Industry expo The Meetings Show had a super successful two days in London.
Well, that’s it for another year! The Meetings Show 2024, held at ExCeL London on 19th and 20th June, proved to be a pivotal event for over 6,000 event professionals. The UK’s leading event for the meetings and incentives industry brought together a diverse group of exhibitors, buyers, and thought leaders, fostering a vibrant atmosphere of education, networking, and business development.
The event opened with a spirited singalong, a dance-off, and an impromptu poetry session, setting the tone for two days filled with dynamic and innovative educational sessions. Attendees had access to over 35 sessions covering a broad spectrum of topics from careers and communication to security and sustainability. These sessions were held across the Impact and Inform and Innovate and Inspire stages, with the Blank Canvas stage offering a more hands-on approach to learning.
The Power of Events Hub – alongside stands from isla, The Meetings Industry Association, and MESA – served as key centres for discussions on how to inform, inspire, and empower professionals to think, connect, plan, and live differently. These platforms facilitated conversations that were not only insightful but also instrumental in shaping the future of the meetings and incentives industry.
The exhibition floor was bustling with activity as nearly 700 exhibitors, ranging from convention bureaux and DMCs to hotels, conference centres and even industry magazines (!) showcased their services. Exhibitors came from the UK and around the globe, attracting buyers eager to discover new venues and services. Thousands of meetings took place, allowing exhibitors to rekindle existing relationships and forge new ones.
One of the highlights was the debut of the world’s first zero-waste, reusable exhibition stand made from event waste carpet. This stand, created by Paradigm in collaboration with partners isla, The Bulb, Informa, and The Meetings Show, underscored the event’s commitment to sustainability and set a benchmark for future exhibitions. See our interview with the stand’s creator Lee Cooper on page XX.
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. Exhibitor Daniel McDonald of Carden Park Hotel & Spa in Chester said: “The Meetings Show is one of the best shows that we do. We love seeing a mixture of new clients and existing ones. It’s important to generate new business but still great to check in with agents and corporate clients who we know already.”
Lee Scott of The Hoxton in Edinburgh added: “The Meetings Show has been valuable for positioning our hotel and making new, and strengthening old, connections. This is my third time at The Meetings Show and it always attracts a good mix of people and it’s a great chance to build a network, as you meet those you see at events through the year and also some new people.”
Networking opportunities were plentiful, with on-stand receptions hosted by exhibitors such as The Delegate Wranglers, VisitScotland, and Venues of Excellence, providing a relaxed atmosphere for participants to catch up over drinks.
Jack Marczewski, Portfolio Event Director of Northstar Meetings Group, expressed his delight at the show’s success: “What a show! We are thrilled to have once again inspired and connected thousands of buyers with MICE suppliers from around the globe. It was fantastic to see the show floor buzzing with energy and to hear about so many tangible results.”
The Meetings Show isn’t resting on its laurels, however! The 2025 is already scheduled to take place on 25th and 26th June 2025, you can register now: www.themeetingsshow.com