The Meetings Show UK has focused on industry knowledge and expertise in its choice of speakers for its tailored education program, including keynotes, presentations and panel debates, at their inaugural show that will be held in London in July.
Following research led by The Meetings Show UK’s Education Panel, industry leading speakers are offering in-depth sessions on topics and themes of genuine relevance to both the demand and supply sides of the meetings industry.
“Our research clearly showed that the meetings industry was more interested in industry experts with integrity and years of experience in the sector rather than celebrities with little or no links to meetings,” said Steve Knight, event director, The Meetings Show UK. “Leadership, meetings architecture, media relations and entrepreneurship were repeatedly brought up as critically important issues where more learning was needed. These key sessions respond directly to those needs as does the rest of the education, which includes more than 50 Meet the Expert sessions covering a range of subjects such as PR, technology, compliance and sustainability.”
- Keynote 1 – July 9: A tale of two leadership styles
Following 24 years of researching effective organizations and the people who lead them, leadership methodologist Paul Bridle will use this keynote to show that there are many styles of leadership, but there are two that make great change or accomplish great things. He will explain what it means to be a modern leader and how this may impact the meetings and events industry.
- Keynote Panel Debate 1 – July 9: Meet and grill the editors
Facilitated by Patrick Delaney, vice president of industry relations, MCI Group, leading editors from across the world will explore how the industry can effectively work with the media both in print and on line.
- Keynote 2 – July 10: Is meeting architecture the same as meeting design?
Is “meeting architecture” a task, a profession or a discipline? Maarten Vanneste, CEO, Abbit Meeting Support, who coined the term in his 2008 book, believes it is the latter. This keynote explores why we can’t continue without change and innovation, why the meetings industry needs to extend its reach beyond hospitality and why you need to be involved.
- Keynote Panel Debate 2 – July 11: Building successful event agencies
Facilitated by Padraic Gilligan, vice president of industry relations, MCI Group, agency entrepreneurs will discuss the challenges of setting up, leading and running a business in our ever-changing market.
- Keynote sessions are scheduled to take place in the auditorium at the Olympia Conference Center in London.
The education program is a key part of The Meetings Show UK’s offering, providing learning opportunities to attendees from across the industry, including hosted buyers. Qualified hosted buyers will have the opportunity to schedule meetings with organizations relevant to their business while benefiting from a personalized and funded travel experience, complimentary bed and breakfast, transportation to Olympia from host hotels and networking venues, and a choice of hosted buyer lounges complete with Wi-Fi. Buyers can apply individually or as part of a group brought together by the show’s partners and exhibitors.
The Meetings Show UK is a major new event for the UK meetings industry, launched by Centaur Exhibitions and taking place July 9-11 at Olympia, London. Organized by meeting professionals for meeting professionals, it is focused around a large exhibition, unrivalled networking opportunities and professional education. The show will feature destinations from more than 50 countries across six continents, venues, hotel groups, DMCs and key providers of meetings’ products and services.
