Relationships, collaboration and the collective strength of the business events industry took centre stage at the beam Annual Forum 2026.
Held at Wyboston Lakes Resort on 16 and 17 July, the two-day event brought beam members and industry leaders together under the theme Relationships 3.0 – From Connection to Momentum.
The theme ran throughout the programme, with sessions exploring how stronger relationships can support collaboration, develop future talent and help the industry turn shared ambitions into action.
Following a welcome from Wyboston Lakes Resort and the official opening by Mohammad Yasin MP, adventurer Laura Kennington set the tone for the forum by encouraging delegates to stop waiting for the right moment and create their own momentum.
Breakout sessions reflected some of the key opportunities and challenges facing the sector, including the role of AI, how social value can be embedded into event delivery and the importance of wellbeing in the workplace.
A particular highlight was the One Industry, One Voice – What’s Next? panel, which brought together representatives from beam, the Business Travel Association, the Meetings Industry Association and The Business of Events.
The discussion demonstrated the progress being made through closer collaboration between industry bodies and reinforced the importance of presenting a unified voice to government and other key decision-makers.
David Tremmil, Chair of beam, said: “Our theme was about taking the relationships we have built and using them to create real momentum. That was evident across the entire forum, but particularly during the association panel. Although we represent different communities, we share many of the same priorities and can achieve far more when we speak and act together.”
The focus on relationships continued with a session dedicated to attracting and developing future talent. Bringing together people at different stages of their careers, the discussion considered how employers can create clearer pathways into the industry, support progression and demonstrate the long-term value of investing in talent.
The conference concluded with a keynote from Nick Saunders, who explored how small changes in behaviour can make a significant difference to the relationships people build every day.
Networking continued during an Ibiza-themed evening event, while an early-morning wild swim offered delegates another opportunity to connect before the forum came to a close.
The forum also raised £1,822 for Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity, enough to provide 56 hours of practical and emotional support for families caring for a seriously ill child. beam thanked its members for their generosity and everyone who supported the fundraising activities during the event.
David Tremmil added: “The energy across the two days showed what happens when we create space for people to share ideas, challenge one another and build stronger relationships. We are incredibly proud of the generosity shown for Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity, alongside the enthusiasm delegates brought to every part of the forum. Our focus now is on carrying that momentum forward across our membership and the wider industry.”
The Annual Forum was supported by JustSmile, Cvent, KDM Events, Speakers Corner, The WOW Bus, Bottle Proof, Halewood Artisanal Spirits, LWC Drinks, Paddy & Scott’s, and Mr and Mrs Grey, with Wyboston Lakes Resort hosting the event.
