The National Outdoor Events Association (NOEA) has announced Figen Murray OBE as the headline keynote speaker for its 2026 Convention, bringing one of the most important and deeply personal conversations around public safety directly to the outdoor events industry.
Figen, whose son Martyn Hett was one of 22 people killed in the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in 2017, has spent the years since campaigning for greater protection for people attending publicly accessible premises and events. Her work was instrumental in the creation of Martyn’s Law, formally the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, which received Royal Assent in April last year.
Figen will open the main content programme at the NOEA Convention on Thursday 26th November with a keynote telling the story of Martyn, the campaign that followed his death, and the legacy she has fought to create in his name. The Convention programme places her keynote at the heart of its opening theme of ‘Resilience’, before moving directly into a wider industry discussion.
For NOEA and its members, the keynote represents an opportunity to hear the human story behind legislation that continues to have a profound influence on the way events approach safety and preparedness.
Following her keynote, Figen will join an expert panel to discuss what implementation means for the events industry, the practical responsibilities ahead, and how organisers, suppliers, safety professionals and government can continue to work together. The session will also include audience questions and discussion. Figen will also remain at the Convention following the session, giving delegates the opportunity to speak with her personally.
Figen Murray OBE commented, “The events industry has been part of this conversation for many years and I have met so many people within it who care deeply about keeping people safe.I’m grateful to NOEA for giving me the opportunity not only to tell Martyn’s story, but to talk directly to the people who are turning this legislation into something meaningful.”
Susan Tanner, CEO of NOEA, added, “It is a huge privilege to welcome Figen to the NOEA Convention. Her story is extraordinarily powerful and painful, and it sets the scene for the work this industry will do around events for years to come. NOEA members take public safety incredibly seriously and many have been involved in conversations around the Protect Duty and Martyn’s Law for a number of years. Figen joining us is another important stage in that dialogue.”
Figen will also be Guest of Honour at the NOEA Awards, taking place the previous evening, Wednesday 25th November, at the Roman Baths & Pump Rooms in Bath. The NOEA Convention follows on Thursday 26th November.
