UKEVENTS showcases the £61.6 Billion Value of the UK events industry at exhibition in Parliament

With over 700,000 people employed in the sector, the UK events industry plays a crucial role in economic growth. The exhibition provided a unique opportunity for policymakers to connect with event industry leaders and gain a deeper understanding of the sector’s value and its potential for future expansion.

Throughout the exhibition, parliamentarians showed great interest in how the events industry directly impacts their constituencies. Many were unaware of the sector’s challenges, such as trade friction, complex visa regulations, and a lack of recognition for business events, but were eager to explore how the government could support the industry’s growth.

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A vision for growth

UKEVENTS highlighted several key priorities for the sector, including:

• Developing a national events strategy to unlock further economic growth and ensure the UK remains a global leader in events.

• Integration of major business and outdoor events with key governmental industrial and social initiatives.

• Expansion of the VisitBritain Business Events Growth Programme.

 

The event also showcased the diversity and depth of the UK events sector, from business conferences and exhibitions to live entertainment and cultural events, and their role in facilitating growth within the visitor economy, propelling trade, exports and inward investment, while also fostering scientific inquiry, innovation and technological advancement. MPs and Lords recognised the industry’s unique ability to amplify government priorities, from boosting international trade to revitalising local economies. As a result, strengthening collaboration with the government to position the UK events industry as a strategic partner for economic and community development will be key.

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Next steps

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The response from parliamentarians was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their support for ongoing collaboration and future roundtable discussions with UKEVENTS and its partners.

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Glenn Bowdin, Treasurer, AEME & Chair, UKEVENTS said: “The UK events industry is incredibly diverse, with a rich ecosystem that encompasses everything from live experiences to business conferences and the extensive supply chain that supports them. This breadth and depth not only fuel the industry’s £61.6 billion contribution to the UK economy but also help drive growth in sectors such as tourism, hospitality, and creative industries.

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“What became clear is that many MPs were largely unaware of the full scale of our industry’s impact. This exhibition was a valuable opportunity to present that message directly. The next step is to build on this momentum, following up with policymakers to create an environment where government proactively uses our industry to achieve its policy objectives while unlocking even greater opportunities for growth.

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“I would like to extend my personal thanks to Jack Rankin, MP for Windsor and Vice Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events for sponsoring our event which granted us such a unique opportunity. My sincere thanks to the multitude of MPs, Ladies, and Lords who came by to see us.”

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Glenn added: “Education and skills development are integral to a thriving events industry and for attracting and retaining talent. We were keen to support this event for our industry to highlight how through events management degrees, masters and event apprenticeships, future professionals have clear routes into the industry and are being equipped with the creative, logistical, and higher level knowledge and skills necessary to deliver successful events. In addition, through their research, our members are helping us to better understand the role and value of events in society, for businesses, government, and communities."

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Press release 18th February 2025