Martin Rhodes MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Events and Labour MP for Glasgow, has been confirmed to officially open The Meetings Show when it returns to ExCeL London on 24–25 June 2026. The trade event, positioned as one of the UK’s leading platforms for meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE) professionals, is expected to welcome close to 6,000 attendees over two days.
Introduction
The 2026 edition of The Meetings Show will once again bring together buyers, suppliers and technology providers from across the global business events ecosystem. Rhodes’ participation underlines the sustained engagement between UK policymakers and the events sector, at a time when the industry continues to refine hybrid models, data-driven attendee experiences and sustainable operations.
Organisers say the show will act as both a marketplace and learning hub for corporate event planners, agencies, association organisers and venue and destination representatives, with a particular emphasis on innovation and the future of business events.
Background or industry context
The APPG for Events is a cross-party parliamentary group that provides a forum for dialogue between UK legislators and stakeholders in the events industry, covering exhibitions, conferences, live events and business meetings. As Chair, Rhodes plays a central role in raising the profile of the sector in Westminster and supporting discussion on issues such as skills, international competitiveness, infrastructure and regulation.
The Meetings Show was launched to serve the UK and international MICE market and has become a regular fixture in the calendar for buyers and suppliers across hotels, convention centres, destinations, event technology providers and ancillary services. The move to ExCeL London in recent years has enabled the show to expand its floorplan and host a broader mix of exhibitors and educational content.
With the MICE industry now operating in a landscape shaped by hybrid formats, evolving attendee expectations and increased scrutiny on ROI and sustainability, trade shows like The Meetings Show have emerged as key platforms for exploring how technology and policy intersect within event delivery.
Key developments or announcement
The central announcement is that Martin Rhodes MP will formally open the 2026 edition of The Meetings Show at ExCeL London. While detailed scheduling has not yet been disclosed, the opening is expected to take place on the morning of 24 June 2026, marking the start of two days of meetings, education and networking.
The event is projected to attract nearly 6,000 participants, encompassing hosted buyers, trade visitors, exhibitors, sponsors and partners. Exhibitors typically include global and regional destinations, convention bureaux, hotel groups, venues, airlines, transport providers and technology companies offering solutions for registration, event apps, data analytics, engagement tools and virtual or hybrid platforms.
The programme usually features conference sessions, case studies and panel discussions covering themes such as:
- Event design and attendee experience
- Technology adoption and digital transformation
- Hybrid and virtual event strategies
- Measurement, data and ROI in business events
- Sustainability and responsible event delivery
- Talent, training and skills development
While the full 2026 content agenda has yet to be released, Rhodes’ involvement signals that the role of events in the broader UK economy and their relationship with public policy will remain a core talking point.
Industry impact
The decision for a sitting MP and APPG Chair to open a major trade show highlights the sector’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its voice within government. For venues, organisers and technology vendors, this type of high-profile engagement reinforces the strategic value of business events in areas such as trade promotion, inward investment, regional development and knowledge exchange.
In practical terms, the show provides a concentrated platform for international and domestic buyers to evaluate suppliers and technology stacks for upcoming event cycles. For event tech providers in particular, access to an audience of thousands of planners and decision-makers offers an opportunity to demonstrate integrations, workflows and real-world use cases in a live environment—an important counterbalance to purely digital sales channels.
The timing also aligns with ongoing shifts in procurement. Buyers are increasingly looking for integrated solutions that span registration, marketing automation, on-site services, engagement tools and post-event analytics. Face-to-face conversations at trade shows can influence technology roadmaps, partnerships and pilot projects that shape the industry’s direction over the following 12–24 months.
Why this matters for event professionals and technology providers
For event professionals, the 2026 show will offer a chance to benchmark their current strategies against emerging best practices, particularly in areas where technology and operations intersect. Areas likely to attract strong interest include:
- Hybrid and digital extensions: How platforms, apps and streaming solutions are being used to extend reach and personalise content.
- Data and analytics: Approaches to measuring engagement and ROI across the full event lifecycle, from marketing to post-event follow-up.
- Workflow automation: Tools that streamline planning, supplier management, budgeting and reporting.
- On-site innovation: Developments in access control, badging, wayfinding, audience interaction and accessibility.
- Sustainability: Technology-enabled approaches to reducing waste, optimising travel and tracking environmental impact.
Technology providers, meanwhile, gain direct feedback on how their products align with planner pain points and procurement priorities. The presence of policymakers can also inform how vendors approach issues like data protection, accessibility standards and reporting frameworks that may emerge from future regulation or public-sector procurement requirements.
Rhodes’ formal role at the opening may also encourage more structured dialogue between industry and government during the show, whether through hosted briefings, roundtables or informal meetings. That could translate into better representation of the events sector in discussions around economic growth, tourism strategy and skills policy.
Conclusion
The announcement that Martin Rhodes MP will officially open The Meetings Show at ExCeL London in June 2026 underscores the continuing alignment between the UK events industry and policymakers in Westminster. As the sector navigates rapid technological change and evolving expectations from delegates and sponsors, the show is set to serve as a focal point for discussions on innovation, investment and collaboration.
For event organisers, venues and technology providers, the 2026 edition offers both a commercial marketplace and a barometer for how the business events landscape is evolving. With thousands of professionals expected to convene under one roof, the show will provide a snapshot of current priorities—from hybrid delivery and data strategy to sustainability and skills—set against the backdrop of a sector keen to demonstrate its economic and societal contribution.