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.
With over 700,000 people employed in the sector, the UK events industry plays a crucial role in economic growth. The exhibition provided a unique opportunity for policymakers to connect with event industry leaders and gain a deeper understanding of the sector’s value and its potential for future expansion.
Throughout the exhibition, parliamentarians showed great interest in how the events industry directly impacts their constituencies. Many were unaware of the sector’s challenges, such as trade friction, complex visa regulations, and a lack of recognition for business events, but were eager to explore how the government could support the industry’s growth.
A vision for growth
UKEVENTS highlighted several key priorities for the sector, including:
- Developing a national events strategy to unlock further economic growth and ensure the UK remains a global leader in events.
- Integration of major business and outdoor events with key governmental industrial and social initiatives.
- Expansion of the VisitBritain Business Events Growth Programme.
The event also showcased the diversity and depth of the UK events sector, from business conferences and exhibitions to live entertainment and cultural events, and their role in facilitating growth within the visitor economy, propelling trade, exports and inward investment, while also fostering scientific inquiry, innovation and technological advancement. MPs and Lords recognised the industry’s unique ability to amplify government priorities, from boosting international trade to revitalising local economies. As a result, strengthening collaboration with the government to position the UK events industry as a strategic partner for economic and community development will be key.
Next steps
The response from parliamentarians was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their support for ongoing collaboration and future roundtable discussions with UKEVENTS and its partners.
Glenn Bowdin, Chair, UKEVENTS, said: “The UK events industry is incredibly diverse, with a rich ecosystem that encompasses everything from live experiences to business conferences and the extensive supply chain that supports them. This breadth and depth not only fuel the industry’s £61.6 billion contribution to the UK economy but also help drive growth in sectors such as tourism, hospitality, and creative industries.
“What became clear is that many MPs were largely unaware of the full scale of our industry’s impact. This exhibition was a valuable opportunity to present that message directly. The next step is to build on this momentum, following up with policymakers to create an environment where government proactively uses our industry to achieve its policy objectives while unlocking even greater opportunities for growth.
“I would like to extend my personal thanks to Jack Rankin, MP for Windsor and Vice Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events for sponsoring our event which granted us such a unique opportunity. My sincere thanks to the multitude of MPs, Ladies, and Lords who came by to see us.”
UKEVENTS will follow up with policymakers in the coming months, encouraging MPs to visit events, creative event agencies, and event production businesses in their constituencies to witness first-hand the industry’s impact on their local communities and economies.
Michael Hirst OBE, UKEVENTS said: "It was rather like working a trade show stand, catching parliamentarians on the run to other meetings. You had to adopt all sorts of comments to attract their attention. I convinced Aphra Brandreth, Conservative MP for Chester South (daughter of the broadcaster Giles Brandreth), to stop by telling her—after some sleuthful research—that we were both born at Middlesex Hospital, albeit 35 years apart!
"In most circumstances, we had less than 10 seconds to catch their attention, so we used the 'elevator pitch,' highlighting the £61.6 billion industry value, its growth potential, and the breadth of activities our industry covers."
Susan Tanner, NOEA said: “One of the things we continue to find with MPs is a universal love and appreciation of events, but with little understanding of an 'event industry. It's nice to bring this to life, the people that create events, how they are doing, the challenges their businesses face, how they work with local and national communities. We spoke to a number of MPs and this conversation worked pretty well.”
Cris Cicirello, NOEA said: "A small handful of us events professionals congregated daily at the end of the Committee corridor across four days in early February. Without exception, all MPs going about their daily business were happy to stop, chat, and learn about our industry. Introductions were aided by our info flyers, which highlighted some key headlines.
"As conversations developed, what really struck home was that everyone we talked to, in one way or another, has an interest in what we do. The topline numbers of £60bn+ direct and £200bn+ wider value are impressive, but even more so are the direct touchpoints.
"Some MPs had family members who worked in the industry, many placed great importance on the income that the industry would create for their constituencies, and everyone smiled when talking about events they had experienced or were looking forward to. All were impressed to learn that the UK produces some of the best event professionals in the world and weren’t aware of our key challenges, especially since Brexit. It’s our job to continue helping them help us—particularly on reciprocal VAT and visa agreements with the EU."
Lisa Hatswell, Unique Venues of London said: "Unique Venues of London, which represents over 80 iconic venues in London, was delighted to be part of the UKEVENTS team exhibiting at the Houses of Parliament last week.
"The UKEVENTS key message that resonated with the MPs we met was that, due to the sheer diversity and value of the UK events industry and its potential for growth, a comprehensive national events strategy would benefit the industry’s future.
“MPs we met included: Esther McVey, Neil O’Brien, Aphra Brandreth, Lord Bird, Lady Winterton, and Chris Chope.”
Anna Golden, Chair, Event Industry Alliance said: "I was delighted to take part in the UK Events exhibition at the House of Commons last week. The opportunity to stand side by side with fellow representatives of the UK events industry and highlight just how much the industry delivers to the UK economy was both humbling and exciting.
"The figures spoke for themselves and literally made MPs stop to learn more. The conversations flowed—we’re passionate individuals, and as a collective, we are a powerhouse!
"Our asks resonated, especially when we highlighted that we weren’t looking for funding but for support to ease trade friction and boost in-bound events, delegates, speakers, and exhibitors. We asked to be a platform for the Government’s agenda to support their narrative while promoting ours."
David Tremmil, Vice Chair, UKEVENTS & Vice Chair, beam said: "Our discussions with MPs in Parliament last week reinforced the vital £61.6 billion contribution of events to the UK economy. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with many eager to understand more about the industry’s impact and the challenges faced by event venues in their constituencies."
Louisa Watson, Chair, beam said: "It’s clear from conversations with MPs and members of the House of Lords that they understand business events are not only a key economic driver but also a crucial part of local communities. We look forward to continuing this dialogue and working with UK Events and the APPG to unlock further growth and opportunities for our sector."
Shonali Devereaux, Chief Executive, MIA said: "The exhibition was a great way to shine a light on our industry, but it’s disheartening that we’re still fighting for the recognition we deserve given that events contribute £61 billion to the UK economy.
"We were encouraged by how open MPs were to hearing our concerns, but they can only act on issues raised by their constituents. We’ll be encouraging our members to invite their local MPs to events. As a white-label industry, attending events is a great chance for MPs to see first-hand the economic and social impact of our sector."
Glenn Bowdin, Treasurer, AEME & Chair, UKEVENTS said: “Education and skills development are integral to a thriving events industry and for attracting and retaining talent. We were keen to support this event for our industry to highlight how through events management degrees, masters and event apprenticeships, future professionals have clear routes into the industry and are being equipped with the creative, logistical, and higher level knowledge and skills necessary to deliver successful events. In addition, through their research, our members are helping us to better understand the role and value of events in society, for businesses, government, and communities."
MPs, Lords, Ladies and other stakeholders who visited the UKEVENTS stand: (see pictures here)
1. Jack Rankin – MP for Windsor
2. Luke Myer – MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland
3. John Cooper – MP for Dumfries and Galloway
4. Rebecca Long-Bailey – MP for Salford
5. Louise Jones – MP for North East Derbyshire
6. Sarah Edwards – MP for Tamworth
7. Jonathan Brash – MP for Hartlepool
8. Connor Naismith – MP for Crewe and Nantwich
9. Helen Morgan – MP for North Shropshire
10. Jo Platt – MP for Leigh and Atherton
11. Josh Newbury – MP for Cannock Chase
12. Brittany Cunnane – Parliamentary Assistant to Emma Reynolds MP for Wycombe and Economic Secretary to HM Treasury
13. Alison Bennett – MP for Mid Sussex
14. Saqib Bhatti – MP for Meriden and Solihull East, Shadow Minister for DCMS
15. Jas Athwal – MP for Ilford South
16. Jack Abbott – MP for Ipswich
17. Sarah Dyke – MP for Glastonbury and Somerton
18. Anna Dixon – MP for Shipley
19. Clive Jones – MP for Wokingham, Liberal Democrat
20. Paul Kohler – MP for Wimbledon, Liberal Democrat
21. Kenneth Stevenson – MP for Airdrie and Shotts
22. Sonia Kumar – MP for Dudley
23. Gill German – MP for Clwyd North
24. Matt Turmaine – MP for Watford
25. Andrew Ranger – MP for Wrexham
26. Blake Stephenson – MP for Mid Bedfordshire
27. Juliet Campbell – MP for Broxtowe
28. Angus MacDonald – MP for Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire
29. Claire Hughes – MP for Bangor Aberconwy
30. Gordon McKee – MP for Glasgow South
31. Elaine Stewart – MP for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock
32. Patrick Spencer – MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich
33. Lord Morse – of Aldburgh
34. Olivia Blake – MP for Sheffield Hallam
35. Lord Mott – of Chatteris
36. Gareth Snell – MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central
37. Chris Hinchliff – MP for North East Hertfordshire
38. Connor Rand – MP for Altrincham and Sale West
39. Tom Gordon – MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough
40. Lorraine Beavers – MP for Blackpool North and Fleetwood
41. Claire Hanna – MP for Belfast South and Mid Down
42. Katrina Murray – MP for Cumbernauld & Kirkintilloch
43. Danny Beales – MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip
44. Tracy Gilbert – MP for Edinburgh North and Leith
45. Catherine Atkinson – MP for Derby North
46. Pam Cox – MP for Colchester
47. Kerry McCarthy – MP for Bristol East, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
48. Ed Davey – MP for Kingston and Surbiton, Leader of Lib Dems
49. Rebecca Smith – MP for South West Devon
50. Jonathan Ashworth – Former Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
51. Rosie Wrighting – MP for Kettering
52. Mike Tapp – MP for Dover and Deal
53. Rachel Taylor – MP for North Warwickshire and Bedworth
54. Gregor Poynton – MP for Livingston
55. Cat Eccles – MP for Stourbridge
56. Carla Denyer – MP for Bristol Central
57. Rachel Gilmour – MP for Tiverton and Minehead
58. Ed Chidley (representing Pippa Heylings, MP for South Cambridgeshire)
59. Esther McVey – MP for Tatton
60. Neil O'Brien – MP for Harborough, Oadby and Wigston
61. Aphra Brandreth – MP for Chester South and Eddisbury
62. Kay Davies – House of Commons Events Team
63. Lee Holt – House of Commons Events Team
64. Lord Bird
65. Lady Baroness Rosie Winterton
66. Sir Christopher Chope – MP for Christchurch
67. Josh Babarinde – MP for Eastbourne, Liberal Democrat
68. Vikki Slade – MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, Liberal Democrat
69. Richard Quigley – MP for Isle of Wight West
About UKEVENTS
UKEVENTS is the recognised and collective voice of our world leading events industry, which represents every part of a diverse, creative and dynamic sector across the whole of the UK and champions the economic, societal and transformational value of events. UKEVENTS’, formerly the Business Visits and Events Partnership’s (BVEP), role is to support the work of our partners to help create a strong and growing events industry.
This industry comprises many diverse and individual sectors, covering meetings, conferences, exhibitions, trade shows, incentive travel, event hospitality, ceremonies, sporting, cultural, outdoor and festivals as well as other services provided by the wider supply chain. Partners UKEVENTS exists to represent the interests of its partners, their members and the wider UK events industry.
We are proud to represent the following organisations:
• ABPCO - Association of British Professional Conference Organisers
• AEME - Association for Events Management Education
• Beam
• BTA - Business Travel Association
• Core Cities
• EIA - Events Industry Alliance (AEO, AEV, ESSA)
• EIF - Events Industry Forum
• EVCOM - Event & Visual Communications Association
• London & Partners
• MIA - Meetings Industry Association
• NCASS – Nationwide Caterers Association
• NOEA - National Outdoor Events Association
• PLASA - Professional Lighting and Sound Association
• PSA - Production Services Association
• TNI - Tourism Northern Ireland
• UVL - Unique Venues of London
• VisitBritain
• VisitScotland Business Events
• Visit Wales.
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