Agency Correspondent, Heather Nicholls, speaks to agency leaders Rob Morrison, Catherine Duhaut and David Preston, to explore the value that International Confex brings to their businesses and what they’re most looking forward to at this year’s event.
Every year, the heart of the event industry beats at International Confex, where leading agencies and suppliers gather to share insights, showcase innovations, and build relationships that shape the future of events. Now in its 43rd year, the event has become a household name for event professionals. Featuring seven diverse content theatres, a sprawling exhibition of over 200 suppliers, and an exciting conference programme with more than 60 industry-leading speakers, Confex offers a rich and dynamic experience designed to inspire and empower everyone who attends.
Networking and relationship building
Networking and relationship building is at the heart of what makes International Confex such a valuable event for professionals in the events industry. Rob Morrison, client engagement director at mcm creative, has attended International Confex on and off throughout his career. This year, he returns not only as an attendee but also as a judge for the 30 Under 30 panel. Morrison says: “Events like this aren’t just about what you see, but also about who you meet. Confex is a fantastic opportunity for the industry to come together—it’s a place to network, reconnect, and build meaningful relationships face-to-face.”
The event offers a unique space where individuals and organisations can forge connections that often lead to long-term partnerships, new business ventures, and collaborative opportunities. For Cat Duhaut, director and co-founder at Beacon House Events, International Confex is more than just an industry event – it’s a vital space for forming connections, discovering new opportunities and staying at the forefront of the events sector. She says: “My co-director and I always find Confex to be a great opportunity to get out of the business whilst still being immersed in the industry. The atmosphere is fantastic and it allows us to see what’s happening in the events world beyond what we deal with on a daily basis. This year, we have four of our team members attending -both directors, one senior event manager and one event manager.”
She adds that the event is an invaluable opportunity to meet suppliers in person and see things that they are showcasing first hand. Duhaut says: “We have made some fantastic industry connections at Confex. For example, we entered a great partnership with Eventbrite after meeting them there. We also secured new business through contacts we made at the event so the networking and business development side of Confex has always been incredibly beneficial for us.”
Industry evolution and collaboration
The events industry has undergone significant changes in recent years, with a notable shift from a competitive landscape to one focused more on collaboration. Despite the growing emphasis on inclusivity, the events industry still faces challenges such as unequal access to opportunities, limited representation of diverse voices, and barriers to participation for smaller or underrepresented businesses.
International Confex counters these inclusivity challenges by bringing together a diverse range of businesses, from established industry leaders to emerging start-ups, the event encourages new partnerships, knowledge sharing, and the development of innovative ideas that shape the future of the industry.
Morrison says: “The variety of price points for exhibitors allows both major industry players and smaller, up-and-coming businesses to participate. Everyone gets the same level of exposure, which is fantastic for fostering new connections.”
Reflecting on the industry’s evolution, Morrison adds: “It’s great to see brands supporting each other. Since COVID, the industry has shifted from pure competition to a more collaborative approach. Confex plays a key role in this, creating a space where suppliers, agencies, and businesses can explore new partnerships and ideas.”
David Preston, CEO of Realise, an event services agency and training provider, has been attending International Confex for as long as he can remember. For Realise, Confex is a key opportunity to stay ahead in the industry by scouting new competitors, strengthening relationships with existing suppliers and partners, and forging new business connections. They also occasionally take to the stage as speakers at the event. Reflecting on past experiences, Preston says: “Confex is an invaluable opportunity to gain insights from global industry leaders at a UK based show.”
Highlights from previous shows:
Among his standout moments from last year’s event, Morrison recalls seeing a colleague earn a spot in the 30 Under 30, discovering emerging event technologies and witnessing how Confex continues to grow. “One highlight was finding a company specialising in soundproofing solutions, -45dB, part of Thorns Group. Their showcase was outstanding, and we’ve since incorporated their solutions into some of our projects.”
Morrison is excited about the continued evolution of Confex: “The cross-show collaborations with The PA Show and The Event Production Show (EPS) add another layer of energy and opportunity. The investment and innovation behind Confex make it an event that’s always worth attending.”
Preston says that for him, Confex is a key opportunity to stay ahead in the industry by scouting new competitors, strengthening relationships with existing suppliers and partners, and forging new business connections. Looking ahead to this year’s event he says: “I am particularly looking forward to sessions like Engagement is the New Currency and Beyond the Headlines: Decoding Event Tech Trends of 2025”.
International Confex is returning to Excel London on 26 and 27 February 2025, you can register here and join thousands of event professionals at the event.
