What's generating the biggest buzz ahead of The Meetings Show?

There’s a real sense of momentum building ahead of this year’s The Meetings Show at Excel London, with exhibitors, hosted buyers and speakers all pointing to the same thing – meaningful connection, fresh thinking and a shared appetite to shape what’s next for the global meetings industry.

Across the board, anticipation is focused not just on the scale of the event, but on the quality of the conversations it enables – from immersive technology and incentive strategy to sustainability, wellbeing and inclusion.

Conversations that go beyond the surface

For many speakers, the show is about the depth and direction of discussion the industry is now ready for.

Claudia Stephenson, Managing Director at INVNT EMEA and a show speaker, says: "I am incredibly excited to be joining the conversation. As AI and immersive innovation radically redefine the 'experience economy,' our industry is at a critical inflection point. We are moving beyond the traditional logistics of gathering toward a sophisticated model combining thought leadership with architected communities having purpose and measured, impactful outcomes.

"My session with Peter Clarke will delve into how we can move from passive observation to true co-creation, leveraging technology not as a gimmick, but as a conduit for deep human connection. This show is the essential playground for those of us looking to bridge the gap between creative spark and commercial impact.”

That emphasis on purposeful interaction is echoed by speaker Gerrie Hawes, from Remotely Human, who adds: "The Meetings Show is brilliant for finding fresh ideas. Meeting content doesn’t have to be serious to talk about serious subjects. Sometimes playful content is exactly what’s needed to provoke vital conversations."

Energy, ideas and meaningful exchange

For many attendees, it’s the informal, human side of the show that stands out most. Maria Tsierkezos, Director Client Growth & Marketing at Nteractive and a show speaker, says: "What I am really looking forward to is the energy of the conversations. The Meetings Show is one of those events where you actually leave with new ideas, fresh perspectives and people you genuinely want to keep talking to long after the event ends. The mix of senior decision makers, great destinations and experienced agencies makes the discussion feel honest, practical and relevant.

"I am also excited to be joining a panel with the Incentive Research Foundation (IRF) on what top performing European companies do differently with incentives using their latest research findings. It is a great opportunity to share real insight into how incentives are evolving and how the smartest programmes are being designed with purpose, creativity and clear commercial impact at their core.”

That sense of connection is also a major draw for hosted buyers travelling internationally. Jenny Judge, Director of Conferences at The L Suite, says: "As a US-based events professional, I’m thrilled for the rare opportunity to connect in-person with vendors across Europe that align with my company's ambitions for overseas events easily in one place. The energising and thoughtfully curated environment that The Meetings Show is gearing up to is sure to be an incredible environment for those of us in the industry to exchange ideas, build meaningful relationships, and be inspired alongside our fellow event professionals."

Josi Hughes, Event Director and a hosted buyer, agrees: “One of the things I’m most looking forward to this year is the opportunity to connect with fellow planners, creatives, and hospitality partners from around the world in one space. As someone attending from the US, I’m especially excited to experience the energy and perspective of the European meetings and events community firsthand. I’m always inspired by the conversations, ideas and relationships that come out of shows like this and how they continue shaping the future of experiential events globally.”

Hosted buyer Darcy Bennet, Founder & CEO of DB Executive Services, LLC, adds: "I am so excited to be heading to London for The Meetings Show! While I am currently celebrating the first-year milestone of my own business, I have been a corporate event planner in the NYC market for over 12 years. I am looking forward to finding new ways to collaborate with my European colleagues and discovering world-class venues and strategies to bring back to my clients for the upcoming planning season."

Showcasing innovation, venues and destination experience

For exhibitors, the show remains a key opportunity to demonstrate innovation and inspire buyers with new ideas and solutions.

Mandy Jennings, CEO of Venues of Excellence, says: "Venues of Excellence and our 19 stand partners are coming together to make venue sourcing simpler, smarter, and more personal for event buyers. Whether you’re planning a conference, meeting, or special event, our collection of premium venues offers quality you can trust and service you can rely on.

“This year, we’re excited to showcase VX Find – our expert venue finding solution – one year on from its launch.

"We’re here to have real conversations, understand challenges, and help buyers create exceptional events. I am looking forward to the energy and inspiration that the show itself brings – from discovering new venues suitable for our membership, to innovative ideas, and connecting face-to-face with industry peers and partners. The Meetings Show offers a unique opportunity to step away from day-to-day planning and immerse myself in what’s new, what’s next, and what’s possible, making it an unmissable moment to spark fresh thinking and elevate our future events."

Destination storytelling is also front-and-centre for many exhibitors. Ivo Havranek, Director of Sales at Cubex Centre Prague, says: "This show is an important meeting point for event industry professionals, and we’re proud to be part of it. We look forward to presenting the latest Cubex technologies while connecting with partners and organisers who are shaping the future of live events."

Meanwhile, UK venues are preparing to bring both innovation and hospitality to the show floor. Tash Stone, National Business Development Manager at The Jockey Club Venues shares: "We're incredibly excited to be returning to The Meetings Show this year – it’s always a highlight of the industry calendar and a fantastic opportunity to discuss emerging trends and explore new opportunities – not to mention the joy of meeting new faces and connecting with our brilliant existing clients.

“We'll be showcasing the unique experiences available across The Jockey Club Venues portfolio and sharing how our iconic racecourse venues continue to evolve to meet the needs of today's event organisers. Most importantly, we're looking forward to having inspiring conversations, building meaningful relationships, and helping planners discover venues that can truly elevate their events – all delivered with our trademark vibrancy, standout service, and undeniable sense of fun."

Rosalind Godfrey, Sales Director at Telford International Centre (TIC), adds: "Our stand showcases the very best of TIC and offers show visitors a real taste of what we offer. This year we invite visitors to join us and experience our venue hospitality with delicious food demonstrations, expert advice on event catering, and chat with our venue sales team. We are also excited to share our latest destination news, including significant hotel news with the launch of voco Telford-Ironbridge and the brand-new Hilton Telford coming soon!"

And from Wales, Amy Phillips, Head of Sales at ICC Wales, highlights a strong focus on inclusion and impact: “This year I’m particularly looking forward to spotlighting our ongoing work on accessibility and inclusion in events. Together with Dr Shani Dhanda and M&IT Editor Paul Harvey, I will be speaking alongside EICC’s Fiona MacKinnon discussing the findings from our ‘Access All Areas: Closing the Accessibility Gap in Events’ research and exploring how the industry can turn insight into meaningful action.

“I’m also excited to showcase ICC Wales as a business events destination. Located in Newport, it combines the scale and flexibility of a purpose-built convention centre with the unique setting of 230 acres of woodland, while remaining highly accessible from major transport routes. Following a record-breaking year and multiple industry awards, I’m looking forward to sharing how the venue continues to deliver exceptional experiences alongside a uniquely warm Welsh welcome.”

A shared sense of anticipation

For others, the value of the show lies in stepping out of day-to-day delivery and into a space designed for inspiration. Saf Ismail, CEO of The QEII Centre, says: “The Meetings Show is a staple in our industry calendar, and a valued opportunity to connect with buyers and industry colleagues all under one roof. This year we are celebrating The QEII Centre’s 40th anniversary, and we are particularly looking forward to sharing the evolution of the venue since its inception. Guided by our motto, Dare to Be Bold, our team will help planners reimagine what’s possible at The QEII Centre with bold and innovative new approaches to events.

“Our award-winning in-house catering team, QEII Taste, will also be showcasing a selection of sweet and savoury dishes, and will be on hand to explain the provenance of the ingredients and their sustainability ethos.”

That sentiment is echoed by Rachel Phillips, Sales Director at The Celtic Collection: "Most meetings are designed around what needs to be said. We’re more interested in how people feel. That’s what we’re bringing to The Meetings Show this year. Because the expectation has shifted. Buyers are looking beyond the traditional conference set-up towards experiences that actively shape energy, focus and connection across the day.

"At The Celtic Collection, we’re seeing growing demand for meetings that balance business with wellbeing in a more thoughtful way. From starting the day with an invigorative run and ending with rooftop yoga after a strategy session, to time built in to recharge in luxury wellness spaces, every element is designed with the delegate experience in mind. We’re looking forward to meeting buyers and sharing how we’re creating events that don’t just deliver information, but leave a lasting impression."

With perspectives spanning technology, wellbeing, destination marketing and global collaboration, this year’s The Meetings Show is shaping up to be exactly what the industry is looking for right now: a place to connect, question, share and build what comes next.