More than 170 delegates representing the UK Government and the global business events, associations and education sectors, joined The Business of Events’ (TBOE) UK Policy Forum, which took place yesterday (8 November) at IET London: Savoy Place in Westminster.
The annual event is designed to educate the events industry on the current political landscape so that any policy agenda that is created can be done so with realistic objectives at its core. The content for this year’s event was specifically curated not just to align with the Department for Business and Trade’s International Trade Week but to discuss key events industry policy areas for which the UK Government can benefit from.
The event programme included sessions from senior spokespeople from some of the UK’s largest event agencies, exhibition organisers, venues and government organisations.
Keynote speakers included Nick Watt, political editor at BBC Newsnight who provided an overview of the current political landscape and a look at its future and the RT Hon Theresa Villiers MP, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events who provided an update on group’s work and advocacy efforts. She was joined by Rachel McGuickin from VisitBelfast and Ian Edwards of ICC Wales who shared their own views on the relationship with government and outlined what they were working on to help drive the industry forwards.
View the full speaker line up here, and agenda here.
Speaking on the event, Martin Fullard, associate director, The Business of Events, said: “The UK policy forum is an important event for the sector as we bring together senior industry leaders industry stakeholders policymakers government officials and trade associations and highlight the fantastic work of our sector, which is a hotbed for trade and innovation at a domestic level.”
Next steps
The outcome of the event will be a summary report which will be submitted to Government and the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events and will be shared widely with the industry.
This will then be discussed among The Business of Events Advisory Council and will contribute towards the development of a policy agenda for the events industry.
