The event will feature thought leaders, industry experts, and next-generation professionals exploring subjects ranging from AI in events to Martyn’s Law and venue security, with a firm focus on innovation, safety, sustainability, and workforce transformation.

Speakers and agenda highlights for the day include a session offering practical insights into venue and event security led by Nigel Thomas, CEO and Founder of Blue Mountain Group and former SAS security specialist, a next-generation employment expectations discussion with four event management students and Jonathan Sibley a Senior Lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University, and AI in action with practical uses and demonstrations from Leslie Robertson, Founder and CEO of Open Audience.

The event will include sustainability and demographic shift insights from Sam Cande – Consultancy Director and Sustainability Trainer at Greengage, business intelligence and market outlooks from Nick Brooks-Sykes – Director of Tourism at Marketing Manchester, and the latest benchmarking data, highlighting revenue opportunities and cost implications amidst global uncertainty with Victoria Hughes from HotStats.

“This year’s agenda reflects the real-world conversations we’re having within beam and across the industry,” said Louisa Watson, chair of beam. “We’ve curated a programme that looks forward – giving members practical insights on AI, security legislation, sustainability, and what tomorrow’s workforce wants. It’s designed to help us all navigate what’s next.”

The day will also introduce members to Sean Tansey from beam’s new charity partner, Rainbow Trust, followed by an evening of networking, dinner and a bit of fun.  

This year’s All Members Meeting offers a unique opportunity to connect across sectors, share knowledge, and gain insight into how the events industry can evolve to meet tomorrow’s challenges.

Registration is open.

Birmingham has won the bid to host the 18^th edition of the European Robotics Forum (ERF) in 2027.

The conference is the most influential meeting of the robotics community in Europe, with more than 1,500 international engineers, researchers, investors, entrepreneurs and policy makers expected to attend.

The ICC Birmingham – part of the NEC Group – will host the event from 1-5 March 2027, with industry tours on the final day at some of the region’s most successful, internationally-recognised companies.

The Forum is estimated to be worth £1.55m for Birmingham and the wider West Midlands’ visitor economy, with the city beating European destinations including Belgrade, Brussels, Tallinn and Zurich for the right to host the event.

The Birmingham bid was won by leading ambassadors in the region from the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry and the University of Birmingham, with the support of the Birmingham and West Midlands Convention Bureau, part of the West Midlands Growth Company, and the ICC Birmingham. The bid attracted more than 50 letters of support, including from the Minister of State for Science, Research and Innovation Lord Patrick Vallance, Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Cllr Sharon Thompson, Deputy Leader at Birmingham City Council, said:

“We are thrilled that Birmingham has been selected to host the European Robotics Forum 2027 – a true recognition of our region’s world-class innovation, research and industrial strength.

“Welcoming over 1,500 global leaders in robotics is not only a huge boost for our visitor economy, but also a fantastic opportunity to showcase the West Midlands as a powerhouse for advanced manufacturing and cutting-edge technology.”

Karol Janik, ERF2027 General Chair and Robotics & Automation Technology Manager at MTC, added:

“I’m honoured that we’ve been selected to host the European Robotics Forum 2027.

“This is a testament to the strength of robotics innovation not just at the MTC and in the West Midlands, but across the UK. ERF 2027 will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase the UK’s thriving robotics community on a global stage. I’m incredibly proud to have led a strong team from MTC, the University of Birmingham, and the Birmingham and West Midlands Convention Bureau in securing this bid.”

The event started in San Sebastián, Spain in 2010, and was established by the euRobotics association. Recent editions have taken place in Odense, Denmark (2023), Rimini, Italy (2024) and Stuttgart, Germany (2025). It has grown into a major annual forum, with the aim to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness in the field of robotics.

Professor Samia Nefti-Meziani OBE, Chair in Robotics and AI and Director of the Birmingham Robotics Institute at University of Birmingham, said:

“We are thrilled to announce that Birmingham will host the 2027 European Robotics Forum, for the very first time in England.

“This very prestigious event is set to foster collaboration, innovation, and growth, providing innovators in the robotics field – both within the region, across the UK, and internationally – with an incredible opportunity to exchange ideas, showcase advancements, and drive forward the future of robotics.

“Birmingham’s selection highlights the city’s growing significance as global Hub in research and technology in Robotics and AI powering smart machines and systems for Circular and Sustainable Manufacturing and Materials, Healthcare, and Infrastructure renewal. We’re excited about the profound impact ERF2027 will have.”

Andy Gibb, Managing Director of Conventions at the NEC Group, said:

“The ICC Birmingham is the perfect location to host this event, offering world-class facilities and a central location that is easily accessible for international visitors. With our years of experience in delivering successful events, we are confident in our ability to provide an exceptional experience for all attendees.”

For over two centuries the West Midlands has been a global hub of invention and innovation. The region has officially the UK’s fastest growing tech sector, and, coupled with its industrial heritage, is a natural home for innovations in robotics.

For more information about the West Midlands’ business events offer for organisers and delegates, visit meetbirmingham.com.

The forum aims to bring together senior stakeholders from the business events industry, policymakers, and government representatives from both national and local levels.

The North of England Advocacy Forum will spotlight the newly published Policy Agenda by The Business of Events, released in July 2024. This comprehensive agenda outlines seven key policy initiatives designed to turbocharge the North of England’s event economy and transform its towns and cities into vibrant hubs for skills and knowledge exchange.

The content will be built around these seven key policy initiatives:

1. Updating SIC Codes: Ensuring accurate representation and targeted support for the events industry.
2. Easier Visa Schemes: Facilitating international collaboration post-Brexit for both inbound and outbound events.
3. Event Tax Credit Scheme: Attracting new events and supporting existing ones through financial incentives.
4. Attracting International Events: Providing more support to position the UK as a top destination for global events.
5. Practical Support for Competitiveness: Using events as a catalyst for growth across various sectors.
6. Investment in Convention Bureaux: Empowering national and regional bureaus to drive economic development.
7. Leveraging Events for Policy Objectives: Using business events as platforms to deliver and promote government policies.

Martin Fullard, Director of The Business of Events, commented: “We are delighted to partner with Marketing Manchester to host this crucial forum. Our Policy Agenda aims to address the key challenges and opportunities within the events industry, and we believe this event will be a significant step towards realising these goals. The North of England is an industrial powerhouse, and we believe a strong events economy will only make it stronger. It is vital that we have an open discussion with policymakers to demonstrate the potential of this sector.”

Victoria Braddock, Managing Director of Marketing Manchester, added: “Manchester has long been a leading destination for business events, and we are excited to collaborate with TBOE to further enhance our region’s capabilities. We recognise the significant economic benefit that hosting events like this brings to Manchester and the entire North of England, and this forum provides an exceptional opportunity to discuss and implement strategies that will continue to drive growth and prosperity in our region.”

Lori Hoinkes, CEO of Manchester Central, also expressed her enthusiasm: “Hosting the TBOE North of Engaland Advocacy Forum at Manchester Central underscores our commitment to being at the forefront of the events industry. We look forward to welcoming industry leaders and policymakers to our venue and contributing to the development of a robust, future-ready business events sector.”

The TBOE North of England Advocacy Forum promises to be an influential platform for dialogue and collaboration, setting the stage for innovative solutions and policies that will drive the region’s economic and social progress.

The forum will be invitation only, but prospective delegates may register their interest to attend here.

Industry professionals are invited to submit abstracts for the Festival of Learning up until 30^th November, 2023.

“As the premier association for PCOs in the UK, ABPCO continues to spearhead initiatives that elevate the industry’s standards and foster innovation,” says Sarah Byrne, ABPCO co-chair.  “Our upcoming events reflect ABPCO’s dedication to the professional growth and adaptability of our members. As the industry and the world in which we operate continues to evolve, we want to ensure that our PCOs are not only well-prepared but also at the forefront of innovation.  The programme will conclude with The ABPCO Festival of Learning, which is a key platform for sharing knowledge, building connections, and shaping the future of our industry.”

Events over the coming months include:

‘Toughening up our soft skills for success’: An introduction to the use and impact of the Reflective Goal Setting Model.  Led by Dr Cheryl Travers, Senior Lecturer in the Work and Organisation research group and Director of Alumni Relations and Lifelong Engagement within the Loughborough Business School, this event will help PCOs turn desires into achievable goals on 13 November, 2023 at Burleigh Court, Imago Venues, Loughborough

ABPCO’s 10^th Annual Excellence Awards: where the industry’s innovators, leaders and experts will demonstrate and share their success stories and best practices at P&J Live, Aberdeen on 8th December.

The highlight of ABPCO’s 2024 calendar is the much-anticipated 3rd ABPCO Festival of Learning, which will take place at the SEC in Glasgow on 29 and 30 April, 2024. This flagship event promises to be a gathering of thought leaders, experts, and industry pioneers who will share insights, strategies, and best practices for staying ahead in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Industry professionals are invited to submit abstracts for the Festival of Learning until 30th November, 2023 via https://www.abpco.org/events/130/the_festival_of_learning_fit_for_the_future_2024

ABPCO’s ongoing event calendar is packed with opportunities for PCOs and industry professionals to engage, learn, and collaborate. The association is dedicated to addressing the evolving landscape of the meetings and events industry, equipping its members with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the ever-changing challenges and opportunities.

Further information, registration options and the full event calendar are all available via www.abpco.org

Communications professionals from over 70 domestic and global brands attended the event to gain the latest insights, trends, and practices to apply to their own sectors.

In its seventh edition, BigTalk adopted a creative theme inspired by the essence of universities, effectively channelling the objective of learning. The studio complex underwent a remarkable transformation, resembling a vibrant varsity branded campus housing an education programme focused on the dynamic between knowledge and creativity.

The topic of Artificial Intelligence took centre stage for the opening keynote as Senior Creative Director at DRPG, Tommy Moore, guided the audience through the current landscape of AI and the associated risks and rewards. AI was a reoccurring theme as leading industry players, Meta and Zenus, also joined BigTalk’s programme within the technology session to showcase how their technology can support experiential solutions, and how to get the most from data using AI.

Other experts from the DRPG team and its partners assumed the role of ‘professors’ during bespoke CPD-accredited workshops that included accessibility for all audiences, cutting through the sustainability fluff, effective brand storytelling, understanding audiences and tomorrow’s technology. The tailored list of subjects was consciously applied back to marketing, events and communications. Notable guest speakers included Shani Dhanda, award-winning disability specialist and broadcaster, Orla Pearson, co-founder of MyClearText, as well as Russell Soden of Teamology.

An immersive sustainability workshop in the day, aptly named ‘Know your Greens’, paved the way for the evening’s fully Worcestershire-sourced dinner. Led by Chef Graham Brookes, who took the audience through a guided menu for each course detailing the ingredients solely produced and grown in Worcestershire including the accompanying wines, beers, cocktails and mocktails.

The event concluded with an award ceremony at the dedicated ‘graduation ball’. The celebratory segment recognised the very best work delivered by DRPG and its esteemed clients. Many of the projects that were shortlisted on the evening have been previously recognised by industry-specific awards, in their own right.

Dale Parmenter, CEO of DRPG, commented: “Our commitment to empowering our clients goes beyond business. This event is a testament to our dedication in providing not just services, but an educational journey that redefines possibilities. We believe that in this dynamic industry, a blend of knowledge and creativity is the true game-changer.

“BigTalk 2023 is a platform for our clients to navigate this transformative landscape, enabling them to craft meaningful, impactful narratives. Whether that be in Automotive or the Public Sector, B2B or B2C, the great thing is that the methods and practices we take from peer-to-peer events like this can be applied to all types of communications, events and audience experiences.”

For more information on this year’s BigTalk event, to register your interest for 2024 or to access the resources presented, please click here.

Both organisations, which will be exhibiting on the Meet In Wales stand (Bayside E2316), will be promoting their extensive meetings and events and corporate incentive offering to the North American market.

Located in Newport, South Wales, ICC Wales is a joint venture between The Celtic Manor Resort and Welsh Government. It can accommodate more than 5,000 delegates and includes a 4,000sqm pillar-free main hall, a 1,500-seated auditorium, 15 flexible meeting rooms, a double-height glass atrium with views of the surrounding Coldra Woods and a 2,500sqm outdoor plaza.

Exhibiting alongside ICC Wales is The Celtic Collection, a prestigious family of experience-focused UK business and leisure destinations. Born from the legacy of the world-renowned Celtic Manor Resort, the group’s flagship destination situated in the beautiful Usk Valley at the gateway to South Wales, the Celtic Collection brings together premium accommodation with exemplary service and world-class facilities.

ICC Wales secured the ICCA Best Marketing Award in 2022 and the venue team have been making waves to educate the global business events sector and raise awareness of important topics including Martyn’s Law and the social and economic impact of events.

Speaking on ICC Wales’ attendance, Sales Director, Danielle Bounds said: “It’s a very exciting time for ICC Wales to be exhibiting at IMEX America, hot on the heels of the global recognition the country has received over the past 12 months through TV and film.

“At ICC Wales, we are passionate about the wider impact that events have on local communities and driving social and economic change, which we have outlined in our  latest report, Event Power – A Force for Good. I am excited to bring ICC Wales to the North American market and show what we can bring to the table.”  

The Celtic Manor Resort, a flagship destination in South Wales, has been consistently voted the UK’s Best Conference Hotel. Host venue of the 2010 Ryder Cup and 2014 NATO Summit, the Resort houses three championship golf courses, luxury spas, a range of restaurants, exceptional conference facilities and team building and family activities. Celtic Manor’s award-winning Convention Centre has been purpose-built for everything from board meetings to major conferences in the 1,500-delegate Caernarfon Suite with 24 additional syndicate and meeting rooms.

The chic Parkgate Hotel opened in 2021 in partnership with the Welsh Rugby Union. The Parkgate is situated in an original post office heritage building, adjacent to Principality Stadium in the heart of Cardiff, South Wales. One of the largest event spaces in the city, it can hold up to 432 people in the banqueting suite. There are 170 bedrooms as well as a bar, elegant restaurant and luxurious spa.

The portfolio also includes Tŷ Hotels a range of stylish, contemporary bedrooms, including family rooms, the hotel is suitable for all types of travellers, from business to leisure; Hunter Lodges luxurious accommodation located within the grounds of The Celtic Manor Resort and Newbridge on Usk, The Collection’s idyllic five-star restaurant with six exclusive bedrooms.

Rachel Phillips, Sales Director, The Celtic Collection said: “Our flagship property, The Celtic Manor Resort, is well-known throughout the global markets as a golfing destination and as a 5-star resort – but The Celtic Collection has so much more to offer. I can’t wait to introduce the international market to our stunning portfolio of properties at IMEX America and continue to showcase our stunning country.”  

Both ICC Wales and The Celtic Collection will be exhibiting alongside Meet in Wales and its Welsh partners on Bayside E2316. For media meetings with Danielle Bounds, Sales Director, ICC Wales or Rahcel Phillips, Sales Director, The Celtic Collection please contact Beth Hughes or Hollie Luxford on iccwales@daviestanner.com / celticcollection@daviestanner.com

For more details and to register here for one of the 1000 strictly limited places

HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT

MINISTRY VENUES

MERCEDES BENZ WORLD

LANCASTER HOUSE

HIJINGO

CHURCH HOUSE WESTMINSTER

THE DILLY

BUTLINS

SWINGERS CRAZY GOLF

Register for 20/20 Club events and the unique chance to meet many more venues like these and their most senior representatives, the ones that make the difference when it comes to securing your preferred rates and event dates.

Members of the City Corporation’s Policy and Resources Committee approved the money to develop elements of a long-term masterplan, undertake further consultation, and deliver early systems and infrastructure work to boost the centre’s operational and environmental performance over the next two years.

The Renewal Programme will transform underused spaces within the centre for new creative use, whilst also investing in its existing venues and public spaces, and improving the welcome, wayfinding and technical capabilities at the site.

It comes after the City Corporation launched its Destination City programme to build a seven-day-a-week leisure destination for UK and international visitors, workers, and residents.

Recognised globally as an icon of Brutalist style, the Barbican Centre is one of the UK’s greatest post-war buildings, attracting almost two million visitors annually. 

It showcases the most exciting performers and artists in music, theatre, dance, the visual arts, and cinema, as well as supporting emerging talent, shaping opportunities that will accelerate the next generation of creatives. The Barbican is also one of the most dynamic London venues for domestic and international business events and conferences, creating an unparalleled blend of arts, curiosity and enterprise.. The City Corporation is the Barbican Centre’s founder and principal funder. 

The overarching vision for the Barbican Renewal Programme is to care for and invest in the Barbican Centre building, celebrating its radical vision, and design heritage, while responding to the creative opportunities and challenges of the future.

Major improvements will be made to the building’s environmental performance under the City Corporation’s Climate Action Strategy, which commits it to achieving net zero carbon status in its own operations by 2027. 

The project will sensitively preserve the complex, respecting its Grade II listed status, and the original architectural vision of the arts centre, which is now more than 40 years old. 

Since the appointment of an award-winning design team in 2022 – led by Allies and Morrison, Asif Khan Studio and Buro Happold – the Barbican Renewal Programme team has been consulting widely to understand what audiences, artists, local communities, and the wider public want from the scheme.

City Corporation Policy Chairman Chris Hayward said:

“A world-renowned arts and learning organisation, the Barbican Centre showcases the most exciting performers and artists from around the world.

“It is a cultural cornerstone of our Destination City programme, enhancing our already unrivalled arts and culture offer, and elevating our attractiveness as a global visitor destination.”

Chair of the City Corporation’s Barbican Centre Board Tom Sleigh said:

“The Barbican is creatively buzzing and enthralling audiences as it contributes to the cultural and economic life of the City, the capital and beyond.

“This initial investment, as part of the larger Renewal project, will start to reshape the arts centre to enable it to continue to deliver unforgettable experiences to millions.

“The Board recognises the need to care for this world-famous listed asset, and sympathetically intervene in the built environment, making it more open, inclusive and sustainable.”

Claire Spencer, Chief Executive Officer at the Barbican Centre said: 

“We are delighted with this vote of confidence in the Barbican Renewal Programme from the City Corporation. Our role is to spark creative possibilities and transformation for artists, audiences, and communities – to inspire, connect and provoke debate. Fundamental to this is the renewal of our brilliant Barbican building.

“We now have a great opportunity to conserve the extraordinary architectural heritage of the Barbican, while reconsidering what an arts centre can and should be in the twenty-first century, and making sure we are open and welcoming to all. I am looking forward to continuing to work with our accomplished design team, current and future users of our building, and the community to address the challenges and seize the opportunities of the future.”

The Barbican Renewal Programme will ensure that the Barbican Centre maintains its status as London’s creative catalyst for arts, curiosity and enterprise – an internationally significant cultural and events venue rooted in its community.

Following the £25 million funding from the City Corporation the Barbican Centre will be seeking a range of additional funding sources for subsequent phases of the programme.

The City Corporation is the fourth largest funder of heritage and cultural activities in the UK and invests over £130m every year. The organisation manages a range of world-class cultural and heritage institutions, including the Barbican Centre, Tower Bridge, Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Guildhall Art Gallery, London Metropolitan Archives, and Keats House. It also supports the London Symphony Orchestra and the Museum of London.

Celebrating individuals, teams, institutions and partnerships from education establishments across the country, the annual awards evening took place on Thursday 6^th July at Bute Hall, University of Glasgow.

Commenting on the achievement, Emma Woodcock, Head of Catering & Events at Keele University Events and Conferencing, said: “Achieving a CUBO Award in the ‘Creativity in Conferencing, Events and Hospitality’ category is an amazing achievement and I’m so proud of the entire events and conferencing team and the outstanding work they deliver day in, day out. Of course, it goes without saying that this is a wider Keele University Campus Services achievement too, as we rely on the support of our fantastic colleagues within the catering, cleaning and other teams to deliver top-class events.”