The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events (APPG) is set for its first meeting in the new parliament, with Shaun Davies (pictured), member of parliament for Telford (Labour), as chair elect.
The first meeting will take place on 5 November 2024 at Portcullis House in Westminster, with members from both Houses of Parliament being encouraged to attend.
The APPG, which serves as a crucial platform for discussing and advancing the UK events industry, will welcome a cross-party group of MPs as vice chairs, including:
- Jack Rankin, MP for Windsor (Conservative)
- Barry Gardiner, MP for Brent West (Labour)
- Jessica Morden, MP for Newport East (Labour)
- Kim Johnson, MP for Liverpool Riverside (Labour)
- Martin Rhodes, MP for Glasgow North (Labour)
- Rachel Taylor, MP for North Warwickshire & Bedworth (Labour)
- Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate & Knaresborough (Liberal Democrat)
In accordance with new parliamentary rules, the group requires a chair and four vice chairs. However, under new provisions, private sector businesses can now join the APPG for Events as non-voting members.
The APPG will focus on the key areas outlined in The Business of Events’ Policy Agenda, which includes:
- Updating SIC codes: Advocating for accurate representation and tailored support for the events sector.
- Easier visa schemes: Supporting international collaboration post-Brexit for both inbound and outbound events.
- Event tax credit scheme: Offering financial incentives to attract new events and support existing ones.
- Attracting international events: Positioning the UK as a top destination for global business events.
- Practical support for competitiveness: Using events as a catalyst for sector-wide growth.
- Investment in convention bureaux: Supporting regional and national convention bureaux to drive economic development.
- Leveraging events for policy objectives: Using business events as platforms to promote and deliver government policies.
The APPG for Events has previously been chaired by former MP’s Nick de Bois, James Heappey, and Theresa Villiers.
Davies, said: “The UK events industry is a world leader, and the event economy delivers significant benefits for our country, creating jobs, exports and inward investment. It also offers major opportunities for growth, which I know is a key priority for our new Government. My constituency is home to a major venue in the Telford International Centre, so I appreciate the cultural and economic value that events can provide to communities like Telford.”
The Business of Events, through its advocacy network, will act as the official secretariat for the APPG for Events. Originally established by Davies Tanner in 2011, the group has played a pivotal role in championing the events sector within Westminster.
