The Meetings Show unveils bold new education programme to spark ideas and real-world action

The Meetings Show has launched its 2026 education programme, revealing a refreshed and even more immersive format designed to inspire, encourage debate and deliver practical takeaways attendees can put straight into action.

Taking place at Excel London on 24–25 June 2026, this year’s programme puts interaction front and centre, with more opportunities for discussion, collaboration and hands-on learning.

The approach builds on the strong success of last year’s education programme and has been shaped by attendee feedback – evolving an already highly rated experience to deliver even more of what audiences value the most – honest conversations, inspiring speakers and ideas that make a difference.

Designed for all levels, the programme is built to help event professionals navigate one of the most transformative periods the industry has faced.

Delivered across 63 sessions and three stages, the programme features a dynamic mix of formats – including panels, presentations, workshops and Q&As – bringing together a stellar line-up of speakers offering practical insight, future-focused ideas and tools that can be applied immediately.

Among the headline speakers brought by LAI International is keynote Emma Henderson MBE, who until September 2020 was one of fewer than 500 female airline captains worldwide. Emma draws on her experiences over more than three decades to share lessons from the flight deck to the board room – delivered with authenticity, compassion and a touch of humour.

Also headlining is John Vincent MBE, co-founder and former CEO of LEON, who will take to the stage for a candid session, From LEON to Live Events: Building Brands People Love. Reflecting on his journey from redefining fast food to launching Feed NHS during the pandemic, John will share practical insights on building purpose-driven brands, leading with resilience and creating experiences people feel genuinely connected to.

The programme also features a wide range of industry voices, including Amy Wood, Accessibility Manager at Salesforce, who will discuss how to build accessibility into the event process in her session: ‘Revolutionising event accessibility: a person-first approach’. She will share what’s worked (and what hasn’t) at large-scale events, along with simple, practical ways to make inclusive planning more scalable.

Amy will also take part in The Corporate Conversation – a fast-paced ask me anything style session which gives real answers to the questions everyone wants to ask but rarely gets the chance to. Sessions are designed to be accessible to all, with captions and AI-supported features enabling full engagement.

Also joining the programme, Anna Abdelnoor, CEO and Founder of isla, will take on one of the industry’s biggest frustrations in ‘The sustainability excuses killing progress (and a blueprint on how to shut them down fast)’. This straight-talking session will call out the familiar blockers – from “it’s too expensive” to “clients aren’t asking for it” – and replace them with practical actions that protect margin, reputation and relationships.

Ahead of the show, isla is urging event professionals to share the excuses they’re hearing via a short survey, helping shape the session and build a no-nonsense, industry-backed blueprint attendees can put to work immediately. Contributors will also be entered into a prize draw to win one of two £50 cash prizes.

Looking ahead, Dr Graham Norris, The Meetings Show Conference Futurist, will lead a live research workshop during the Hosted Buyer Masterclasses, exploring what events could look like in 2036. This highly interactive session will invite attendees to collaborate, challenge assumptions and shape a shared vision for the future, tackling uncertainty and turning big-picture thinking into a clearer, more confident plan for the years ahead. Findings will be presented and discussed with a panel of industry experts and developed into a white paper, with participants receiving priority access.

Also returning are popular features including The Reckoning – a candid, no-holds-barred industry debate – and the ever-popular Hot Wings session, alongside a host of interactive formats designed to spark conversation and fresh thinking.

The Meetings Show’s knowledge director, Samme Allen, said: “We listened closely to all feedback received and, building on an already solid base, have set out to make our conference programme the best in the industry. We know attendees are looking for candid voices, more interaction and debate, and fresh, future-focused ideas that will see them through the next stages of their careers. We’ve delivered an innovative programme that ticks all the boxes, with speakers who can connect and empower delegates with insight, spark meaningful conversations and contribute to real progress across the meetings and events community.”

The 2026 programme for the two-day Northstar Meetings Group show will deliver actionable learning through inspiring and engaging sessions – from hands-on workshops and data-led discussions to immersive storytelling and lively debate.

An enhanced digital playbook capturing key insights will be produced post-show thanks to an ongoing partnership with Lim, extending the value of the programme beyond the event itself.

The full education programme can be viewed here.

There are various ways to register to attend The Meetings Show 2026, which will be co-located with Business Travel Show Europe and TravelTech Show.  To find out more about the buyer, hosted buyer and visitor registration options, please sign up here.