at the heart of decision-making.

Optimism in the business meetings and events sector is high, with average event budgets on the rise, according to the Meetings Industry Association’s (MIA) latest MIA Insights.

UKEVENTS, the umbrella organisation of the UK’s events industry, is pleased to announce the findings of its anticipated UK Events Report 2024. The report, compiled by Great Potential Consultancy, highlights the industry’s critical role in the economy, generating £61.653 billion annually and affirming its resilience following the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

VisitBritain’s programme to support Britain to secure international business events and increase delegate attendance has resulted in a boost to the economy of £45.5 million, with 62 business events supported in 18 cities across the nations and regions.

VisitScotland has published its National Events Strategy for 2024-2035 which aims to build on the events industry’s many achievements to date. The strategy refresh has been shaped by the Scottish Government, our Industry and Events Directorate, Scotland’s Events Industry Advisory Group (EIAG), Local Authorities, COSLA, Trade Union representatives, and those who responded to the consultation process.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Events is set for its first meeting in the new Parliament, with Shaun Davies, Member of Parliament for Telford (Labour), as Chair Elect.

The Association of Event Organisers (AEO) has announced that its chief executive officer, Chris Skeith OBE, will step down at the end of the year after a remarkable 10 years of service. Chris Skeith, who is also UKEVENTS current Chair, will take over from Kai Hattendorf on the 1st of January 2025 as UFI's next chief executive officer.

A national campaign is being launched to educate young people about the vast range of exciting career opportunities available in the ‘Live Events’ sector.

The Events Industry Forum has announced that the deadline for receiving applications for Purple Guide grants this Autumn will be October 18, 2024.

To date, the Forum has awarded over £226,000 in grants for projects supporting the UK outdoor events industry.

UKEVENTS, the umbrella organisation representing the UK Events Industry, was present at the Secretary of State's reception for key Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) stakeholders, held in Manchester on 31st July. Michael Hirst OBE, Lead for Advocacy & Government Relations at UKEVENTS, had the opportunity to speak with the newly appointed Secretary of State, Lisa Nandy.

UKEVENTS, the umbrella organisation for the UK events industry, extends its congratulations to Sir Keir Starmer on his appointment as the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. UKEVENTS is eager to collaborate with Prime Minister Starmer and his team, including Lisa Nandy, the new Secretary of State for Culture, to drive forward key initiatives that will strengthen the UK events industry and its contributions to the nation's economy and cultural heritage.

UKEVENTS is pleased to announce the appointment of Tom Clements to its Executive Committee as Vice Chair and as Chair of the Outdoor Events Working Group, a role in which he will spearhead discussions on the unique challenges facing the outdoor events sector.