When I registered for The Business of Events conference, I knew there’d be a lot of talking it’s a conference, after all. But I was also genuinely looking forward to hearing fresh insights and seeing how the industry is evolving. With a programme promising weighty discussions, key stakeholders in the room, and a spotlight on the economic value of our sector, my expectations were high.
First impressions were promising. The right people were in attendance: destination marketing organisations (DMOs), professional conference organisers (PCOs), and representatives from industry bodies. These are the players who understand the value and potential of business events and the challenges we face.
One of the most striking takeaways was a simple, staggering fact: the conferences and meetings business in the UK is worth £63 billion in economic value and supports 77,000 jobs directly. That’s not just impressive it’s vital. And when you consider that the wider global events industry reaches into the trillions, you start to wonder why our sector doesn’t command more serious, consistent political attention.
But despite the numbers, the big conversations often felt like they were looping in circles. Important questions were asked, but not always answered. There was a sense of déjà vu, as if we were hearing last year’s messaging all over again. It’s clear we want change, but is the conversation moving forward or just spinning in place?
One recurring theme was that politicians are “listening.” A familiar phrase. They’ve been listening for a while now. They want our ideas, they say, but aren’t we already offering them? Aren’t our industry organisations already working together to present a united voice? Apparently, there’s still fragmentation. And perhaps more frustratingly, there’s still a disconnect.
We had at least four MPs in attendance. Only one stayed for the majority of the event. Most arrived, delivered a speech, and left. Their presence felt more like a box-ticking exercise than genuine engagement. If they’re truly listening, they need to stay in the room, not just make an appearance.
This disconnect left me thinking about my own role in the conversation. Maybe it’s time I stop expecting engagement from the top and start pushing for it locally. I need to speak to my MPs, Carla Denyer and Kerry McCarthy. If they don’t yet see the value of the business events industry, maybe it’s up to us to show them, persistently and directly.
Conferences like The Business of Events are important. They remind us of our economic footprint, the passion within our community, and the power of collaboration. But they also highlight the work still to do, and the voices still not fully at the table. If we want to be heard, maybe it’s time we stop waiting to be invited into the conversation and start knocking on doors ourselves.
Rob Eveleigh, MD