The Meetings Show 2024 kicks off at ExCeL London this Wednesday and it promises to be the must-attend event for #eventprofs this summer. See what to expect at the Meetings Show 2024 on June 19th and 20th…
The Meetings Show features a jam-packed programme with a stellar line up of meeting and event suppliers from across the globe, a thought-provoking education programme, and countless networking opportunities.
To help PAs and EAs plan their visit, here are some of the highlights of what to expect at The Meetings Show 2024:
Exceptional exhibitors
With over 650 exhibitors from across the globe, buyers can discover hotels, destinations, destination management companies, venues, conference centres, technology suppliers, and more.
This year’s impressive list includes Conference Leeds & Hull, Better Venues, Radisson Hotel Group, Scenic / Emerald Cruises, Premier UK Events and Butlin’s to name just a few. A strong international presence includes many major European cities, key players from Asia such as Japan NTO, Penang, Sabah Convention Bureau and Singapore Tourism Board, and the rest of the world.
Captivating content
Working with Samme Allen, Claus Raasted and the atex team again, The Meetings Show’s education programme features an exciting line up that will deliver practical. It’s split across four key themes: INFORM – INSPIRE – INNOVATE – IMPACT, with a stellar line up of expert speakers covering topics including event security, AI, inclusivity, wellness, experiential design, contract negotiation, sustainability and legacy.
Speakers include Emmy-winning comedy writer Beth Sherman, isla CEO & founder Anna Abdelnoor, Louise Tratt, head of Meetings & Events at The British Neuroscience Association and Catherine Southall, head of M&E Business Development UK & Ireland at American Express Meetings & Events.
Sessions will be introduced by graduates of the atex Young Host Academy who were selected following a five-week journey to becoming an emcee.
Back for a second year, the Blank Canvas stage will showcase best practice event design with sessions featuring hackathons, a Neurodiverse Design Challenge, and an innovation showdown. This is the place to get hands-on, try out new experiences in a safe and supportive environment, and push creative boundaries.
Collaborative communities
Event industry communities, associations and media will also be present at the show, including the Meetings Industry Association (mia), The Delegate Wranglers, Meetings & Events Support Association (MESA), M&IT, micebook, PA Life and more.
The MESA Pavilion will feature its community of technology and event suppliers as well as a range of educational campfires where you can find out more about technology and events innovations, ideas and tips. Meanwhile, a new visual identity reinforcing the positioning of the mia will be revealed at the show.
Next-gen networking
With so many passionate and knowledgeable event professionals under one roof, The Meetings Show is well positioned to help the next generation of talent, and the ideal place to introduce newbies to the wealth of opportunities the sector has to offer.
The Meetings Show is joining forces with Event First Steps to run a dedicated next generation programme for students and individuals looking to get into the industry and has partnered with M&IT to run its Tomorrow’s Talent scheme again. This year’s winners and alumni are invited to attend the show, with a celebratory drinks reception taking place on day one in the central lounge.
As always, there will be countless networking events taking place throughout the show and London for all attendees – from the official welcome reception for hosted buyers, to on-stand drinks and more – providing the opportunity to catch up with industry peers and friends and make new connections.
Conference Sheffield, Venues of Excellence, Spanish Tourist Office and Delegate Wranglers, are among the exhibitors hosting drinks on their stands, while MESA has teamed up with SongDivision for an immersive half hour of team building and rock.
Wellness…and something new
New for this year, Go! Running Tours will be offering guided running and brisk walking tours for attendees, before The Meetings Show opens on 20 June. It’s a great opportunity for visitors to see some sights of the city and get the energy pumping ahead of a day of meetings and networking.
With wellbeing and accessibility in mind, The Meetings Show has partnered with EventWell to support those who may need help navigating the event, or would like a quiet break from the show floor. As part of this partnership, all The Meetings Show attendees have access to the EventWell Buddy system, which will provide help to those who need special assistance – whatever that means to you.
Innovation in zero waste exhibition stands
Another new feature is the world’s first zero waste, reusable exhibition stand made from event waste carpet.
Thanks to a collaboration between creator Paradigm and partners isla, The Bulb, Informa and The Meetings Show, a prototype of the innovative reusable zero waste stand will debut at The Meetings Show 2024. Head to stand A41 to see the circular stand in its full glory.
Hosted buyers interested in sustainability will also be able to receive sustainability support for their events at a drop-in clinic with isla at The Hosted Buyer Insight Forum on 18 June.
Register to attend
Buyers who have not yet registered are encouraged to do so NOW and avoid queues onsite, as onsite buyer registrations may take up to an hour to be reviewed. See information on buyer, hosted buyer and visitor registrations options.
Registered already? Download the app.
