Published by Neil ThompsonThe event app is live, hundreds of appointments have been pre-booked, and The Meetings Show 2023 is now just a week away.
With more than 600 exhibitors lined up to showcase their products and services to buyers, and a jam-packed programme of inspirational learning and networking opportunities, The Meetings Show yet again promises to be THE must attend event for #eventprofs this summer.
Here are just some of the many highlights planned for this year’s event, which takes place at ExCeL London on 28-29 June:
1. Quality hosted buyers
The Meetings Show attracts a high calibre of hosted buyers and this year is no exception. Planners who have signed up to the Hosted Buyer Programme this year come from some of the world’s biggest organisations and event agencies including EDF, CWT Meetings & Events, Honda Motor Europe, Jack Morton Worldwide, L'Oréal Luxe, BCD Meetings & Events, The Royal Pharmaceutical Society, News Quest Media Group, Inntel and HelmsBriscoe.
2. Unforgettable pre-show experience
This year’s hosted buyers will experience a Deaf Rave with Troi "DJ Chinaman" Lee, in partnership with speaker consultancy Spectrum. The initiative is designed to give deaf hearing and disabled artists and performers a platform to display their love for music while showing the industry how it can be more inclusive. Other activity includes a behind-the-scenes tour of one of the UK’s largest commercial kitchens, and hands-on workshops with leaders in the fields of DEI, immersive design and community engagement including VisitBritain, One Young World, and the Australian Psychological Society.
Topics covered include AI and its impact on the events industry as well as how to create better and more cost-effective user generated content, with a chance to practise this during the actual show. Other hosted buyer benefits include access to a dedicated appointments diary to book pre-scheduled meetings, access to the hosted buyer lounge in partnership with MeetEngland, plus support with travel, accommodation, and more.
3. Education with a difference
Be informed, inspired and empowered to think differently, connect differently, plan differently, and live differently at this year’s new look education programme, created in partnership with experience design experts Samme Allen, CEO of conferenceemcees.com, and renowned consultant, author and previous keynote speaker at The Meetings Show, Claus Raasted.
Split across four themes – Impact, Inform, Innovate, and Inspire – the 28 sessions will explore subjects such as how event technology can supercharge engagement, unpacking the power of passive data, building event communities, how to make events sustainable and how charities can help you plan events with meaningful experiences. See the full programme here.
4. Stellar speaker line-up
Through a partnership with speaker consultancy Spectrum, there will be sessions delivered by its talented speakers including Ramat Tejani, Coach of Mastery, Rest & Play, who will focus on mental health and self-mastery. Farah Hussain, Networking & Faith Inclusion Expert, is leading an interactive session titled ‘How to network if you’re an introvert’, while Sal Naseem, Organisational Culture Change Expert will share insights on ‘How you can be a changemaker everyday’.
Other confirmed speakers include Elinor Honigstein, Business Development, LinkedIn; Rich Davies, Live Experience Director, DRPG; Julien Bouvier, Director of Event Marketing, Swapcard; Olivia Salvage, Creative Manager, Agiito; Nick Child, Head of Analytics, Meshh Ltd; Sarah Yeats, Managing Director, Sledge; and Andrew Allen, Founder, Coach, Creative in Communication.
5. The Blank Canvas
A new feature for 2023, the Blank Canvas will enable visitors to experiment and try new things in a safe and supportive environment. From testing new technology to trying out new experiences, this is the perfect place to push boundaries and unleash creativity.
Collaborate, design and push the change journey forward in facilitated sessions that will tackle industry challenges around the environment, economy and experience and share stories and seek guidance on areas such as safeguarding and inclusion, and mental health and wellbeing in ‘clubhouse’ style conversations. There will also be the chance to make a positive impact on others’ lives by helping to assemble 100 portable solar-powered lights that will give the gift of light to children in energy poverty through a partnership with SolarBuddy.
6. Global coverage
From Aruba to Zagreb, The Meetings Show really does provide global coverage, with exhibitors from across the globe. International destinations new to this year’s show include Brussels, Vienna, Amsterdam, Barbados, San Francisco, Miami, Malaysia and the Philippines, with Spain Tourist Office returning after six years, alongside returning destinations such as Austria, Copenhagen, Vancouver, Finland, Singapore, Boston and Melbourne.
As always, the show will be well-represented by UK destinations and venues, including newcomers Visit York and NEC Group, along with Blackpool, Cardiff, Leeds, Bristol & Bath, Newcastle Gateshead, Macdonald Hotels & Resorts, Center Parcs, Silverstone, Westminster Venue Collection and Nottingham Venues.
7. Networking opportunities for all
If you're looking to meet with like-minded #eventprofs, then look no further. With a host of networking events to look forward to, from on-stand drinks, activations, and parties, to competitions, and entertainment, you'll be spoiled for choice. Head to The Delegate Wranglers social at 4pm on Wednesday, followed by The Meetings Show’s networking drinks at 5pm. Center Parcs Conferences & Events and Liverpool Convention Bureau are also hosting receptions on their stands.
As part of its commitment to supporting the next generation of talent, The Meetings Show has once again partnered with Event First Steps to offer a dedicated programme for students and industry newbies. This includes a guided exhibitor tour, tailored education and networking opportunities.
8. New charity partnership
The Meetings Show is working with Meeting Needs as its chosen charity partner for 2023, building on the long-standing relationship between The Meetings Show’s parent company Northstar Travel Group and the event industry charity through the annual M&IT Awards.
This is the first time The Meetings Show has partnered with Meeting Needs, and the partnership will promote and raise additional funds for the charity during this year’s show.
9. Sustainable commitment
This year, The Meetings Show has unveiled further commitments to minimising its environmental impact. Using isla’s measurement platform TRACE to help measure and minimise carbon emissions, The Meetings Show will collect data around the areas of travel, waste, catering and energy from this year’s show activity.
The collected data will then be assessed and used to create a full Event Impact Report that will provide data insights on findings and help steer further improvements for future shows.
Work is already underway to minimise negative environmental impact. For example, furniture at the show will be hired from existing stock to avoid buying and disposing of single-use furniture, while the food being served in the central lounge bar will be plant-based and red meat will not feature on the menu in the Hosted Buyer Lounge, in partnership with MeetEngland.
10. Multiple registration options
With just days to go before it opens its doors, ensure you don’t miss out by registering now for The Meetings Show 2023 which will be co-located with Business Travel Show Europe and TravelTech Show .
To find out more about the buyer, hosted buyer and visitor registrations options, go HERE
