It’s just a few weeks to go until The Meetings Show 2023, which will again bring together thousands of buyers and suppliers to connect, learn and network at ExCeL London on 28-29 June.

As a busy #eventprof facing challenges like staff shortages, rising costs, sustainability targets, and budget constraints, the thought of making time in your already tight schedule might make you feel overwhelmed. But there are many reasons why you should #takethetime to find space in your diary, get down to the show, and tackle those challenges head on.

Here’s just a few…

1. Work smarter, not harder

The Meetings Show is designed to help event professionals to work smarter, not harder, enabling them to streamline the event planning process by meeting more than 600 event suppliers all under one roof, in just two days.

It provides the perfect opportunity to stop and think, to address challenges, discover useful new approaches to work that will save time in the future, while making valuable connections. By attending, event professionals will have the chance to discover cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternatives, reassess budgets, find useful new products and services and stay ahead of current trends.

The Meetings Show is also co-located with Business Travel Show Europe and TravelTech Show, giving visitors even more to explore and discover.

2. Global coverage

From Aruba to Zagreb, The Meetings Show really does provide global coverage, with exhibitors from all four corners of the globe.

International destinations new to this year’s show include Brussels, Vienna, Amsterdam, Barbados, San Francisco, Miami, Malaysia and the Philippines, with Spain Tourist Office returning after six years, alongside returning destinations such as Austria, Copenhagen, Vancouver, Finland, Singapore, Boston and Melbourne.

As always, the show will be well-represented by UK destinations and venues, including newcomers Visit York and NEC Group, along with Blackpool, Cardiff, Leeds, Bristol & Bath, Newcastle Gateshead, Macdonald Hotels & Resorts, Center Parcs, Silverstone, Westminster Venue Collection and Nottingham Venues.

The world’s most prestigious hotel groups will also be at The Meetings Show to share their updates with buyers, including Marriott, Shangri-La, Hilton, Melia, Hard Rock Hotels and Great Hotels of the World, while newcomers AbleMaxx, MM&Co, and Pearl Representation are among the representation companies exhibiting.

3. New look education

This year’s revamped education programme will inform, inspire, and empower attendees to think differently, connect differently, plan differently, and live differently.

Created in partnership with experience design experts Samme Allen, CEO of conferenceemcees.com, and renowned consultant, author and previous keynote speaker at The Meetings Show, Claus Raasted, content is split across four brand new themes: Impact, Inform, Innovate, and Inspire.

Delivered by a range of expert speakers from across the industry, presentations, workshops and campfire sessions will explore subjects such as how event technology can supercharge engagement, unpacking the power of data, building event communities, how to make events sustainable while growing positive impact, how charities can help you plan events with meaningful experiences, and more.

4. Hosted buyer programme  

Events professionals looking to maximise their time can secure fast-track access to the most relevant suppliers, education and networking opportunities by signing up as a hosted buyer.

Benefits of the hosted buyer programme include access to a dedicated appointments diary to book pre-scheduled meetings, access to the hosted buyer lounge and pre-show events sponsored by Visit Britain, plus support with travel, accommodation, and a host of other benefits.

There are also opportunities to take part in post-show fam trips to destinations around the UK and Europe, including Destination Coventry, Bristol & Bath, Q Hotels, Malta and France. The tours highlight the best hotels, venues and attractions and give buyers valuable first-hand experience of the destinations for future event proposals.

5. Meet the next generation of talent

The Meetings Show is committed to providing a platform to support and showcase the next generation of talent through several initiatives and this year will be no different.

These include the Tomorrow’s Talent scheme, running partnership with M&IT, which champions exceptional emerging talent within the industry to help nurture and support the leaders of the future. Tomorrow’s Talent – which recently announced its fifth cohort of 10 winners – puts the spotlight on rising stars within the meetings and events industry and provides them with unbeatable opportunities to progress further in their careers.

There will also be the return of The Meetings Show Next Generation initiative. Together with partner Event First Steps, an organisation that helps industry newcomers build their networks, learn from industry heavyweights and forge their own career path, there will be a dedicated programme for students and those just starting out in the industry.

6. Make new connections

There is no better place to immerse yourself in the events, meetings and incentives community than The Meetings Show. As well as catching up with industry peers and friends, the show offers plenty of opportunities to meet new faces and grow your network.

There will be countless social events taking place throughout the show and London, from the official welcome reception to on-stand drinks and after-show parties including the micebook Awards on the evening of 29 June.

To register for The Meetings Show, visit https://www.themeetingsshow.com/register