The Business of Events – Global Policy Forum 2025

On the 1st April Meet Bristol & Bath attended The Business of Events – Global Policy Forum 2025 in London focusing on the theme of ‘Unlocking Growth in the Events Economy’.

Designed to unlock the potential and drive growth within the UK’s business events economy, the event brought together an impressive group of industry partners from across the business events ecosystem, as well as representatives from the political landscape including All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events members.

The programme’s speakers and contributors included Sir Chris Bryant MP, Minister of State for Media, Tourism and Creative Industries, Mike Wood MP Vice Chair of the All Party Parliamentary for Events; Dame Caroline Dinenage DBE MP chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee and Paul Black, Head of Business Events at VisitBritain Business Events.

Business events not only deliver £33.6 billion in value to the UK economy, they are a key element of almost every industry and an essential tool to attract inward investment, talent and growth in key business and academic sectors which in turn directly contributes to innovation to our cities and regions. Alongside this, business events have the power to build meaningful networks and generate a positive impact and legacy on local communities.

Particularly insightful was the panel discussion reflecting on the evolving role of the Convention Bureau, which when working in collaboration with key stakeholders is pivotal to drive economic and social development for their region.

The event provided an excellent opportunity to reflect on the importance of business events and to share this with industry partners and political leaders.