The Meetings Show

Brief Introduction of The Meetings Show

The Meetings Show 2025 is the UK's premier exhibition for the meetings, incentives, conferences, and events (MICE) industry, uniting 5,000+ professionals from the global meetings sector. This three-day event showcases 600+ exhibitors representing destinations, venues, hotels, and service providers from over 50 countries. The show serves as the essential marketplace where event planners, corporate buyers, and agency professionals can discover solutions, establish connections, and enhance industry knowledge. With the global business events industry valued at over $1 trillion annually, this gathering combines exhibition space, education sessions, networking events, and pre-scheduled appointments, emphasizing sustainability, technology integration, and the value of face-to-face meetings.

Brief History of The Meetings Show

Launched in 2013 in London, the inaugural show at Olympia featured approximately 350 exhibitors and attracted 2,000 attendees. Significant growth came in 2016 with the introduction of the hosted buyer program. By 2018, the show had grown to 4,500+ attendees and 700 exhibitors. In 2020, due to COVID-19, it transformed into a hybrid event, combining virtual and limited in-person elements. The 2022 edition marked a full return to in-person format at ExCeL London, a larger venue accommodating growth while maintaining digital elements. Throughout its history, The Meetings Show has evolved from a UK-focused event to an international platform reflecting the global nature of the meetings industry.

Event Date

June 25-26, 2025

Monday, June 23:

Early Registration

Pre-Show Association Meetings

Welcome Reception (By Invitation)

Tuesday, June 24:

Exhibition Open (8:30 AM - 6:00 PM)

Opening Keynote

Education Sessions

Pre-scheduled Appointments

Networking Reception

Wednesday, June 25:

Exhibition Open (9:00 AM - 6:00 PM)

Education Sessions

Pre-scheduled Appointments

Industry Awards Dinner (Separate Ticket)

Thursday, June 26:

Exhibition Open (9:00 AM - 4:30 PM)

Education Sessions

Pre-scheduled Appointments

Closing Session

Event Location

ExCeL London

Royal Victoria Dock

1 Western Gateway

London E16 1XL

United Kingdom

Key features:

100,000 square meters of flexible event space

ICC London (International Convention Centre)

Multiple conference rooms

High-speed Wi-Fi throughout

Dedicated hosted buyer lounge

Multiple restaurants and catering options

Accessibility:

45 minutes from London Heathrow Airport

10 minutes from London City Airport

Direct DLR connection

Elizabeth Line station

3,700 on-site parking spaces

Product Focus

Destinations and CVBs:

National tourism organizations

City convention bureaus

Regional destination marketing organizations

Venues:

Convention centers

Conference hotels

Unique and historic venues

Academic venues

Sports stadiums and arenas

Accommodation Providers:

Hotel chains

Independent hotels

Serviced apartments

Resort destinations

Event Services:

Event management companies

Production and AV specialists

Catering services

Transportation providers

Technology Solutions:

Event management software

Registration systems

Mobile event apps

Virtual and hybrid event platforms

Audience engagement tools

Event Organizer

Organized by Northstar Travel Group, the global leader in business-to-business information and events for the travel and meetings industries. Northstar acquired the show from Centaur Media in 2019. The organizing team includes the Show Director, exhibition sales team, hosted buyer program managers, and education content curators. Northstar works in partnership with ExCeL London, Meeting Professionals International (MPI), and the Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO). The company maintains offices in London, New York, and Singapore, serving the global meetings community through trade shows and digital platforms.

Target Audience/Best For

Primary Attendees:

Corporate meeting planners

Association conference organizers

Agency event professionals

Incentive travel buyers

Exhibition organizers

Independent meeting planners

Marketing and event directors

Venue finding agencies

Job Functions:

Meeting and Event Managers

Conference Directors

Procurement Specialists

Marketing Executives

Association Executives

Travel Managers

Geographic Distribution:

United Kingdom (60%)

Europe (25%)

North America (8%)

Asia-Pacific (4%)

Middle East and Africa (2%)

Rest of World (1%)

Key Features

Exhibition Floor: 600+ suppliers organized by sector and geographic region.

Hosted Buyer Program: Pre-qualified planners with confirmed budgets participate in scheduled appointments.

Education Program: 70+ sessions across multiple tracks covering industry trends and professional development.

Keynote Presentations: Industry leaders addressing current challenges and future opportunities.

Association Meetings Forum: Specialized content for association executives.

Corporate Meetings Summit: Focused discussions for corporate meeting planners.

Technology Showcase: Interactive area demonstrating event tech innovations.

Sustainability Village: Zone highlighting environmentally responsible practices and suppliers.

Networking Events: Structured opportunities to connect with peers and potential partners.

Accommodation/Hotel

Near ExCeL London:

Aloft London ExCeL (4-star)

Novotel London ExCeL (4-star)

Hampton by Hilton London Docklands (3-star)

Central London Options:

Park Plaza Westminster Bridge (4-star)

Strand Palace Hotel (4-star)

Canary Wharf Area:

Radisson Blu Edwardian, New Providence Wharf (4-star)

Novotel London Canary Wharf (4-star)

The official accommodation service opens January 2025, offering negotiated rates with complimentary shuttle service. Early booking recommended as London hotels frequently reach capacity during major events.

Why Attend The Meetings Show?

Connect with 600+ global suppliers in a time-efficient environment

Participate in pre-scheduled appointments with qualified exhibitors

Access 70+ educational sessions led by industry experts

Network with 5,000+ meetings industry professionals

Discover emerging destinations and unique venues

Evaluate new technologies for event planning

Learn about sustainable event practices

Gain insights into meeting trends and adaptations

Establish valuable business relationships

Experience innovative meeting formats

Earn continuing education credits for industry certifications

Register for The Meetings Show

Registration opens February 2025:

Registration Categories:

Visitor: £25 (early bird) / £45 (standard)

Hosted Buyer: Complimentary (application required)

Education Only: £199 (early bird) / £249 (standard)

Trade Press: Complimentary (with verification)

Registration Periods:

Early Bird: February 1 - April 30, 2025

Standard: May 1 - June 23, 2025

Onsite: June 24-26, 2025

Registration includes access to exhibition floor, select education sessions, networking events, and digital tools. Hosted buyer packages include accommodation, transportation, and full access to all show elements.

Global Sources Trade Shows: Supporting the Events Industry Supply Chain

While The Meetings Show focuses on venues and services, Global Sources exhibitions provide access to manufacturing partners for event merchandise, promotional products, and technology hardware. Their Hong Kong and China shows feature verified manufacturers of branded items and display materials that support successful meetings and conferences. For event professionals seeking service providers, Global Sources events offer connections to manufacturing partners who can produce customized event materials cost-effectively, allowing planners to develop comprehensive sourcing strategies.

FAQs

Q: Who can attend The Meetings Show?

A: Professional event planners, corporate buyers, agency professionals, suppliers, and industry media. Not open to the general public.

Q: How can I apply for the hosted buyer program?

A: Applications open in February 2025 through the show website. Applicants must demonstrate active event planning responsibilities.

Q: What is the official language of the show?

A: English is the primary business language used throughout the event.

Q: How can suppliers exhibit at the show?

A: Contact the sales team through the show website for stand options and pricing.

Q: Can I earn continuing education credits?

A: Yes, sessions are typically approved for CMP credits and other industry certifications.

Q: Are there visa requirements for the UK?

A: EU citizens with settled status do not require visas. Most non-EU attendees require a Standard Visitor visa.