The Meetings Show delivered a successful 10th edition with a range of education sessions and initiatives to champion the rising talent of the events industry.
The Meetings Show delivered a successful 10th edition with a range of education sessions and initiatives to champion the rising talent of the events industry.
Entering through the doors of ExCel London in June, the team at H&E North joined over 4,000 professionals in the events community to celebrate The Meetings Show’s 10th edition packed with industry panel discussions, keynote speeches, dynamic exhibitors, and thought-provoking seminars.
Maximising their time using the show’s hosted buyer programme, delegates could fast track their access across the venue’s show floor to hit seminars, supplier meetings, and networking opportunities seamlessly. For first time visitors such as 2Ten Events Limited Director, Amie Daniels, the intricate planning behind the event elevated the experience even more: “There was a great atmosphere which has rekindled the passion I have for the industry. I’ve had some valuable meetings organised through the hosted buyer programme and the education sessions I’ve been to have been interesting to say the least. I’ve certainly learnt a lot!”
Lord Sebastian Coe’s opening keynote speech launched the show’s series of educational discussions, celebrating the London 2012 Games’ matching 10th anniversary while considering the value of sport in communities and how planning major sporting events have a catalytic effect on improving them.
The latest industry trends and issues were also explored over the show’s 22 hours of education sessions, with insights provided into greenwashing, fostering communities, the metaverse, and purpose-driven events.
Several show initiatives came to fruition to provide a platform for the next generation of talent, including a special programme dedicated to students in partnership with Event First Steps. Helping newcomers learn from industry heavyweights, the young participants had the chance to meet exhibitors, attend panel sessions, and join a special post-show networking event to help forge their own career paths.
The landmark show saw a strong international contingent of over 500 exhibitors taking part to reconnect and help buyers with event enquiries and solutions for the year ahead, representing meetings destinations as far wide as Australia, Canada, Korea, and Singapore.
North-based exhibitors from the likes of Conference Leeds, Marketing Manchester, and Liverpool Convention Bureau caught up with regional bodies from all four corners of the UK during the three-day programme for hosted buyers, which included a pre-show conference and welcome reception on board the iconic Royal Navy warship, HMS Belfast.
Winners from the show’s Tomorrow Talent initiative also attended the event to represent the rising stars of the industry, including Freelance Event Manager, Daniel Wilcock: “It’s been fantastic to have the opportunity to meet venues I wanted to learn more about, and the breadth of exhibitors was impressive. I was really impressed meeting the other Tomorrow’s Talent winners too. I’m thrilled to be included among such a talented group of people.”
“It was incredible to celebrate our landmark 10th edition live at ExCeL London and bring so many people from the global events community together in person again,” said Event Director, Jack Marczewski. “Exhibitor feedback has been hugely positive, and a high percentage have already re-booked for next year. We can’t wait to start planning for 2023.”
The Meetings Show 2023 will take place again at ExCeL London on 28th and 29th June. Registration is now available at Themeetingsshow.com/register