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How?By applying for the hosted buyer programme. Registration has now closed for 2025, but you can register your interest to be the first to know when it reopens. Who?If you're a UK or European decision-maker responsible for organising meetings and events, applying to be a hosted buyer will ensure you maximise your time at the show. Please note that all applications will be reviewed according to: the size and frequency of your events, your level of purchasing/decision-making authority, and the geographic locations of your events. |
GET THE VIP TREATMENT
Why?You’ll receive a dedicated diary to use to arrange meetings with exhibitors from all over the world, putting the power in your hands and allowing you to decide who you want to meet with. Plus, a number of other complimentary benefits including travel and accommodation, exclusive networking events, which have previously included evening receptions at Horizon 22, Riverside East, HMS Belfast, Museum of London Docklands and Puttshack, a bespoke educational experience, and the opportunity to apply to attend a UK or European fam trip. |
WELLBEING & INCLUSIVITY AT THE MEETINGS SHOW
The Meetings Show 2025 prioritised inclusivity, accessibility, and wellbeing, with features like a Quiet Room, AI-powered live captioning, and a Buddy system to support attendees. In partnership with EventWell, Snapsight and Speaksee, and Lim, the show offered wellbeing sessions, live communication visuals, and initiatives aimed at fostering neuroinclusion and mental health for all attendees.
READ THE PRESS RELEASE FIND OUT MORE VIEW THE HOSTED BUYER WELLBEING TOOLKIT
WHAT DO OUR HOSTED BUYER ATTENDEES HAVE TO SAY?
FIND THE ATTENDANCE OPTION THAT'S RIGHT FOR YOU
Whether you're based in the UK or Europe, we offer a number of attendance options, so you can pick the one that suits you and your schedule best.
Please note: the 3 days, 2 days & welcome reception, and 2 days attendance options are available to all hosted buyers and the 1 day attendance option is available to UK based buyers only.
3 DAYS
- Attendance at The Hosted Buyer Masterclasses (an afternoon of networking and education designed for hosted buyers) on Tuesday 23 June 2026
- Attendance at the official welcome reception on Tuesday 23 June 2026
- 2 days at The Meetings Show
- 16 Appointments across the two exhibition days (just 20 minutes each)
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2 nights’ accommodation on Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 June 2026, unless you are based in London
- Travel provided on request (UK and Europe only)
2 DAYS & WELCOME RECEPTION
- Attendance at the official welcome reception on Tuesday 23 June 2026
- 2 days at The Meetings Show
- 16 Appointments across the two exhibition days (just 20 minutes each)
- 2 nights’ accommodation on Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 June 2026, unless you are based in London
- Travel provided on request (UK and Europe only)
THE HOSTED BUYER MASTERCLASSES
Taking place on Tuesday 23 June 2026, The Hosted Buyer Masterclasses are a bespoke education programme, designed exclusively for hosted buyers. This unique opportunity allows you to deep dive into market trends and buyer strategies, connect with your peers, and gain industry insights that are second to none.
In 2025, as part of the programme, attendees:
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Discovered how to use humour in business with Emmy-winning comedy writer Beth Sherman
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Did a deep dive into key topics like AI, creative marketing, and leadership strategies
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Left the day feeling energised in a choose-your-own-adventure style session delivered by corporate wellness expert Sarah Hunt
THE WELCOME RECEPTION
Our highly anticipated welcome reception* takes place the night before the show, on Tuesday 23 June 2026, and is the perfect opportunity for hosted buyers to network with 200 fellow meetings and event planners ahead of two jam-packed days.
The 2025 reception took place at Horizon 22, and was sponsored by Manchester Convention Bureau, part of Marketing Manchester. 254 metres above London, Hosted Buyers attended a Manchester-themed celebration, enjoyed live entertainment from Dr. Cheddar Gorgeous, RuPaul’s Drag Race finalist, and savoured Manchester’s finest dishes like Corned Beef Hash and Eccles Cakes.
*Please note: Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The welcome reception is only available to hosted buyers that select the 3 day attendance option or the 2 days & welcome reception option when registering. Exclusive invitations will be sent to all eligible hosted buyers and you must RSVP to secure a place.
FAM TRIPS
We offer all hosted buyers the opportunity to attend one of our pre or post-event fam trips organised by our exhibiting destination partners. You can express interest in one of the tours when applying to be a hosted buyer and the host destination will then select the final group of attendees from among the applicants.
Please note: If your application to join a fam trip is unsuccessful, you will not be able to apply for another one. The fam trip provider makes the final decision as to who can attend.
Spain, Bristol and Bath, and Q Hotels are all offering fam trips this year, however, all fam trips are now full.
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
TRAVEL
Buyers based outside the Greater London area are eligible for travel assistance to and from The Meetings Show. We work with a TMC who will contact buyers directly to arrange this. For UK based buyers, this will be a standard class rail ticket. For overseas buyers, this will be return economy flights from Europe or standard class Eurostar tickets.
ACCOMMODATION
Buyers who have requested accommodation assistance during the application process will be allocated a room in one of our partner hotels. If attending as part of a hosted buyer group, where possible, group members will be placed in the same hotel.
TRANSFERS
Transfers will be available from the relevant airports direct to The Meetings Show. This could be by limo, coach or for London Heathrow it will be a rail ticket on the Elizabeth Line, which now runs directly from Heathrow to Custom House (Excel London).
A London Underground travel pass is included with train tickets to allow buyers to make their own way to The Meetings Show via public transport.
There are transfers to all major London airports after the show closes on Thursday afternoon. Your specific transfer arrangements will be emailed to you the week prior to The Meetings Show. Any travel taken outside of the show dates will not be eligible for transfers
WONDERING WHAT TO EXPECT? TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT HAPPENED THIS YEAR
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