EDUCATION PROGRAMME

A person-first approach to accessibility is redefining how events are designed and delivered. This session will explore how organisations can embed inclusive practices at every stage of the event life ...

A practical panel on real-world AI use in events. No hype - just proven tools, workflows, and outcomes. Hear how leading organisers and suppliers are using AI to save time, cut costs, improve engageme ...

How do you bridge the gap between champagne dreams and lemonade money? Join "Event Fortunes", an interactive game show pitting Event Planners against Venues & Suppliers. Using live polling, we'll batt ...

*Please Note: This session is not a part of The Meetings Show Education Programme, it be being conducted in partnership with EventWell and will take place at their stand.

If your message is not landing in the way you want, you have a problem. If your message is landing but not making an impact, you have a problem. But don't worry, in this session, Paul explores common ...

Podcasts are still underrated, underused and often seen as an ineffective way to connect with your intended audience. It's time to correct those assumptions we've made about the power of audio. Speake ...

The Meetings Show Conference Futurist, Dr. Graham Norris, hosts a high-powered panel of experts to discuss the outcomes of the live research workshop conducted on the show's opening day. Find out what ...

Ever wondered what avocado toast, The Who, and TikTok dances have in common? Join this laugh-out-loud interactive session exploring generational dynamics in event teams through pop culture, real strat ...

As the World Scout Conference returns to Olympia in 2027, this session explores how events can be designed with long-term legacy in mind. Join a Q&A featuring representatives from the Scouts, Olympia, ...

There is a lot of effort that organisers will put into the day of the event. But with every year, attendee retention becomes harder, even when the events are better. What makes the attendee come back ...

Speaker: Kat Rack, Selling Savvy *Please Note: This session is not a part of The Meetings Show Education Programme, it be being conducted in partnership with The Meetings Industry Association (MIA) an ...

No scripts. No prepared answers. No holding back. Join industry leaders and peers for a fast-paced, audience-led debate tackling the biggest opportunities, challenges and controversies facing the UK e ...

*Please Note: This session is not a part of The Meetings Show Education Programme, it be being conducted in partnership with EventWell and will take place at their stand.

Marketing isn't just for marketers anymore. Whether you're promoting an event, building your personal brand, or automating your workload, this chat is for you. Led by micro-influencers in the events s ...

In this powerful keynote, former airline captain and creator of the AVIATE framework Emma Henderson, shares how leaders can make confident, high-stakes decisions when the pressure is on.

For those feeling frustrated about the sustainability progress in their organisation, and vague promises. This is a practical, no-nonsense, uncensored session that tackles the real excuses in event de ...

There are 10 dimensions to event operations data. Structure. Connectedness, Transformability. Most teams hit a few without knowing it. This Campfire shows you all 10 and gives you practical steps to c ...

Speakers: Charlotte Podlewaska, Sales Manager; Emma Carter, Membership and Operations Manager - Meetings Industry Association *Please Note: This session is not a part of The Meetings Show Education Pr ...

In this powerful keynote, former airline captain and creator of the AVIATE framework Emma Henderson, shares how leaders can make confident, high-stakes decisions when the pressure is on.

Forget the usual trend session. This session goes after what really moves markets: weak signals, hidden needs, and the tectonic shifts that everyone senses but no one names. We’ll explore fast-moving ...

Is your website traffic not converting? Social posts falling flat? The real issue isn’t your marketing - it’s your messaging. In just 30 minutes, you’ll discover battle-tested writing techniques from an award-winning copywriter that transform browsers into buyers.

 

*Please Note: This session is not a part of The Meetings Show Education Programme, it be being conducted in partnership with EventWell and will take place at their stand.

MESA (Meetings and Events Support Association) is a collaborative network of event and technology suppliers dedicated to the meetings industry. Together, we create innovative solutions tailored to ove ...

The events industry is seeing a growing number of mergers, acquisitions and consolidations. But what does this mean for innovation, competition, talent, company culture and client choice? Industry lea ...

The events industry is facing a fundamental shift. The expectations of younger generations are not only reshaping how people attend events, they are redefining what engagement truly means. In this key ...

Personalisation is everywhere, but most events still feel one-size-fits-all. This session explores how to design attendee-first experiences with intention - creating relevance, inclusion, and measurab ...

We all know wellbeing is an organisational imperative. This session is a practical approach to get the conversation started. And yes, we will play bingo. We will also hear the latest research in psych ...

In this session, we will explore how organisers can unlock new revenue streams through their sponsors with just one simple tool. Once built for attendee experience and UGC (User Generated Content), AI ...

*Please Note: This session is not a part of The Meetings Show Education Programme, it be being conducted in partnership with EventWell and will take place at their stand.

In a market defined by tighter budgets, higher expectations, and constant change, what are corporate event leaders really prioritising—and what are they quietly walking away from?

This fast-paced, AMA-style session brings together three global corporate event and marketing decision-makers for a candid, unscripted conversation. No presentations. No fluff. Just real answers to the questions everyone in the room wants to ask but rarely gets the chance to.

The IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 case study showcases the structured sustainability management within a high-level, multi-stakeholder event hosted in Abu Dhabi. This session explores the prac ...

This panel brings psychological research into live discussion with event professionals, bridging evidence and practice. Kelly will introduce key psychological insights to prompt debate, inviting panel ...

Measuring event success remains one of the industry's biggest challenges. From commercial return and audience engagement to long-term brand impact and behaviour change, are we getting closer to demons ...

*Please Note: This session is not a part of The Meetings Show Education Programme, it be being conducted in partnership with EventWell and will take place at their stand.

Learn how to evaluate events through a sponsor’s lens to uncover hidden commercial value. Discover how to build partnerships rooted in audience insights and lead generation rather than generic sponsor ...

Learn how to evaluate events through a sponsor's lens to uncover hidden commercial value. Discover how to build partnerships rooted in audience insights and lead generation rather than generic sponsor ...

Today's audiences have never had more choice about where they invest their time and attention. Every event is competing with TikTok, creators, gaming, streaming platforms and an endless stream of content engineered to capture attention in seconds. Yet many events still rely on formats, metrics and measures of success that were designed for a different era.

So, are we still designing events for people?

What’s really happening across the global events landscape right now? In this insights-driven session, Northstar and Cvent unpack the latest findings from the PULSE Survey, revealing key trends shapin ...

This fun Poetry Workshop demonstrates how real-life moments have a lasting impact. A memorable experience with a meaningful keepsake for everyone - showing a message is carried far beyond an event if ...

Why do some event experiences stay with us for years while others are forgotten before we get home?  Join this interactive discussion as we explore the moments, experiences, and design choices that cr ...

*Please Note: This session is not a part of The Meetings Show Education Programme, it be being conducted in partnership with EventWell and will take place at their stand.

Design is more than a finishing touch - it shapes whether people register, engage, and return. This session explores how intentional, consistent design across the event journey reduces friction, incre ...

One in three event attendees identifies as disabled, yet nearly all still face barriers. This exclusive session unveils new 2026 research revealing the real accessibility gap between planner intent an ...

Using ESCRS as a case study, this session explores how analysing membership and event data together reveals engagement gaps between members and attendees. It shows how these insights can improve audie ...

This talk explores how through the understanding and strategic incorporation of scent, experiences can be elevated from simply memorable, to truly immersive.

Most agencies discover their margin problems too late, in the post-event reconciliation, when suppliers invoice differently than quoted, hours go untracked, and currency or commission errors quietly e ...

Speaker: Andy Williamson, Welcome Brain *Please Note: This session is not a part of The Meetings Show Education Programme, it be being conducted in partnership with The Meetings Industry Association ( ...

Join us for a live recording of this Podcast! Each episode brings together a seemingly unexpected duo: an entrepreneur/business owner and a full-time professional musician/artist/creative. We'll discu ...

Things are about to get spicy. Join Chair Shonali Devereaux as Dale Parmenter, Cat Kevern and Paul Harvey tackle the biggest trends shaping events today all while taking on increasingly fiery chilli wings. Expect bold opinions, honest answers and plenty of heat as the conversation turns to AI, talent, sustainability and the future of live experiences.

The world of hyperlocal advertising is here - and it is the fastest growing channel of digital marketing - especially for events and conferences. Combined with a particular social media formula for su ...

AI is no longer a future topic—it’s already changing who gets hired, how decisions are made, and what we value as an industry. The question is: are we in control, or just keeping up? The meetings and events industry is at a turning point and this is where the real conversation happens. The Reckoning returns as the industry’s live, unfiltered debate, bringing together leaders, disruptors and emerging voices to challenge what’s really happening beneath the surface. Across three stages, a series of interconnected sessions will tackle the forces reshaping our industry right now through one overarching lens: AI and its impact on how we work, create and connect. Join James Lancaster as this session confronts the uncomfortable realities of AI ethics, authenticity and accountability before trust becomes the industry’s biggest casualty.

AI is no longer a future topic, it is already changing who gets hired, how decisions are made, and what we value as an industry. The question is: are we in control, or just keeping up? The meetings and events industry is at a turning point and this is where the real conversation happens. The Reckoning returns as the industry’s live, unfiltered debate, bringing together leaders, disruptors and emerging voices to challenge what’s really happening beneath the surface. Across three stages, a series of interconnected sessions will tackle the forces reshaping our industry right now through one overarching lens: AI and its impact on how we work, create and connect. Join Paul Harvey to debate whether the industry is adapting responsibly or sleepwalking into a talent crisis of its own making.

AI is no longer a future topic, it is already changing who gets hired, how decisions are made, and what we value as an industry. The question is: are we in control, or just keeping up? The meetings and events industry is at a turning point and this is where the real conversation happens. The Reckoning returns as the industry’s live, unfiltered debate, bringing together leaders, disruptors and emerging voices to challenge what’s really happening beneath the surface. Across three stages, a series of interconnected sessions will tackle the forces reshaping our industry right now through one overarching lens: AI and its impact on how we work, create and connect. Join Paula Rowntree for a session where you will discuss how human insight and artificial intelligence can collaborate to create smarter, more immersive and more meaningful events for the future without losing the humanity at the heart of our industry.

*Please Note: This session is not a part of The Meetings Show Education Programme, it be being conducted in partnership with EventWell and will take place at their stand.

Explore how smart, scalable solutions can streamline check-ins, manage visitor flow, and capture meaningful data. Whether you're running the show or manning a booth, discover practical ways to reduce ...

AI agents are moving beyond hype to deliver real operational value. This session shows how automation can actively run event workflows—from delegate communications to reporting—cutting manual work, im ...

Networking is often promoted as the highlight of an event, yet for many neurodivergent attendees it can feel overwhelming, exclusionary, or inaccessible. This session explores how event professionals ...

An interactive sip-and-paint session led by the National Gallery, exploring how engaging with our surroundings sparks creativity, connection and inspiration. Delegates will experience first-hand how a ...

From magic-promise demos to production-ready features, AI in the event industry deserves a straight conversation. Join idloom at the Mesa stand to explore how we are using AI right now, what we have l ...

Speaker Gabby Austin-Brown, Diversity Alliance *Please Note: This session is not a part of The Meetings Show Education Programme, it be being conducted in partnership with The Meetings Industry Associ ...

Attracting talent is only the beginning. How do we develop, retain and inspire those already in the industry? This session explores education, training, career development, company culture, employee a ...

*Please Note: This session is not a part of The Meetings Show Education Programme, it be being conducted in partnership with EventWell and will take place at their stand.

Most event content goes unused - but AI can change that. Discover how AI-powered content intelligence platforms turn keynotes, panels, and audience engagement into real-time business insights. Learn t ...

In this candid interview, John Vincent MBE, co-founder of LEON, shares what it takes to build brands rooted in purpose during uncertain times.

Gold/Silver/Bronze tiers are dead. Stop selling space; start selling outcomes. This session provides a toolkit to reverse-engineer pricing based on "Lead Value" and "Sponsor Routes to Market", alignin ...

Why do attendees disengage even at well-produced events? The issue often isn't content — it's agenda design. Drawing on original research, this session explores how structure, pacing, and intentional ...

Discover how to command the room and earn real influence. Richard shares three essential techniques top consultants use: crafting a clear strategy, asking powerful questions, and maintaining control. ...

Speakers: Louise Ritchie, Selling Savvy (Facilitator); Charlotte Lileyman, Clarity *Please Note: This session is not a part of The Meetings Show Education Programme, it be being conducted in partnersh ...

In this candid interview, John Vincent MBE, co-founder of LEON, shares what it takes to build brands rooted in purpose during uncertain times.

David is a human performance specialist, working with individuals and teams across sport and business. The session will be highly interactive, working with the audience to understand common themes of ...

In an era of growing choice and rising expectations, delivering events that truly land needs more than great logistics. We will explore how personalisation can be used as a powerful tool to create mea ...

*Please Note: This session is not a part of The Meetings Show Education Programme, it be being conducted in partnership with EventWell and will take place at their stand.

MESA (Meetings and Events Support Association) is a collaborative network of event and technology suppliers dedicated to the meetings industry. Together, we create innovative solutions tailored to ove ...

The UK Events Industry serves diverse audiences, but does it truly reflect the communities it engages? This discussion explores barriers to entry, representation, accessibility and progression, asking ...

This is mentoring, Meetings Show style interactive, energetic and open to all event professionals.

Benchmarks and best practices on how successful companies are using incentive travel to influence performance, shape culture, strengthen partnerships, and retain top talent. Focusing on IRF research, ...

We surveyed 500+ event professionals about their AI experiences: what they've tried, what failed, what succeeded, and what they're afraid to admit. The results reveal a stark gap between vendor promis ...

It’s said the best way to Create the Future You Want is to build it. AI doomsters predict the end of work as we know it, but your networking prowess will ensure your future is bright and the one other ...

*Please Note: This session is not a part of The Meetings Show Education Programme, it be being conducted in partnership with EventWell and will take place at their stand.

This is mentoring, Meetings Show style! This opportunity is for event professionals at any stage of their career to gain expert advice, meet industry leaders and become part of a wider mentoring community.

What to Expect at Speed Mentoring?

There are limited spaces for attendees to have one 20-minute speed mentoring with a seasoned senior professional from the events and hospitality industry. The 20-minute session will help to:

• Define a challenge or goal: Get clear on what you need to achieve.
• Receive expert advice: Benefit from the knowledge and experience of your mentors.
• Create an action plan: Leave the event with a concrete plan to make your goals a reality.

Mentoring spaces are limited and those wanting to secure a 20-minute mentoring session, please come to the first session at 12:40.

Speaker: Shonali Devereaux, Chief Executive, Meetings Industry Association *Please Note: This session is not a part of The Meetings Show Education Programme, it be being conducted in partnership with ...

When global events originate in one market, they’re often designed for immediate impact — but not always for global scalability. What works in the UK may not translate seamlessly across regions with d ...

Event professionals are operating under unprecedented pressure to deliver meaningful results with shrinking budgets, rising attendee expectations, and increasing duty-of-care responsibilities. Mental ...

Learn the principles of leadership and influence in a world of polycrisis and change—from an experienced storyteller who has developed leadership training for the British Army and conducted strategic ...

Accessibility is no longer a nice-to-have; it is an expectation. But is the events industry genuinely leading the way or still playing catch-up? This session explores best practice, innovation and liv ...

*Please Note: This session is not a part of The Meetings Show Education Programme, it be being conducted in partnership with EventWell and will take place at their stand.

As audiences shift from observers to co-creators, event pros must pivot from ROI to ROE, Return on Engagement. INVNT's AI/XR activations for brands like Xero, ABB, and PepsiCo show how Emotion, Tech & ...

A practical, real-world session showing how sustainability became a revenue driver and resilience strategy at The Wellbeing Farm - with frameworks and examples events professionals can use to differen ...

Explore what sensory design really means, why it matters, and how to practically apply it. You'll learn how to elevate your events and experiences with intention.

*Please Note: This session is not a part of The Meetings Show Education Programme, it be being conducted in partnership with EventWell and will take place at their stand.

Behind the programme: How TMS shapes the future of events  - How does The Meetings Show decide what the industry needs to learn about next?

Join The Meeting Room podcast live from the show floor as we sit down with Samme Allen, Knowledge Director, to explore the trends, challenges and opportunities that have shaped this year's programme. From AI and sustainability to attendee expectations, talent and event design, we'll uncover the conversations driving the future of meetings and events. Expect fresh insights, audience questions and a look ahead at what's next for the industry as we bring the show to a close.

 

 

After a high-energy few days of meetings, ideas and constant connection, this closing session offers something intentionally different.The Decompression Session is a guided moment to pause, reset and ground yourself before heading back into travel, inboxes and everyday demands.