UKEVENTS welcomes the publication of the UK Government’s refreshed Industrial Strategy and accompanying Sector Plans, which place the creative industries at the heart of national growth ambitions. Recognising the creative industries as one of eight priority sectors, the Government’s plans set out a clear commitment to driving innovation, exports, and skills development across the UK’s dynamic creative economy.

The Events Industry Alliance (EIA) has just launched a campaign urging UK and EU policymakers to prioritise the establishment of a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) for the business events sector in future trade discussions.

The latest research into the UK’s conference and meetings sector shows clearly that the sector has put the nightmare of the coronavirus pandemic well behind it and is demonstrating real dynamism as it grows strongly, despite the threats posed by myriad challenges and pressures: economic, geopolitical, environmental, societal, technological and more.

UKEVENTS offers a cautious welcome to the Government’s Spending Review, recognising several encouraging developments, particularly for sport and regional growth. However, significant opportunities for the wider events sector remain overlooked.

David Tremmil, vice chair of beam and UKEVENTS, spills the beans on his dual role - and reveals why government advocacy is so vital for the sector today on an interview with M&IT (first published here).

VisitBritain Business Events releases 2024 Delegate Spend Report: delegate expenditure has increased by 75% since 2017.

UKEVENTS, the umbrella organisation for the UK events industry, has joined forces with other organisations within the Tourism Alliance in expressing deep concern over the recent decision to significantly reduce GREAT funding for VisitBritain, a key partner.

The Purple Guide Grants Scheme celebrates a decade supporting 24 diverse outdoor event projects with £318,000 of funding, April 2025.

The UK’s only ranking of brand and corporate film producers returns at a time when social, fiscal, and messaging uncertainties are climbing into the creative roost.

The Events Industry Alliance (EIA), the secretariat platform for the three event industry bodies AEO, AEV and ESSA, has, today, published the ninth Size and Scale Index for Exhibitions (SASIE) report.

The Meetings Industry Association (MIA) has reacted to the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s Spring Statement 2025, which was presented in the House of Commons yesterday.

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.