The Alliance of Independent Event Agencies (AIEA) will host the 5th Annual Industry Great Debate on Thursday 14 January 2027 at the Cambridge Union Society in Cambridge.
This year’s motion is: This House Believes Preferred Supplier Agreements are creating a closed shop and biased venue sourcing culture. The debate will bring together voices from across the MICE industry to examine how preferred supplier agreements shape venue sourcing, and what that means for agencies, venues and clients. Speakers will be announced via the AIEA’s social media channels in the coming weeks.
Sabine Edwards, chair of the Alliance of Independent Event Agencies, said: “Preferred supplier agreements are a subject where views run strong on both sides, so I’m looking forward to the audience hearing the arguments and making up their own minds.”
Previous debates have tackled the state of the UK events industry, how the sector treats its people, the value of industry awards and the integrity of familiarisation trips.
The event is open to anyone working in the MICE industry, with several suppliers arranging hosted buyer groups. Registration is open and sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting [email protected].