The Delegate Wranglers and Lime Venue Portfolio are taking their thought-leadership event series on the road once again. DW on the Road – The Future of Events: AI, Trends, Facts, and Tracks will take place at the iconic Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 7th May.

Designed for event planners, venues, and industry professionals, this immersive afternoon of expert insight and hands-on exploration will tackle one of the most talked-about topics in the industry today: artificial intelligence – along with emerging trends, sustainability, and the next generation of event thinkers.

As headline partner, Lime Venue Portfolio will showcase its pioneering approach to sustainable catering and venue innovation. Attendees will enjoy the brand’s carbon-labelled, plant-based ‘Meetings for Change’ menu, enabling delegates to make meaningful, planet-positive choices around event catering.

Jo Austin, Sales Director at Lime Venue Portfolio, commented: “This is more than an event – it’s a vision of what our industry can be. We’re proud to stand alongside The Delegate Wranglers to champion smarter, more sustainable, and future-focused event planning.”

Event highlights include ‘AI in Events’, a candid conversation on how AI is already impacting event planning and where it could take us next with Felicia Asideu from Cvent and Ed Poland from Hire Space. This session will explore how AI is currently being used by event planners, whether it is adding value, where it could go next, and how AI can fundamentally change the industry.

Attendees can also enjoy a lunch with impact – a showcase of Lime Venue Portfolio’s plant-based, carbon-labelled dining – part of their award-winning Meetings for Change initiative.

There will also be a discussion on the future of events with final-year University of East London students, who will share their research-backed views on the future of events.

A panel wrap-up with Jo Austin from Lime Venue Portfolio and Neil Thompson from Delegate Wranglers will conclude a day rich in insight.

Delegates can also end the day with a high-octane F1 track activity inside the stadium, featuring FI-inspired karts.

The event runs from 10:30- 17:00 on Wednesday 7th May. To register, visit: https://answer.forms.app/thedelegatewranglers/dw-on-the-road-7-may-london

In the race for attention, loyalty, and growth, UK businesses are thinking differently about how they connect with clients and colleagues in 2025 – and Royal Ascot is fast becoming the go-to destination.

Forget the days of after-work socials at the mini golf bar opposite the office. Today’s companies are investing in premium, high-energy experiences that don’t just impress, they convert. And this year, a surprising shift is underway at one of Britain’s most iconic events.

According to new data from Engage, corporate hospitality bookings for Royal Ascot 2025 show a remarkable change in who’s showing up. Manufacturing firms have increased their presence by 166% year-on-year. At the same time, transportation services have entered the top sectors for the first time – no longer are the same industries booking hospitality at Royal Ascot, it’s companies in all sorts of traditional and non-traditional sectors that see the value in hospitality-led networking.

“It’s no longer just finance and law firms filling the boxes,” says Andrew Hodgkins, Managing Director at Engage. “We’re seeing a real spread of industries using Royal Ascot as both a reward and a strategic business development opportunity. 

In fact, eight industries now make up more than 80% of Ascot’s hospitality bookings for 2025, with administrative and support services (19%), construction (13%), finance and insurance (11%), and wholesale and retail (11%) leading the charge. The growth is sharp, deliberate, and it’s making the event more dynamic than ever.

This year’s bookings aren’t just about status—they’re about results. And the data backs it up:

• Revenue from hospitality packages is up 29%, underscoring the growing appetite for experience-led business engagement.
  
• And across the UK, four in five companies say they will increase or maintain their corporate event budgets in 2025, citing staff wellbeing, customer loyalty, and deal-making as key motivators.

It’s a clear trend: the smartest businesses aren’t just entertaining, they’re building strategic touchpoints. And in 2025, Royal Ascot has become one of the most valuable touchpoints on the calendar.

With a record number of sectors now taking part, Royal Ascot 2025 is shaping up to be the most network-rich, cross-industry event of the year, where casual conversations can lead to contracts, and champagne to signatures.

Held in 30 Euston Square’s dynamic Training Centre, the event featured a unique networking format. Attendees moved through three distinct circuits of individual training rooms, engaging in productive, fast-paced conversations with key industry representatives. This format provided the perfect setting for building valuable relationships and uncovering new business opportunities.

Key features

30 Euston Square, with its blend of modern facilities and historic charm, was the ideal venue for the event. The venue offers versatile spaces, including a 300-seat auditorium, contemporary and heritage meeting rooms, private dining areas, and two stately rooms with an adjacent rooftop terrace. These spaces provided a stylish backdrop for networking and collaboration.

Food at the event was provided by Searcys, known for its exceptional catering and commitment to sustainability. Searcys follows sustainability initiatives by sourcing fresh, locally grown ingredients, ensuring that their menu options are both delicious and environmentally responsible.

Attendees enjoyed a networking lunch in the elegant Princes Gate Room and 1st Floor Bridge, where the setting perfectly complemented the high-quality food and added to the overall luxury experience.

Outcomes

The 20/20 Club event at 30 Euston Square reinforced the venue’s reputation as one of London’s premier event spaces. It offered a platform for industry professionals to connect, learn, and discover new trends, all within a beautiful, flexible environment that sets the standard for high-end corporate and private events.

A Blueprint for Sustainable Business Travel

With travel accounting for up to 80% of an event’s carbon footprint, this flight-free trip proved that sustainability and exceptional experiences can go hand in hand. The journey was co-created by Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau (SCIB), Zurich Convention Bureau, Lucerne Convention Bureau, Eurostar, TGV Lyria, Metropolis DMC and Evolve Events.

The train itinerary included an exclusive Eurostar carriage, rapeseed-fuelled coach transfer in Paris and a double-decker TGV Lyria with engaging and mindful activities onboard. The final leg featured the vintage Red Arrow train through the Swiss Midlands with alpine views.

Inge Bauwens  Senior Lead, Eurostar for Business & MICE, explains: “Eurostar’s offering for business travel goes beyond just transportation. It’s about making the journey part of the event. With our expanded network now reaching beyond hub cities, Eurostar offers an even more sustainable way for business travel across Europe.”

Lucerne: Responsible Luxury & Circular Thinking

In Lucerne, sustainability was embedded at every turn; from a QR-code itinerary printed on an apple to accommodation with local sourcing initiatives. Dinner at Neubad, a repurposed swimming pool turned cultural space, showcased adaptive reuse.

Delegates explored the city on foot, with highlights including public fountains offering free, drinkable water. Lunch and networking with local suppliers on a low-emission boat and a ride up the Rigi Bahn (Switzerland’s most sustainable mountain railway) led to a Kirsch tasting hosted by a charismatic local whose family has been making the cherry spirit for generations.

Zurich: Where Innovation Meets ESG

The final stop, Zurich, offered a deep dive into sustainable urban living. Delegates stayed at the 25hours Hotel Zürich West and dined at Michelin Green Star restaurant Elmira (like the entire trip menu, vegetarian)

Split into walking and running tours, participants explored green spaces, visited FREITAG’s recycled bag HQ, and enjoyed pastries at St. Jakob bakery, a social enterprise.

A Circular Economy Workshop led by Zurich Convention Bureau introduced the “5 R” framework, followed by a hands-on cooking class tackling food waste. The trip ended with a vintage tram apéritif tour and dinner at Zurich’s oldest restaurant, Haus zum Rüden, accompanied by live music from a local folk band, delivering a memorable evening of authentic culture and connection.

Impact & Industry Shift

“Go Sustainable  wasn’t just a passive study trip – it proved that FAMs can do more than inspire, they can influence change.” said Anna Peters, Creative Director at Evolve Events.

The numbers speak for themselves. The carbon savings from London to Zurich alone were staggering: 11kg per passenger by train versus 195kg by plane; the equivalent of lighting the Eiffel Tower for an hour versus two full days.

“This trip highlights the power of collaboration within the MICE industry and demonstrates how Switzerland is not only leading in sustainable tourism but offering a model for global destinations to follow,” said Reto Konrad, Manager at SCIB UK & Ireland. “Switzerland’s commitment to sustainability is deeply embedded in our culture, from our transport infrastructure to our event venues. This trip showcased how effortlessly sustainability can be integrated into business events, offering planners a practical and enjoyable way to meet ESG targets.’

By trip’s end, participants felt not just inspired but empowered: “It felt like a working model of what the future of sustainable events could look like, and left me feeling hopeful for the future.”  said Charlie Pepperell of From Now.

Fast Facts

• Dates: 3–6 April 2025
• Delegates: 35 UK event professionals
• Project Partners
  Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau, Zurich Convention Bureau, Lucerne Convention Bureau, Eurostar, TGV Lyria, Metropolis DMC, Evolve Events and event:decision

• Distance by Train: Approx. 1,902km
• Travel Time: 10 hours (including scenic transfers)
• Carbon Emissions: London to Zurich | Train: 11kg CO₂ pp vs. Plane: 195kg CO₂ pp 
• Tip: Bring a refillable bottle – Swiss tap water is world-class

Learn More:
Eurostar for Business
Meetings in Switzerland

Salon Privé is the first Certified B Corporation automotive event in the world 

Salon Privé, the UK’s most prestigious automotive event, has announced that it has become a Certified B Corporation (B Corp). 

Following a rigorous 18-month process, Salon Privé, which celebrates its 20th Anniversary this year, joins a global community of for-profit leaders pledging to use business as a force for good, alongside the likes of other esteemed British brands, including The Cotswold Company, Farrow & Ball and Gü Indulgent Foods. 

Just one of 3,300 UK businesses to be B Corp Certified, Windsor-based Salon Privé achieved an overall score of 91.2 in the process, which verified the company’s social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.  

Run by B Lab, a non-profit organisation, which issues the certification, B Corps are evaluated across five impact areas: community, customers, environment, governance, and workers – and must meet a minimum verified score on the B Impact Assessment. 

The news comes as Salon Privé’s plans are underway for its tenth year hosting the exquisite Salon Privé Concours d’Elégance at Blenheim Palace in August 2025. 

Andrew Bagley, CEO and Co-Founder of Salon Privé, said: “This is a huge milestone for Salon Privé, not just to become B Corp Certified, but to do so as the world’s first event in the luxury, automotive space. We’re honoured to join a global community of businesses that are committed to making a positive impact on both people and the planet.  

“The automotive sector tends to be viewed negatively when it comes to environmental impact, but we have worked incredibly hard to implement a range of practices that align with B Corp’s values, and we aim to continue building on this year after year.” 

Among its many exceptional standard practices, Salon Privé uses only locally sourced produce and suppliers, waste reduction initiatives to minimise food-waste across the event, no disposable packaging is used on-site, and no plastics are sold. Additionally, only biofuels are used in generators, and they are also exploring Park and Ride collection points to reduce visitor pollution and keep visitor car numbers low. 

Salon Privé only operates at eco-friendly venues, and 2025 marks its tenth consecutive year at Blenheim Palace, which has impressive environmental credentials, and is on track to be carbon neutral by 2027. 

Dominic Hare, CEO at Blenheim, said: “We congratulate the Salon Privé team on their B Corp Certification. This is a fantastic achievement which will no doubt pave the way for the wider event and automotive sectors. Salon Privé’s work across environmental and customer areas of the business is especially impressive.  We are excited to learn valuable lessons from Salon Privé to apply within our wider businesses and we look forward to continuing to host them at Blenheim for many more years.” 

Salon Privé works within the Principles for Sustainable Events, which addresses all 17 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. For more information, visit: www.salonpriveconcours.com

The phrase has resonated with the company’s clients and has become a key part of its growth strategy as businesses and brands increase investments across production, content and the length of events.

The creative production company, which works with clients across automotive, data tech, sporting, construction, and medical sectors, is pushing clients to allow more space and time for the event to create an impact on delegates, and to see this as a crucial part of its success criteria.

“We see events like films, or your favourite Netflix binge-watch. We want to build the tension, the storytelling, and the drama,” comments Lucy Nicholls, CEO & Founder, The PS Events Group. “We want to take them on an emotional rollercoaster which ebbs and flows, but over time connects a guest to the story throughout the event, and make it stick, forever.”

On speaking about how this can impact event evaluation, Lucy added, “We want to blow people’s minds, we want them to cry and laugh, to gasp and be moved, but we really care about what they do the day after, or in the years beyond. Do they buy more products? Are they more loyal as consumers? Do they feel more valued? Do they believe in their company more than they did before that event spoke to them?”

“Emotional value sits in this idea of escapism. Delegates don’t want to feel like they’re going to work and it’s just another day. They need to be placed on a different trajectory to take on different information and escape the norm to open up and receive the event’s key messages. We want to go beyond the norm to create the wow.”

The PS Events Group will launch a series of webinars across its client roster to develop this concept and support in-house event organisers, brand marketers, and company directors to sell this long-term impact internally.

“Event evaluation is a world of pain, we have ROI, ROO, and ROE, these all really matter and support our clients in justifying the investment in events,” concludes Lucy. “We’ve found this idea of Emotional Value has really worked for us; it may work for others too.”

Dame Dinenage MP, chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, announced the inquiry during her closing address at The Business of Events Global Policy Forum, which took place yesterday (1 April) at IET London: Savoy Place in Westminster. 

The much-heralded inquiry into the UK’s business events sector has been chosen as one of the first of five proposed Select Committee ‘State of Play’ investigations. A session is planned for later this year, where the industry will be invited to give evidence. 

Dame Dinenage said: “My Committee are keen to understand the challenges, growth potential and how to avoid falling behind international competitors. If we don’t jump at the opportunity to grow this sector, we may lose out on the many benefits of developing Britain’s business events industry. The success of the business events sector is vital to the continuing success of all the CMS sectors and as the Select Committee, we are not going to take our eye off the ball. We want to amplify the voices that say future growth isn’t guaranteed unless we get our act together and push the Government to take the action needed to support the growth of this thriving industry.”

The Business of Events, Events Industry Alliance, and ACC Liverpool each submitted proposals, calling on the DCMS to examine the sector as part of a month-long bidding process that saw 256 applications from a broad range of other industries.

The announcement to close the forum topped a day sponsored by RX that began with a keynote address on how business events will play an essential role in the UK’s Tourism Action Plan by Sir Chris Bryant MP, the Minister of State for Media, Tourism and Creative Industries. 

Other prominent contributors included columnist and politician Lord Daniel Finkelstein OBE, and Mike Wood MP for Kingswinford and South Staffordshire and a member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events.  

In a deep dive into the UK’s exhibition and trade show sector, RX’s UK managing director Kerry Prince, and Manchester Central CEO Lori Hoinkes explored untapped opportunities and emerging trends. Meanwhile, a dynamic panel of some of the UK’s leading business events destinations joined Paul Black from VisitBritain/Meet England to discuss the evolving role of Convention Bureaux in today’s competitive landscape

Trish Lynch, a seasoned news anchor, reporter and broadcaster, expertly moderated the Forum, where other industry heavyweights explored critical issues shaping the sector. Senthil Gopinath, Chief Executive of ICCA highlighted the immense economic opportunities that business events bring to the UK, while Neil Brownlee, Chair of PCMA and Head of Business Events at VisitScotland, emphasised the importance of having a policy-driven approach to maximising growth.

The Global Policy Forum was preceded by The Business of Events: Westminster Dinner hosted at 10-11 Carlton House Terrace and attended by senior event industry stakeholders alongside members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events and Government officials.

Mike Fletcher, Director of News & Content at The Business of Events, said: “The Business of Events would like to thank all of our partners for their support of the TBOE Global Policy Forum and the Westminster Dinner. Their collaboration is not just appreciated – it’s essential as we seek to drive meaningful change and move the needle on how the business events industry engages with government.”

This unique initiative will connect thousands of young people with the dynamic world of events, providing insights, inspiration, and career pathways into the industry.

With ambassador registration now live on the Schools Engagement Programme portal (schools.thepowerofevents.org), industry professionals in the region are invited to sign up and support the next generation of talent by volunteering as little as an hour to the initiative. The first wave of school engagements will begin in early May across the region, with the ambitious goal of reaching 30,000 young people in the first year.

To kick off this exciting initiative, The Power of Events invites all ambassadors and industry professionals in the region to an exclusive launch reception at the conclusion of the Production Futures’ event on 28th April at AO Arena, Manchester. This event will provide an opportunity to learn more about the programme and network with fellow ambassadors and sponsors.

This programme expansion for 2025-6 is made possible with the sponsorship from leading event industry organisations across the North West, including:

● ACC Liverpool

● Adlib

● AO Arena

● Clarity BT

● Co-op Live

● Aviva Studios, home of Factory International

● Manchester Metropolitan University

● Production Futures

● Sterling Event Group

● World Boxing Championships Liverpool 2025

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “The events industry is a vital part of our region’s economy, culture, and identity. The launch of the North West Hub for The Power of Events Schools Engagement Programme is an exciting step in connecting young people with the wealth of opportunities in this dynamic sector. By inspiring the next generation, we are ensuring that Greater Manchester continues to lead the way in events and live experiences.”

Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram said:

“From Eurovision to Taylor Swift to the Grand National, here in the Liverpool City Region we know just how valuable major events are, providing unforgettable experiences, exciting opportunities for local people and boosting the local economy.  This new North West Hub will play a key role in enabling young people to build careers in this exciting and rewarding field and I’d encourage potential ambassadors to sign up to the school engagement programme.”

Zoe Ward – Sales Director ASM Global commented, “The AO Arena is delighted to partner with and support Power of Events on this important initiative, as we reflect their aim to showcase, respect and value the world-leading UK events industry. The North West of England is home to some of the most incredible opportunities for the next generation of event professionals, and we’re proud to be playing our part in shaping the future of our industry.”

Guy Dunstan – General Manager, Co-op Live says: “The North West has long been a hotbed for live entertainment, and only continues to grow as the industry rightfully fixes its gaze on major cities outside of London. We are delighted to be working with The Power of Events to expand into the region, to further foster an incredible pipeline of live event specialists set to make their mark on such an exceptional part of the UK.”

Faye Dyer, Chief Executive, ACC Liverpool “As a leading venue in the North West, ACC Liverpool is deeply committed to fostering the next generation of event professionals. We’re proud to support this vital programme, as it allows us to actively contribute to building a pipeline of talent and showcase the dynamic opportunities within our industry.”

The Power of Events is already operating in 5 regions – East of England, Hertfordshire, Birmingham, South Coast and Edinburgh, with a projection of engaging over 50,000 young people across 300+ school visits in 2025 with the NW region coming online.

Sophie Beasor, Programme Lead for The Power of Events Schools Engagement Programme, commented: “The launch of the North West Hub marks a significant step in our mission to engage and inspire young people across the UK about the diverse opportunities within the events industry. With the incredible support of our ambassadors and sponsors, we look forward to making a lasting impact across Liverpool, Cheshire, and Manchester.”

Get involved today!

Register as an ambassador at schools.thepowerofevents.org and be part of shaping the future of the UK events industry.

For further information or to confirm attendance at the Production Futures launch reception, please register https://shorturl.at/TC6jD

2. Manage budgets effectively

Event planners are being challenged to do more with less in 2025 as a squeeze on budgets and rising costs sweep across the sector. In its latest report, Global DMC Partners revealed that around half of planners report their budgets remaining unchanged from 2024 to 2025 and only a quarter are seeing budget increases – this was almost 40% in the previous survey!


Effective budget management is not about a simple cost reduction. It has fast become a strategic allocation of resources to ensure the event delivers maximum impact and value. The approach to take here is a methodical one as you need to negotiate with vendors, prioritise high-impact elements and establish robust contingency buffers. Rather than trying to minimise spend, the goal should be to optimise the investment to make sure each pound spent contributes directly to the event’s strategic objectives.



3. Consider the venue and its technological capabilities


Venue selection in today’s events landscape goes beyond its size and location. A factor that has fast risen into consideration is the technological capabilities offered. The level of what’s available can truly elevate, or undermine, the event experience.



We have already established that budgets are tighter yet demands are rising, so finding a venue that provides robust tech support can be a game changer. Does it have a reliable Wi-Fi network to accommodate attendees? Are the AV systems capable of facilitating hybrid elements? What other technologies are there to support the smooth running of an event? All these factors must be considered when looking for a venue where technology enhances the experience without overshadowing the human connections that make events memorable.



Finding a place where your desired tech features are part of a standard package will help you deliver outstanding experiences without breaking the bank on extras. It’s a godsend when it comes to keeping costs down while delivering on heightened client expectations.



So, when searching for your next event space, remember to look beyond the physical setting. Find a venue partner that can collaborate with you to craft unforgettable experiences through smart tech integration.

4. Build strategic partnerships and plan for contingencies



It’s difficult to overstate the importance and value of vendor partnerships in the modern events industry. With shifting client expectations, rising costs and more going into events that ever before, developing strategic partnerships with your suppliers. Rather than having the transactional relationships of old, you need to treat suppliers as collaborators and weave them into your wider team. That way they are as invested in the event’s success and are proactive in problem solving and delivering innovative solutions. It also means you can streamline resources, minimise onboarding time and eliminate redundant efforts all of which are good for the bottom line.



Having strong partnerships also helps with effective contingency planning. Collaborative relationships with partners ensure you can deal with problems robustly and efficiently. From technology failures to supply chain issues, this proactive approach not only ensures business continuity but also serves as a competitive advantage, as clients increasingly prioritise risk mitigation strategies in their selection process. Combining strong partnerships with contingency planning ensures you have a resilient network that can handle most problems quickly and on-site, contributing to overall event success.



5. Make each event a learning moment


Post event analysis forms a crucial part of the learning process that enables event teams to master their craft. It involves gathering systematic feedback, evaluating performance metrics and documenting lessons learned to make every event a valuable learning opportunity. Successful event planners will refine their strategies based on these insights to enhance future events and ensure ongoing success.



Large scale event planning is a complex mix of strategic insight and creative execution. It requires brands and agencies to work together and invest in a comprehensive planning strategy that maximises the impact and effectiveness of an event ensuring it leaves a lasting impression and drives meaningful business outcomes.

The white paper explores the rapid evolution of immersive experiences, the role of technology in audience engagement, and how brands can create meaningful, multi-sensory interactions that leave a lasting impact.

Drawing insights from Identity’s Human Experience event at Frameless in London, the white paper outlines key trends, from AI-powered personalisation to projection mapping and spatial audio. It also delves into the enduring power of storytelling as the foundation of immersive brand experiences.

Key takeaways:

• The Rise of Immersive Experiences – Audiences expect more than passive events; they seek emotionally engaging, multi-sensory interactions.
• Future Trends in Immersive Technology – AI, projection mapping, spatial audio, and accessible tech are shaping the future of events.
• The Power of Storytelling – Technology enhances experiences, but compelling narratives remain at the heart of meaningful engagement.
• Collaboration as a Catalyst – Integrating creative, technological, and strategic expertise results in seamless, impactful experiences.
• Preparing for the Future – Brands must embrace innovation, storytelling, and sustainability to stay ahead.

Dan Colborne, Executive Creative Director, Identity, said: “Immersive experiences are redefining how brands connect with audiences. By blending cutting-edge technology with compelling storytelling, we create moments that resonate on an emotional level.”

Michael Gietzen, CEO, the Human Network, said: “The future of events is about deeper audience connection. As the Human Experience Agency, Identity continues to push the boundaries of creativity and technology to create truly transformative brand experiences.

“This white paper shares the expertise from thought leaders in the experiential space, and it is well worth reading what they have to say.”

The contributors to the white paper were: Kate Dawkins, Multi-BAFTA Award-Winning Video Designer; David Wakefield, Creative Director; Rosie O’Connor, Curator at Frameless; and Dan Colborne, Executive Creative Director at Identity.

The white paper is free to download at: https://e.identityglobal.com/l/461/shaping_futures_whitepaper