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How?
By applying for the hosted buyer programme. You can register your interest for the programme by clicking here. Please note that this isn't the same as regiestering, and that registrations will open in 2027.
GET THE VIP TREATMENT
Who?
If you're a UK or European decision-maker (and for the first time in 2026, we had a limited number of places for attendees from the US) responsible for organising meetings and events*, applying to be a hosted buyer will ensure you maximise your time at the show. 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.
*Please note that in-house hotel and venue event organisers do not qualify as buyers.
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 Savage Garden, 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. |
WHAT DO OUR HOSTED BUYER ATTENDEES HAVE TO SAY?
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“What a phenomenal time we had connecting with amazing venues, travel and concierge suppliers, meeting new prospective clients from across the globe, and so much more! The facilitation and execution of the event made all the difference to every single person who attended over the 2 days. The follow-ups have begun today… and this is where the real magic begins!”
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“The Meetings Show exceeded my expectations all round. Excellent organisation building up to it, great communication online. The app at the event worked well. The booking of appointments as a buyer is slick. The quality of stands and exhibitors is better than I expected. Very good educational programme. I'd definitely attend again.”
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“The Meetings Show is a really worthwhile day out for any events professional. It's a great place to learn of new venues and freshen your existing ideas as well as being the perfect opportunity to meet virtual contacts face to face.”
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“A great chance to meet thousands of like minded individuals and exhibitors. A real buzz and an exciting but full on couple of days designed to cover all your event needs. You might even be lucky enough to be hosted on a yacht hotel like I was! A proper treat - I'll be back for more next year!”
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“The Meetings Show offers a great opportunity to grow global connections in the events industry while also giving inspirational and educational sessions to learn from! It is the show I would not miss and looking forward to coming back every year.”
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“Attending The Meetings Show was an incredibly valuable experience. It offered the perfect platform to connect with industry peers, discover innovative ideas and explore new solutions that will shape the future of events. The energy, insight, and opportunities for meaningful conversations made it a standout event in the calendar.”
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“Attending as a hosted buyer was a truly beneficial experience. The event brought together a wide range of useful and relevant exhibitors, making it an excellent opportunity to discover new venues, services and ideas. The support provided to hosted buyers was clear, well-organised and delivered to a very high standard. It’s always a pleasure to attend, and it remains a key date in my calendar each year.”
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“Investing time in attending The Meetings Show is investing in the growth of your business by meeting new suppliers and learning about the latest trends in our industry. The Meetings Show is a playground for networking and collaboration for grown ups.”
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“It was a pleasure connecting with many new, supportive, and inspiring people! The venue and service were excellent, and the content was high-quality and immediately applicable in my work. I also appreciated the additional activities that helped to build connections with professionals in the industry. A valuable and well-organised event!”
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“The Meetings Show was so much more than I expected, I came away genuinely inspired. I made some fantastic contacts, discovered brilliant venue options, and found the education sessions incredibly useful. The sessions on AI in particular really stood out, very useful and immediately relevant to my work. I’ll definitely be back next year.”
FIND THE ATTENDANCE OPTION THAT'S RIGHT FOR YOU
Whether you're based in the UK, Europe or America, 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 22 June 2027
- Attendance at the official welcome reception on Tuesday 22 June 2027
- 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 22 and Wednesday 23 June 2027, unless you are based in London
- Travel provided on request (UK, Europe and America only)
2 DAYS & WELCOME RECEPTION
- Attendance at the official welcome reception on Tuesday 22 June 2027
- 2 days at The Meetings Show
- 16 Appointments across the two exhibition days (just 20 minutes each)
- 2 nights’ accommodation on Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 June 2027, unless you are based in London
- Travel provided on request (UK, Europe and America only)
THE HOSTED BUYER MASTERCLASSES
Taking place on Tuesday 22 June 2027, 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 2026, as part of the programme, attendees:
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Discovered the key forces shaping the future of events, from AI and automation to generational change and engagement design
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Enjoyed an energising networking lunch with SongDivision, blending music, creativity and collaboration to spark meaningful connections
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Explored what meetings and events could look like in 2036 during a live research workshop led by futurist Dr Graham Norris
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Took part in interactive sessions on topics including multigenerational teamwork, practical AI tools, and more inclusive networking
THE WELCOME RECEPTION
*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.
Our highly anticipated welcome reception* takes place the night before the show, on Tuesday 22 June 2027, and is the perfect opportunity for hosted buyers to network with 200 fellow meetings and event planners ahead of two jam-packed days.
Sponsored by Manchester Convention Bureau, part of Marketing Manchester, this year's reception took place at the iconic Savage Garden rooftop bar with its spectacular views of the Tower of London. Bringing together hosted buyers, exhibitors and industry peers for an informal evening of networking, it included live music, Manchester-themed cocktails, and real-time cooking stations. This is as well as the opportunity to ‘sip & paint’ a Manchester-themed mural in collaboration with Paintillio, and a chance to ‘collect & connect’ exclusively with supplier partners.
FAM TRIPS
We offer all hosted buyers the opportunity to apply 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.
Madrid, Bristol, Bath, and Q Hotels all offered fam trips in 2026.
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, America, or standard class Eurostar tickets.
Important Travel Notice for EU Attendees: Please ensure you hold a valid UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) if required for your entry into the United Kingdom. It is the attendee’s sole responsibility to verify eligibility and secure all necessary travel documentation prior to departure; entry to the UK may be refused if valid authorization is not in place. The ETA costs £20, allows multiple entries over a two-year period (or until passport expiry), and covers stays of up to six months per visit. Please allow at least three working days for application processing.
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.
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