The event benefited from the continued support of Conference Leeds as the Strategic Brand Partner and brought together over 150 exhibitors with buyers from across the UK, and standout education that placed Welfare firmly at the heart of industry conversation.

The programme, which combined insightful keynotes and spirited panel discussions, gave delegates the opportunity to explore welfare through a professional, personal, and legislative lens. The feedback was one of the most powerful in recent memory for the show and validated the bold subject choice, as well as the input of the many visitors who packed out the sessions.

“We set out to make Welfare the theme of the year, and our visitors really embraced it,” said Emma King, CEO & Founder of CHS Leeds. “The level of engagement in our education sessions, the questions asked, and the passion in the room was exceptional. It proves once again that our community wants to grow, connect, and lead with empathy and responsibility.”

The education programme, sponsored by UTAC Millbrook with the support of production by Lighthouse Events, delivered everything from certified sessions to expert-led panels. One of the highlights saw a powerful update on Martyn’s Law, which saw Royal Ascent on the day of the event, and was timed perfectly to hear the perspectives from the Home Office, Dannielle Bounds of ICC Wales, and Sandra Bannister of Brighter, each giving planners real-world insight into how the new legislation will impact the events sector.

The day was opened by Cally Stewart, who gave a profound, humorous, but urgent keynote that addressed female relationships. Other standout moments included Lizzy Eaton of Oddity Events debuting a new initiative on diversity and inclusion in the events industry, and a thought-provoking panel on safe travel and delegate protection, chaired by Intimacy Coordinator and highlight from CHS Birmingham, Sam Murray, and featuring Leigh Cowlishaw, Black Box Partnership, Kate Whitby, The Venues Collection, and Sian Sayward, Inntel. The day finished with reflections from Sian Sayward, Emma King and Holly Moore from Make Events.

“We had a packed room in every session, with delegates leaning in, asking big questions, and sparking meaningful debate,” added Emma. “It’s everything we’re about at CHS; it underlines the quality of our visitors and how they really steer our conference content.”

Meanwhile, the event’s Hosted Buyer Programme added an extra dimension of value, combining high-level networking with unique city experiences. Buyers from London enjoyed first-class train travel, site visits to the newly opened Hyatt Place and Hyatt House Leeds, and a taste of Leeds’ local flavour at the Liquor Studio.  Special networking moments like the Connections Brunch by ASM Global and the Conference Leeds and LHVA Hosted Buyer Connections Lunch kept conversations flowing.

“We’re really proud of what we’ve created here in Leeds, and the network we’re contributing to,” concluded Emma. “We’re proud to have created a space where productive conversations happen, knowledge is shared freely, and real business was done. It’s what CHS is all about.”

At that time, the event was a groundbreaking venture for a newly established publishing company with no prior experience in exhibitions. The idea emerged organically after the launch of Grand Designs Magazine in 2004, as the team identified a demand for a fresh and innovative home build, renovation, and design show.

With the blessing of Fremantle Media, Grand Designs Live was created to be the kind of event Richard and his team would personally want to attend, whether to build, renovate, or upgrade a home or garden.

The event was an immediate success, turning a profit from the very first show, something that was, as Media10 CEO, Lee Newton famously noted, not supposed to happen with a launch event.

Since then, Richard has been involved with Grand Designs Live on and off, but post-COVID, his focus has been entirely on evolving and growing the brand.

Planning Grand Designs Live is an ongoing process that takes place throughout the year. With two major events annually, London in May and Birmingham in October, there is no set timeline. Many of the show’s key elements are developed over several years, making it a continuous process of evolution and improvement.

Memorable moments from the show over the years:

Richard has accumulated a wealth of unforgettable experiences at Grand Designs Live. A few standout moments include:

• The Launch Event at ExCeL – Witnessing the massive crowds arrive for the very first show was a magical moment. Many team members had taken significant financial risks, such as remortgaging their homes to make the event a reality, making its success even more special
• Celebrating 25 years of Grand Designs – At the NEC autumn show 2024, marking this milestone in the TV show’s history was a significant and proud moment
• Building a Huf Haus against the clock – The challenge of constructing an iconic Huf Haus while the show was live added an exciting and dramatic element to the event
• Nearly drowning Kevin McCloud – Attempting to sail Kevin McCloud across the Royal Victoria Dock in a cardboard boat was a memorable and humorous moment, though it didn’t go quite as planned (but Kevin’s always up for a good laugh!)
• Working with an incredible team – Over the years, Richard has had the privilege of collaborating with a talented and passionate team, making the experience all the more rewarding

What to expect at Grand Designs Live this year:

For the latest edition of Grand Designs Live, Richard and his team have reimagined the event, adapting it for the post-COVID era based on extensive feedback from visitors and exhibitors.

Some of the key enhancements include:

• A reimagined layout – The show floorplan has been redesigned to feature more one-to-one advice centres, additional theatres, and dedicated educational hubs
• A Refreshed exhibitor base – Ensuring every exhibitor is relevant to the home and garden industry and aligned with the Grand Designs brand
• A live ‘Grand Design’ build – A 500sqm home at the heart of the event, showcasing the latest in construction, windows and doors, bespoke kitchens, home cinema technology, and contemporary indoor and outdoor design
• A focus on sustainability – A brand-new ‘Sustainability Hub’ where visitors can bring their plans and receive expert one-to-one advice on decarbonisation and eco-friendly solutions
• More Kevin McCloud – Ensuring attendees get even more insights and inspiration from the beloved Grand Designs presenter himself

For homeowners looking to explore the latest in building, interiors, kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor living while meeting industry experts and gaining design inspiration, Grand Designs Live London 2025 is an unmissable event.

The UK’s leading event that brings together the world’s meetings and events community returns to Excel London on 25-26 June, offering high quality educational and networking opportunities and the chance to meet over 650 global event suppliers.

Exhibitors from across the world’s meetings and events sector, including destinations, destination management companies, hotels, conference centres, venues, and technology suppliers, will convene in London, ready to meet with buyers and cater for all their MICE needs.

Destinations signed up already include Canadian destinations Toronto, Vancouver and Banff; Miami, Boston and Las Vegas in the US; Tourism Ireland and Istanbul, while hotels and venues guaranteed to appear include Barcelo, The Hoxton and Butlin’s Conference & Events.

Between supplier appointments buyers can brush up on their industry knowledge, learn about the latest innovations and get inspired on an array of topics – from AI and event design to career development and sustainability – by attending the show’s expertly curated  education sessions. Some new elements include sessions on neurodiversity inclusion and The Human Library offering one-to-one meetings with experts in their field.

The show also offers multiple networking opportunities, allowing visitors to catch up with industry peers and make new connections.

Jack Marczewski, portfolio event director at Northstar Meetings Group, said: “The Meetings Show is an industry collaboration, offering unmissable opportunities to every member of the world’s meetings and events community and always draws a huge crowd. We are expecting this year to be no exception, especially as we have some exciting new features that will enhance the experience, so I encourage event professionals to register now to ensure you can attend with ease in June.”

​There are various ways to register to attend The Meetings Show 2025, which will be co-located with Business Travel Show Europe. To find out more about the buyer, hosted buyer and visitor registration options, visit: The Meetings Show.

The UK’s leading event that brings together the world’s meetings and events community returns to Excel London on 25-26 June, giving buyers unrestricted access to high quality educational and networking opportunities, plus the chance to meet hundreds of global event suppliers under one roof.

With hosted buyer spots for The Meetings Show APAC full two months before its April opening in Singapore, planners wishing to attend the London show are advised to submit applications now.

Attending as a hosted buyer unlocks a number of benefits, including support with travel and accommodation.

Securing space on the programme also includes invites to reinvigorated hosted buyer experiences on 24 June, such as Hosted & Exclusive: The Buyer Intelligence Exchange, a dynamic learning experience delivering interactive content, including a keynote by Emmy-winning comedy writer Beth Sherman, and an exclusive, fun evening event at a top venue, soon to be revealed.

Between supplier appointments at the show itself, hosted buyers can gain more insights and inspiration by attending a host of learning experiences, or refresh themselves and network in the Hosted Buyer Lounge.

There are also opportunities to take part in pre-and post-show fam trips to destinations around the UK and Europe. The tours highlight the best hotels, venues and attractions and give buyers valuable first-hand experience of the destinations for future event proposals.

Hosted buyers can select a programme that works for them – attendance can be for just one, or all three days – and they can choose who they wish to meet throughout the show.

Jack Marczewski, portfolio event director at Northstar Meetings Group, said: “Interest in attending The Meetings Show is already incredibly high and we know that places on our Hosted Buyer Programme traditionally fill very quickly, so we’d recommend applying now if you want to take advantage of the benefits of attending as a hosted buyer.”

Hosted Buyers at last year’s show recommended it for others.  

Skevi Constantinou, director, The PA Way, said: “Getting to explore different destinations and suppliers under one roof is great and I enjoyed meeting people. My overall experience was enjoyable and the energy at the event was fantastic!”

Sarah Fitzgerald, director of partnerships, KDM Events, added: “I’ve been many, many times to the show over the years. I like that you can make appointments [with exhibitors], but also the fact that you can just wander around and catch up with contacts – whether they’re attending as a hosted buyer or a visitor.”

​All hosted buyers at The Meetings Show, including associations, agencies, PCOs, corporates, incentive houses, venue-finding agencies and charities, are pre-qualified to participate based on the number and scale of events organised, budgets held and decision-making power.

Hosted buyer applications can be made through The Meetings Show Hosted Buyer Programme page.  

Visitors continue to look forward to the show’s much loved Hosted Buyer Programme, which will once again include return First Class train travel for London buyers from Kings Cross, in partnership with Conference Leeds, the show’s Strategic Brand & Hosted Buyer Partner.  Hosted Buyers will also have access to an exclusive FAM Trip, providing an inside look at Leeds’ newest hotel openings, Hyatt Place and Hyatt House Leeds, along with the refurbished Hilton Leeds City and unique experiences at Liquor Studio Leeds.

The programme will also feature premium networking events, including the Conference Leeds and Leeds Hotels & Venues Association Hosted Buyer Connections Lunch, a Connections Brunch hosted by ASM Global, and an Afternoon Tea and Show Round, which will showcase the refurbished areas of the Royal Armouries Leeds.

Additionally, an insightful Education Programme, sponsored by UTAC Millbrook, will provide attendees with the latest industry trends and innovations, focusing on the show’s theme of Welfare and including an exclusive on up-and-coming changes to the Martyn’s Law legislation.

“We’re really proud of the programme we’ve put together for our buyers,” commented Emma King, Founder & CEO, CHS Leeds. “This is all about momentum, injecting even more energy into the industry and providing as much support as possible for event organisers to do their job, improve their careers, seek education, and network with industry peers.”

Finally, with a packed show floor and over 150 exhibitors present, buyers will have the opportunity to engage with leading brands including new and established brands. Among the newcomers are Wonderland Venues, Catch The Mice, Swingers – the crazy golf club, The Milner York, Visit Belfast, The Saddle Room at Tupgill Park Estate, The Mole Resort, and The Rail Zone, a new stand dedicated to Rail Travel for MICE delegates.  Also joining the event for the first time are Mama Shelter, QEII Centre in London and No Ordinary Hospitality.

The event is also proud to welcome back a number of industry giants who have chosen to return to CHS Leeds. Returning exhibitors include Odeon, The Belfry Hotel & Resort, Visit Scotland with seven partners, CH Venues, National Football Museum, De Vere Hotels, Manchester Central Convention Centre, The Celtic Collection & ICC Wales, Maritim Hotels, Academic Venue Solutions, Venues of Excellence, ASM Global’s Yorkshire Venues, and CGC Caterers.

CHS Leeds would also not be possible without the support of key sponsors. UTAC Millbrook returns as the event’s Education Sponsor, while Lighthouse Events serves as the AV Partner, ensuring a seamless and engaging experience for all attendees.

Registration is now open, and attendees are encouraged to secure their place by visiting CHS Leeds Registration.

The Ideal Home Show, in partnership with La Redoute, which has been a cornerstone of British culture since 1908, is set to return to Olympia London from 21^st March to 6^th April 2025. This iconic event has long been a beacon for home enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive showcase of the latest trends in home design, renovation, and lifestyle.

But it doesn’t come together just by chance as Giles Perry explains here.

Behind the scenes: bringing the Ideal Home Show to life

The Ideal Home Show is a massive undertaking! Pulling off an event of this scale takes careful planning, teamwork, and plenty of passion. The key? Surrounding yourself with an incredible team. We’ve got dedicated experts covering everything from commercial strategy, marketing, PR, and editorial content to operations, venue logistics, and onsite delivery. While our core team sits at around 30 people, that number skyrockets to over 150 on the ground at Olympia, plus around 3,000 exhibitor staff.

What goes into making it happen?

• Planning with precision: Setting clear goals and timelines ensures everything runs smoothly and aligns with our vision
• Choosing the perfect venue: The show’s heart has always been in West London, hosted between Earls Court (now sadly gone) and the stunning, historic Olympia London. Olympia gives us the space and accessibility we need to bring the show to life
• Managing 600+ exhibitors: With so many companies involved, organisation and communication are key to making sure everything flows seamlessly
• Spreading the word: Our marketing team partners with top media outlets like ITV, Good Housekeeping, and Magic FM, plus social influencers, to keep audiences engaged year-round
• Long-term prep: Believe it or not, planning starts about 14 months in advance. From securing exhibitors to curating exciting features, we leave no detail to chance

What’s in store for the 2025 show? This year’s show is packed with fresh, exciting attractions:

• The Ideal Home Designed by the Experts: A full-scale, interactive house showcasing the latest home and garden trends
• Workshops: Hands-on sessions led by experts in crafts, home improvement, mixology, and more
• A variety of content: From interiors, gardens, and home renovation to style, beauty & wellbeing, there’s something for everyone
• Celebrity appearances: Expect insights from household names like Martin Lewis, George Clarke, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, David Domoney, Lynne Lambourne, Lisa Faulkner, and John Torode

A legacy of innovation now in its 117th year, the Ideal Home Show continues to evolve while staying true to its mission, helping people create beautiful, functional spaces that reflect their personalities. With everything from interiors and architecture to gardening and cutting-edge home tech, it’s the ultimate destination for home lovers.

Giles’ favourite standout moment was the involvement of King Charles III in designing modular homes for the show, some of which ended up on the Royal Estate at Dumfries House or were auctioned off, giving lucky buyers a chance to own a piece of history.

The show’s continued success is thanks to the passion and hard work of our team, the support of exhibitors and sponsors, and, of course, the enthusiasm of our attendees. Whether you’re planning a big renovation or just looking for inspiration, the Ideal Home Show 2025 is the place to be.

CHS’s educational programmes have become one of the key reasons why visitor numbers across the business’s brands continue to grow. The show’s organisers continue to focus on the professional and personal development of delegates attending, with the focus on welfare being the latest in a series of themes that underline this investment.

Within the programme 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 Dannielle Bounds, ICC Wales, one of the leading voices on the subject and Sandra Eyre, from the Meetings Industry Association (mia).

CHS is also delighted to welcome back Sam Murray, Intimacy Coordinator, who spoke at the brand’s Birmingham event last autumn. Sam will be joined by Leigh Cowlishaw, representing the Rail Delivery Group, Kate Whitby, from 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.

“We’ve had an amazing response to our announcement that CHS Leeds will be themed around Welfare, and the educational programme will lead the way in these conversations,” commented Emma King, CEO & Founder, CHS Leeds. “We’re delighted to welcome such a high standard of speakers and thank them for their time and the expertise they will bring to our show. It’s going to be another brilliant programme.”

CHS Leeds will take place at the Royal Armouries, Leeds, 25^th March 2025.

A multi-award-winning creative leader with over 25 years’ experience, Robert brings a wealth of expertise from scaling tech start-ups to global blue-chip brands. His most recent role was at global experience agency, Identity, where he led the creative team behind some of the most iconic events in the industry, including COP28 and London’s NYE fireworks.

Commenting on his new role, Robert said “I’m thrilled to join Tecna and collaborate with such a talented team, delivering bold, innovative solutions for our customers. The future of events lies in cost-conscious, sustainable approaches, and I’m excited to build on Tecna’s unique combination of daring creativity, meticulous planning, and expert execution.”

James Longley, Managing Director of Tecna, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Robert to the Tecna team. His incredible track record in creating transformative brand experiences will elevate our creative offerings to new heights. At Tecna, we’ve made significant investments in our team to ensure we deliver exceptional service to our clients, and Robert’s vision and expertise align perfectly with our mission to unite extraordinary ideas with flawless delivery.”

Tecna has long been committed to revolutionising exhibitions, events, and brand experiences. With Robert at the helm of the creative team, Tecna is poised to amplify its efforts in delivering innovative, responsible, and results-driven solutions for clients.

Farnborough UK, 21 January 2025

Widely acclaimed for its inspirational and innovative knowledge programme, curated in partnership with The Attendee Experience Company (atex), the show is keen for this year’s lineup to ignite ideas and help shape the future of business meetings and events.

Potential speakers and panellists looking to share their expertise with a global audience of corporate, agency and event planners, now have until Friday 24 January to submit their ideas for the show, which takes place at Excel London on 25-26 June.

Sought-after topics include event marketing, experiential design, AI, future trends, wellbeing and sustainability.

To guide submissions, the team has put together an extensive list of FAQs which can be accessed here with the speaker form.

Speakers who are selected to appear on the programme, running on both days of the show, gain access to a range of benefits, including VIP networking and profile building.

They will also feature in the 2025 speaker playbook, which creates a longer-lasting legacy and furthers the reach to meetings and events buyers.

The Meetings Show 2025 co-located with Business Travel Show Europe, will take place on 25-26 June 2025. To submit your speaker idea visit here.   

Since its launch in 2014, the London Summer Event Show has welcomed close to 10,000 attendees, hosted over 700 exhibitors, and inspired countless corporate summer events. As one of the industry’s most creative exhibitions, it has transformed how corporate buyers plan their event calendars, showcasing cutting-edge trends, emerging brands, and fresh ideas year-after-year.

The London Summer Event Show continues to deliver exceptional value to its exhibitors, with a proven track record of ROI. Over 60% of exhibitors return annually, drawn by the opportunity to showcase their event offering to an engaged audience and generate high-quality leads. The Show prides itself on producing a highly targeted audience of pre-qualified event agents and corporate event buyers with over 40% of attendees having event budgets of over £100,000 and over 50% holding the title of Manager or above.

Exhibitors have shared that they enjoyed a lot of meaningful conversations, with qualified visitors attending with live event briefs and their calendar of events, solidifying the Show as a must-attend event in their marketing calendars.

Jenny George, Sales Manager, Leeds Castle Kent shared her thoughts, ‘The London Summer Event Show is a great exhibition for us to connect with potential clients at the start of the year and to share with them all that Leeds Castle has to offer. The show enables us to promote events we can host all year round from our conference spaces, team building activities and experiences, to spaces for dinners and receptions. We love the show’s creative approach and how both attendees and exhibitors are well looked after at the show! I look forward to seeing what the show team has in store for 2025!’

The Show prides itself on having a strong mix of returning exhibitors, as well as new sign-ups each year, ensuring both fresh content for visitors and a consistent stream of new qualified event buyers. By maintaining this balance, the event delivers exceptional opportunities for both exhibitors and attendees year-after-year.

Thomas Oliver, Assistant Director of Sales at Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch also commented, “The London Summer Event Show is the perfect chance for us to meet with corporate bookers looking ahead to summer. It allows us the perfect setting to showcase everything Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch has to offer, from our stunning event spaces to our unique dining and hospitality experiences. What really stands out about this show is how thoughtfully it’s put together. The atmosphere is always buzzing, and the team does an incredible job making sure both exhibitors and attendees feel looked after. It’s a brilliant way to start the year, and I can’t wait to see what they have planned for 2025!”

A New Chapter Begins

Over the past decade, the Show has established itself as a cornerstone of the events industry. However, as it has grown, so too has the need for a refined visual identity that aligns with its reputation as the most creative and forward-thinking exhibition in the events industry. The new branding delivers a clean, modern, and timeless aesthetic that embodies both sophistication and the Show’s signature playful summer vibe.

The updated logo transitions from the whimsical sun and bird motif of its early days to a sleek, contemporary design, reflecting the Show’s evolution. The 2025 theme, Palm Royale, enhances this transformation, blending the glamour of the 1920s with the vibrancy of a tropical paradise. A fresh colour palette and vibrant tropical elements create an unforgettable visual identity that celebrates the Show’s legacy while looking to the future.

What to Expect in 2025

The 2025 edition promises an array of exciting developments. Alongside the rebrand and refreshed website, the Show will feature expanded thought-leadership seminars, interactive workshops, and dynamic networking opportunities. With the Palm Royale theme setting a glamorous and tropical tone, attendees can expect to be inspired and energised while connecting with the industry’s brightest minds.

Rosalind Shelley, Managing Director of Story Events, shared her thoughts:
“We are thrilled to unveil the new look and feel of the London Summer Event Show. This rebrand represents an exciting new chapter for both the Show and Story Events as a whole. As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of our flagship exhibitions, we’re proud to reflect on the incredible legacy we’ve built while looking ahead to a bright, innovative future. This transformation not only underscores our creativity but solidifies our position as an industry leading and creative trade show.”

Join Us at the London Summer Event Show

The London Summer Event Show will take place on 4-5 February 2025 at the iconic Art Deco Freemasons’ Hall. Registration is now open – secure your complimentary ticket today and be among the first to experience the Show’s exciting new look. For more information and to register for this year’s show, visit