The Meetings Show has opened, inviting thousands of event professionals from around the globe to meet the world’s leading MICE suppliers, learn and network under one roof.
The UK’s leading event that brings together the world’s meetings and events community, began at Excel London on Wednesday 25 June with three packed-out interactive sessions designed to provoke a positive mindset in event professionals embarking on an inspirational two days.
On Stage One, organisational psychologist and futurist Dr Graham Norris provided a framework to think through the future uncertainties for the events industry and gain clarity on what could happen in Thinking Strategically About The Future Of Events, while popular speaker Judge the Poet made an inspired return on Stage Two with his session Improv Your Life: The Magic Recipe For Well-Being And Success.
Meanwhile, in the Blank Canvas, Bassanti Pathak, CEO at NeuroVeda by Pathak Yoga brought some calm to the show floor with her session Workplace Yoga: More Than Just Stretches! How To Optimise The Brain Through Body, Breath & Awareness.
Through the rest of the day, other education sessions, introduced by the winners of Tomorrow’s Talent 2025, informed and inspired event professionals.
Highlights included a presentation of the latest findings from the Northstar/Cvent Meetings Industry PULSE Survey, where event planners were urged to be cautious and prepare for the ‘what if’ given rapidly changing world events and increase in natural disasters; and the sharing of insights from Gen Z in a vibrant discussion with Tomorrow’s Talent 2025 winners.
The Business of Events also shared its 2025 Planner Sentiment Report. The report, sponsored by Tourism Ireland and released to coincide with the opening of The Meetings Show, revealed a marked divergence in event planner priorities across global markets.
More insights are set to be revealed on Day Two (26 June) following a 7am start for a 5k run or 3k brisk walk around Custom House with Go! Running Tours.
The show day kicks off with some hot debate at 9:45am in The Reckoning. Three discussions hosted by members of Northstar Meetings Group’s editorial team, will tackle sustainability; talent and workforce and value perception and advocacy.
At 10:40 comedian and 7-time Emmy-winning comedy writer Beth Sherman will be on Stage Two sharing her top tips for using humour in business to aid connection, persuasion and impact in her session Humorizing Business: Laughter As A Tool For Leadership.
Attendees will be able to speak directly with Sherman and other experts, including Claus Raasted of The College of Extraordinary Experiences, Taylor Smith of BCD Meetings, Megan Garmers of Streamline Social at 1:20pm in The Meetings Show’s Human Library. This new feature allows event professionals to attend 15 minute one-to-one chats with experts. Ask them anything!
Sessions will continue throughout the day on Stages One and Two, the Blank Canvas and on selected stands, including the mia, MESA and the Power of Events hub with -45dB.
There will also be the chance to meet more than 600 exhibitors, including hotels, destinations, destination management companies, venues, conference centres and technology suppliers; and attend a host of networking events. .
Jack Marczewski, portfolio event director at The Meetings Show, said: “It has been a fantastic start to The Meetings Show. The atmosphere around the show floor has been electric with event professionals eager to glean insight from our incredible speakers and experts and make connections with suppliers and new and existing contacts. We can’t wait to see what’s in store for tomorrow.”
The Meetings Show 2025 will be co-located with Business Travel Show Europe and TravelTech Show. All onsite registrations will be charged at the ticket price of £999.
For a comprehensive guide to everything at The Meetings Show visit the Show Preview page.
