GET THE VIP TREATMENT
By applying for the hosted buyer programme. The 2026 hosted buyer programme is now full. However, we've opened a dedicated waitlist to accommodate any remaining interest and account for potential cancellations. Places will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications close 18 June.
If you don't secure a hosted buyer place, you're still welcome to join us as a visitor buyer — making your own travel arrangements. As a visitor buyer you'll have access to the full education programme, organic networking with exhibitors and peers, and the freedom to tailor your day around your own priorities.
If you're a UK or European decision-maker (and for the first time, we have 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.
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 (Please note: all fam trips are now full for 2026). |
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, 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.
2 nights’ accommodation on Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 June 2026, unless you are based in London
THE HOSTED BUYER MASTERCLASSES
Taking place on Tuesday 23 June 2026 at CentrEd at Excel, 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 will:
Discover the key forces shaping the future of events, from AI and automation to generational change and engagement design
Enjoy an energising networking lunch with SongDivision, blending music, creativity and collaboration to spark meaningful connections
Explore what meetings and events could look like in 2036 during a live research workshop led by futurist Dr Graham Norris
Take part in interactive sessions on topics including multigenerational teamwork, practical AI tools, and more inclusive networking
For information on how to get to the Hosted Buyer Masterclasses venue, CentrEd at Excel, please click here.
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.
Sponsored by Manchester Convention Bureau, part of Marketing Manchester, this year's reception will take 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 will include 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.
*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.
Madrid, Bristol, Bath, and Q Hotels are all offered fam trips in 2026. Please note: all fam trips are now full for 2026.
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
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.
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 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
GOT A QUESTION FOR US?
Skip to main content
