UKEVENTS has welcomed the Government’s response to the Business Events report from the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, noting its recognition of the sector’s economic importance and commitment to a more coordinated approach across Government.
The Government has acknowledged the unique contribution that conferences, exhibitions and trade fairs make to the UK economy and wider events landscape, and has committed to exploring a more cohesive cross-government approach to supporting the sector. Business events will also be included within the national events strategy, currently being developed with industry input by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) for launch in Spring 2027. UKEVENTS and its partners have been contributing to stakeholder discussions and workshops informing the strategy’s development. Government officials are also exploring improved ministerial engagement and advocacy for major events and bids.
Glenn Bowdin, Chair of UKEVENTS, said:
“We welcome the Government’s recognition of the vital role business events play in driving economic growth, trade, investment and innovation across the UK, and the constructive response to many of the recommendations put forward by the Committee and supported by industry stakeholders.
“The commitment to a more joined-up approach across Government, stronger engagement with the sector and the inclusion of business events within future strategic planning are all positive and encouraging developments.
“We look forward to working with Government and industry partners to help translate these commitments into practical actions that strengthen the UK’s competitiveness and unlock further growth opportunities for the events industry.”
UKEVENTS and its partners were pleased to provide both written and oral evidence to the Inquiry and welcome the Committee’s recognition of the sector’s contribution to economic growth, investment and innovation. UKEVENTS also acknowledges the work of the CMS Committee and the industry representatives who contributed to the Inquiry, including the Events Industry Alliance, The Business of Events and Liverpool Experience Campus, together with parliamentarians including members of the APPG for Events, in leading the way in raising the profile of business events within government and public policy discussions.
