It’s a busy few weeks in the industry; we take a look at what to expect from International Confex and CHS Leeds.
INTERNATIONAL CONFEX | 26th and 27th February
At this year’s International Confex, you’ll find over 200 suppliers, venues, tech platforms, and more, alongside seven content theatres. Expect ample opportunities for learning, inspiration, and networking that will allow you to find every resource you could need in one place and gain a new perspective on where the industry is heading.
One of the highlights of Confex every year is its conference programme that’s specifically curated to allow every event prof to arm themselves with the latest industry insights. This year’s programme is certainly no different; eight topics are being discussed by industry- leading speakers built to inspire and educate you.
Sales excellence
Achieving outstanding sales performance requires modern and considerate strategies. Explore the latest trends in personalised selling approaches and the synergy between sales and marketing teams that can elevate sales success. Face today’s competitive marketplace with cutting-edge techniques and motivational strategies to push your sales performance to new heights.
Diversity and inclusion
The events industry is often seen as fun, rewarding, supportive, and inclusive, but do the actions and policies of leading names truly reflect these ideals? This year’s Confex aims to bridge the gap between perception and reality by understanding how to integrate inclusive design principles, craft messaging that resonates with diverse audiences, and foster a workplace culture that values and supports all individuals.
Marketing innovation
The marketing toolkit has been revitalised with the widespread adoption of AI and social media. Discover innovative strategies and best practices for utilising AI, social media, influencer marketing, and content creation to amplify your event marketing efforts. Explore the power of online communities and brand activations in boosting engagement and driving event success.
Community engagement
Learn how to leverage social media, online networks, and partners to create a wave of promotion and an army of brand ambassadors. Uncover how to turn attendees into advocates, driving ongoing support and success for your events.
Data-driven events
Find out how to effectively use data to enhance your pre- and post-event experiences. Discover how engagement and gamification technologies can boost participation and satisfaction. Take away relevant insight on the latest tech innovations aimed at making events greener and more sustainable.
Planet first events
Creating eco-friendly events is no longer a choice but a necessity. This portion of the programme will give you practical ways to integrate sustainable materials into your event planning and discuss the importance of a green supply chain.
The future of exhibitions
Events thrive when the creative minds behind them have the right surroundings to explore and be challenged to think outside the box. The agenda is curated to provide you with knowledge of what is to come, delivered by industry figures and new faces that are growing their presence rapidly in the industry.
Risk mitigation, compliance, and event
Robust strategies for these areas are crucial to hosting successful events. Identify how to develop comprehensive emergency preparedness plans, from creating evacuation procedures to coordinating with local emergency services. Explore the importance of vendor and contractor management, infrastructure safety, data security, and health protocols to protect your attendees and staff.
International-confex.com
CHS LEEDS | 25th March
CHS Leeds is returning to the Royal Armouries for 2025. This one-day exhibition will showcase over 140 venues, destinations, and event suppliers, and allow you to develop professionally and personally through the education programme. This year’s theme is welfare, and the education sessions will touch on every aspect of the subject such as safe travel, delegate protection, relationships, and even a special session on Martyn’s Law.
CHS’s educational programmes havebecome one of the key reasons why visitor numbers across the brands continue to grow. The show’s organisers continue to focus on the professional and personal development of delegates attending, with the welfare focus being the latest in a series of themes that underline this investment.
Within the programme, there will be two keynote sessions, as well as panel discussions from senior influencers within and outside of the business events, travel, and hospitality industry. Cally Louise Stewart will kick things off with a session on female relationships and the importance of them at events and within event teams.
One of the key set pieces of the programme will also see CHS hosting an update on the recent changes to the Martyn’s Law legislation and its probable effects within the meetings and events sector. As well as representatives from the Home Office, the session will include up-to- date insight from one of the leading voices on the subject, Dannielle Bounds from ICC Wales, and Sandra Eyre from the Meetings Industry Association (MIA).
CHS will also be welcoming back Intimacy Coordinator, Sam Murray, who spoke at the brand’s Birmingham event last autumn. Sam will be joined by Leigh Cowlishaw, representing the Rail Delivery Group; Kate Whitby, The Venues Collection; and Natalie Paxton, BCD Meetings and Events, on a specialist discussion on safe travel and delegate protection.
The day will finish with an ‘action’ session with guest panellists Sian Sayward, Inntel, and David Charlton from UTAC Milbrook, who will take all the learnings of the day and turn them into actionable processes and ideas that increase awareness and best practice around welfare.