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Events

Premier Connects | Event Industry News

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Premier Connects is a full-service delegate management company built for event professionals who need registration, check-in, and badging to work flawlessly every time.

A specialist division of Premier Events, Premier Connects combines powerful technology with hands-on human expertise. From the moment registration opens to the final delegate leaving the room, the team manages every touchpoint: online registration, event websites, self-service check-in kiosks, badge printing, access control, lead retrieval, and post-event reporting.

Premier Connects event appPremier Connects event app
Premier Connects Manchester CentralPremier Connects Manchester Central
Premier Connects ExCeL 2 LargePremier Connects ExCeL 2 Large

What sets Premier Connects apart is the service model. The technology doesn’t arrive in a box with an instruction manual it arrives with a team. On event day, Premier Connects’ registration specialists, delegate project managers, and on-site technicians are there in person, no outsourcing!

Premier Connects UNIPECPremier Connects UNIPEC

Their self-service kiosks are a standout product. Fully branded to each event, delegates scan a QR code or search their name and have a printed badge in under 13 seconds. The kiosks work at any scale from intimate 100-person forums to multi-gate exhibitions with thousands of attendees and have been deployed at venues including Manchester Central, Excel and ICC Birmingham

Premier Connects is ISO 27001 certified and fully GDPR compliant, with all delegate data encrypted, securely hosted, and wiped post-event. For event organisers working in regulated industries or handling sensitive attendee data, that’s not a nice-to-have it’s essential.

The platform integrates with third-party registration systems, CRMs, and event apps, and can be white-labelled for agencies who want to offer delegate management under their own brand.

Recent events include ETF Stream 2025, MESIF 2025, KFC RGM Fest 2026, and Ometria 2025 — a client roster that spans financial services, retail, sport, and professional conferences.

Whether you need a single kiosk for a 200-person conference or end-to-end delegate management for a multi-day exhibition, Premier Connects delivers with the kind of care that makes the difference between an event that runs smoothly and one that’s remembered for the right reasons.

Contact Details:

Ben McCarthy
Unit 2,
Rookery Lane,
Thurmaston,
Leicester,
LE4 8AU

0116 3800297
[email protected]
https://premier-connects.com

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Events

Cvent Acquires Goldcast to Automate Event-to-Video Workflows

by jummy84
written by jummy84

  • Acquisition details. Cvent announces the acquisition of Goldcast to add AI-powered video capabilities to its event marketing portfolio.
  • Platform integration. The combined offering links event execution with automated video creation, distribution and analytics.
  • Operational implications. The deal reflects growing demand for tools that extend the value of events across digital marketing and sales channels.

Cvent is betting that the future of event marketing lies in automated video content creation.The company announced Dec. 15 its acquisition of Goldcast, a video content platform for B2B webinars and events. The deal combines Cvent’s approximately 30,000-customer base with Goldcast’s AI-powered video creation tools, enabling marketers to transform live events into video content for multiple channels.

The integrated platform will allow marketing teams to execute webinars and events, then immediately repurpose footage for web, email, social and sales activation. The acquisition addresses growing pressure on marketers to extend event value as buying journeys become increasingly digital and video-led, according to company officials.

Video Marketing Means Personalised Conversions

By combining Cvent’s trusted enterprise platform with Goldcast’s AI-powered video innovation, we’re creating a future-ready solution for marketers. Together we’ll put same‑day, on‑brand video in more marketers’ hands — so they can publish, personalise and enable sales faster, and keep winning the mindshare of their audiences.

– Palash Soni, CEO & co-founder

Goldcast

Cvent-Goldcast Platform Capabilities at a Glance

The combined Cvent–Goldcast platform brings event execution, AI-powered video production and performance analytics into a single marketing workflow.

CapabilityDescription
Unified platformEvent management, analytics and video creation delivered within one integrated system.
AI video workflowsAutomated creation of video clips, summaries and captions directly from live and virtual events.
Multi-channel distributionRepurposing event content for web, email, social media and sales enablement channels.
Content librariesConversion of events into searchable, reusable video repositories for ongoing marketing use.
Integrated analyticsUnified view of event performance and video engagement metrics to inform optimisation.

A Human-Led, AI-Powered Vision for Event-Led Growth

At Cvent CONNECT Europe in October, CEO and Founder Reggie Aggarwal outlined a future for events that blends human connection with AI-powered scale, positioning marketing-led events as a core growth engine for modern organisations.

Speaking to thousands of industry professionals, Aggarwal framed events as one of the few remaining places where brands can create durable relationships and measurable business impact. In a digital-first environment shaped by economic uncertainty and geopolitical pressure, he emphasised that in-person and hybrid events continue to deliver strong ROI precisely because they foster trust, community and shared experience.

Artificial intelligence featured prominently in Aggarwal’s vision, which he described as a productivity force multiplier rather than a replacement for human creativity. He introduced CventIQ™, a collection of intelligence capabilities embedded across the platform, designed to automate operational tasks while preserving the strategic and relational work that defines successful events. New capabilities include live session transcription and insights, AI-assisted hotel RFP responses and generative 3D event design tools.

Aggarwal also highlighted the rise of Event-Led Growth (ELG), a go-to-market approach that places events at the center of customer acquisition, engagement and revenue. To support this shift, Cvent has expanded offerings such as Cvent Essentials for repeatable, small-format events and continued enhancements to its webinar platform to better engage video-first audiences. Together, these investments reflect a broader strategy to help marketers turn events into scalable, omnichannel growth assets.

Goldcast Sharpens Its Agentic Video Strategy for 2026

In a December product update, Goldcast outlined a clear shift from AI-assisted video production to fully agentic workflows, positioning video as a scalable growth engine rather than a tactical content channel.

The company’s 2025 roadmap centers on outcome-driven creation, where marketers define intent and AI agents execute multi-step editing, packaging and distribution. New capabilities emphasise turning video libraries into “editorial brains” that proactively surface, bundle and adapt content across channels, reducing the need for manual production and coordination.

Measurement is equally central to the strategy. Goldcast is doubling down on account-level video intelligence, tying consumption signals directly to CRM systems so sales and marketing teams can connect video engagement to pipeline impact. Together, these updates signal Goldcast’s ambition to help lean teams orchestrate video-led growth at scale as buying journeys become more selective and video-driven.

AI Integration Changes Marketing Operations

Organisations are embedding AI-powered analytics and automation into marketing operations at scale, fundamentally changing how companies pursue effectiveness and efficiency.

Sixty percent of marketers now use AI daily, with nearly one in five departments allocating 40% or more of their budgets to AI initiatives. Organisations deploying AI-powered analytics reported up to 25% increases in customer satisfaction alongside significant cost reductions.

More recently, 21% of organisations using generative AI have fundamentally redesigned at least some workflows to accommodate these capabilities.

Strategic Capabilities Driving Adoption

Dynamic Personalisation and Engagement

AI enables real-time content adaptation based on individual behavior, moving beyond static segmentation. AI agents integrated with marketing automation can adjust campaigns faster and optimise content strategies based on performance trends.

Scalable Customer Journey Orchestration

Organisations are extending automation beyond basic triggered messages to comprehensive customer journey management. The combination of automation’s consistency with AI’s dynamic capabilities enables live, in-journey updates based on real-time data.

Enhanced Decision-Making Velocity

AI-driven analytics reduce uncertainty in campaign optimisation through A/B testing insights and real-time performance tracking.

Implementation Challenges Persist

Despite significant investment, less than 1% of organisations have reached AI maturity. The primary obstacle is choice overload — marketers face dosens of potential entry points across content generation, personalisation engines, analytics platforms and automation tools.

Most vendors now support API-first approaches to accommodate headless and composable architectures, enabling AI capabilities to integrate across marketing technology stacks.

Over 50% of marketers plan to increase AI spending, suggesting continued momentum. Success increasingly depends on strategic sequencing rather than tool proliferation.

Written by Dom Nicastro for CMSWire and published 15th December 2025. SOURCE

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Events

First Sight Media expands team with key creative and commercial appointments

by jummy84
written by jummy84

(L to R) Tyrone Herbst and Noel Hoey

Event production and streaming specialist, First Sight Media, has announced the appointment of two key personnel: Tyrone Herbst joins as senior video editor, while Noel Hoey takes up the role of client engagement manager, signalling a strategic move to bolster both the company’s creative output and its dedicated client support,

Bringing a decade of experience to the post, Herbst joins the team as senior video editor. Originally from South Africa, where he successfully ran his own video production company, Herbst moved to the UK two years ago. With a background that merges technical editing precision with digital marketing strategy, he specialises in visual storytelling for promotional and corporate projects. His arrival is timely as the company continues to evolve and  innovate its content creation offering for events and for wider promotional films.

Herbst’s journey to First Sight Media is one of industry symmetry. While working as a digital content manager for an aviation company, he discovered First Sight Media’s work via YouTube while researching content from Event Tech Live (ETL). Impressed by the company’s scope—spanning live streaming, creative production, and graduation ceremonies—he applied. Fittingly, his first on-site project for First Sight Media was filming at Event Tech Live 2025.

Herbst said, “It’s a bit of a full-circle moment for me. I actually discovered First Sight Media via their YouTube content while scouting for promos we could use. The company’s reputation for going beyond standard video production to deliver complex live streaming and creative content appealed to me immediately. Having run my own business, I understand the importance of merging creativity with commercial goals, and I’m excited to bring my experience in visual storytelling to a team that is so passionate about capturing every moment.”

Strengthening the commercial side of the business, Noel Hoey joins as client engagement manager. Hoey will act as the driving force behind building long-lasting client relationships, ensuring customers remain at the heart of the production process. His role focuses on understanding client challenges and vision, translating them into meaningful solutions across live production and streaming.

Hoey said: “For me, business is about genuine partnerships, not just transactions. My goal is to be out in the world, listening to our clients and shaping their long-term content strategies with clarity and creativity. Since joining, the atmosphere here has been unreal: warm, collaborative, and endlessly supportive. It’s clear that kindness and integrity filter down from the top, and that energy allows us to do great work. I’m looking forward to turning initial conversations into trusted, long-term relationships where clients feel confident that we are the partner to bring their ideas to life.”

Rich Belcher, managing director of First Sight Media, commented, “These are two vital appointments for First Sight Media as we continue to grow. For us, recruitment isn’t just about skills on paper; it’s about finding people who instinctively get our values and our personality. Tyrone and Noel are fantastic additions who are not only highly skilled in their respective fields but are also completely in tune with our ethos. Whether it is Tyrone’s technical storytelling or Noel’s dedication to client collaboration, they both embody the energy and professionalism that our clients expect from us.”

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Events

The Power of Events launches into North East with new Leeds region for Schools Engagement Programme

by jummy84
written by jummy84

The Power of Events, the not for profit organisation launched in 2023 to provide better understanding, respect and value for the UK Events Industry, is thrilled to announce the expansion of its UK Schools Engagement Programme into the North East with the new Leeds region.

This unique initiative is connecting thousands of young people with the dynamic world of events, providing insights, inspiration and career pathways into the industry.

In its first academic year 24-25, it engaged 106,000+ young people through 350 school visits, across East of England, Birmingham, South Coast and Hertfordshire regions – a Year 1 Report is now published: www.thepowerofevents.org/schools-engagement-programme/

With ambassador registration now live on the Schools Engagement Programme portal www.schools.thepowerofevents.org industry professionals across the UK are invited to sign up and support the next generation of talent by volunteering as little as an hour to the initiative. The first wave of Leeds school engagements will begin in the Spring of 2026 across the region, with the aim of reaching 10,000+ young people in the first year.

This programme expansion for 2026 is made possible with sponsorship from leading event industry organisations across the Leeds region:

  • Leeds Hotels and Venues Association (LHVA), PLASA, Reset Connect, Royal Armouries, Sparq Live, Sterling Event Group, TAIT, The Meetings Show, XSEM

Sam Woodward at TAIT said, “We are delighted to support Power of Events, especially this new initiative on the doorstep of our UK home in Yorkshire – proud to help encourage the next generation of talent to explore the many facets of our industry”

Dan Bardgett, Managing Director at XSEM said, “The events industry reaches into every corner of the economy – from healthcare and technology to sport, culture and beyond. Many of our team began their journey studying event management at university, so we know first-hand how the right encouragement can unlock incredible careers. Supporting The Power of Events programme is a chance to show young people the scale of opportunities waiting for them, and to help inspire the next generation of talent who will shape the future of this industry.”

Rick Stainton, CEO of The Power of Events, commented: “The launch of the Leeds Hub marks a significant progression into the North East for one of our core projects, to engage and inspire young people across the UK about the diverse opportunities within the events industry. With the incredible support of our ambassadors and sponsors, we look forward to developing a lasting impact across the region.”

The Power of Events had already announced 4 new regions coming online in the autumn of 2025 – Manchester/Liverpool/Cheshire, Edinburgh, London and most recently Bath/Bristol, with a projection of engaging over 250,000 young people across the 8 live regions by the end of 2026.

To kick off the Leeds region, The Power of Events will be inviting event industry professionals to an exclusive launch reception in the city in early 2026.

This event will provide an opportunity to learn more about the programme and how to get involved as a volunteer schools ambassador, as well as network with the programme sponsors alongside the wider organisation’s supporters and partners.

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Events

Sela appoint Luke Lloyd-Davies and Ed Hepworth as a part of global expansion strategy

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Sela is delighted to announce two new appointments to the international executive team based in London.

Luke Lloyd-Davies, formerly of Sir Elton John’s Rocket Entertainment Group, has been named as Chief Growth Officer, whilst Ed Hepworth, previously of Six Nations Rugby and National Basketball Association, has joined as Chief Financial Officer.

These appointments reinforce Sela’s ambition to combine creative excellence, global entertainment expertise, and robust financial leadership to deliver spectacular experiences worldwide.

Luke Lloyd-Davies, Chief Growth Officer – International at Sela 

For over 23 years, Luke-Lloyd Davies served as the Chief Operating Officer of Sir Elton John’s Rocket Entertainment Group. As a partner and shareholder in Rocket Music, he helped develop and represent major talent including Ed Sheeran, James Blunt and Lily Allen. In 2012, he and Sir Elton John co-founded Rocket Sports Management, creating standout sporting moments for athletes and partners while collaborating with global brands such as Ford, Vodafone, Lexus and TAG. In 2024, he won an Emmy as Executive Producer of the landmark Disney+ livestream of Elton John’s final North American show at Dodger Stadium and oversaw the execution of the Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour – one of the highest grossing tours of all time at just under a billion dollars. 

Luke joins Sela’s international team as Chief Growth Officer to drive its creative, entertainment and event-production ambitions as the company continues to scale globally. 

Most recently, he played a key role supporting Sela’s investment in The Hunger Games: On Stage – the new live theatrical adaptation now running in London at the purpose-built Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre and is leading on all of Sela’s international IP development across the sports and entertainment sectors. 

Ed Hepworth, Chief Financial Officer – International at Sela

Ed Hepworth brings over 30 years of experience, having held senior financial leadership roles across high-profile international organisations sports, media and entertainment organisations – including Six Nations Rugby, World Athletics and the NBA. 

Ed’s experience will be critical in supporting Sela’s ambitious global expansion strategy – overseeing global finance, commercial operations, and helping align international growth with the company’s long-term objectives.

Stewart Hosford, CEO – International at Sela, said:

“Luke and Ed bring decades of experience building some of the world’s most successful entertainment and sports brands. Their combined track record – from global tours to international sports organisations and rights holders – will be instrumental as we expand Sela’s international footprint and elevate the standard of live experiences worldwide” 

In 2025, Sela helped deliver the biggest international boxing event of the year with Terence Crawford vs. Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, staged in front of a sellout crowd at Allegiant Stadium in Nevada. Sela also delivered the historic British bout between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn in April 2025 and the rematch this November. Sela’s investment in The Hunger Games: On Stage London production marks another milestone in its growing entertainment portfolio.

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Events

Business events leaders to give evidence at Culture Media & Sport Select Committee inquiry into UK business events sector

by jummy84
written by jummy84

A panel of senior business events industry leaders have been invited to provide oral evidence to the Culture, Media and Sport (CMS) Select Committee on Tuesday 9 December within the Houses of Parliament as part of their wider inquiry into the UK’s Major Events sector. 

Those invited to give evidence include Rachel Parker, Director at the Events Industry Alliance, and Faye Dyer, Chief Executive at ACC Liverpool who will appear alongside Robert Wright, founder and CEO of industry Think Tank, the Business of Events.

Chaired by Dame Caroline Dineage DBE MP, the CMS Committee is comprised of an influential group of cross-party MPs, who will examine the challenges faced by the industry and explore how the sector can tap into new opportunities for growth and collaboration. 

The inquiry will examine how business events can drive trade and investment across the UK, the role of the UK Government in supporting and growing this, and examples of best practice and lessons learnt from other countries or the devolved nations. The Committee will also consider the impact of recent challenges on the sector including the UK’s exit from the European Union.

Following the inquiry, the committee will propose its recommendations to Government, with the initial report expected in the Spring of 2026.

The Business of Events, Events Industry Alliance, and ACC Liverpool each put forward individual submissions to the Committee earlier this year as part of a bidding process that attracted 256 applications from a broad range of other industries. 

Dame Caroline announced the inquiry during her closing address at The Business of Events: Global Policy Forum, which took place on 1April 2025 at IET London: Savoy Place in Westminster. 

Further information on the session and the work of the Committee can be found here

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Events

ESSA reveals 2025 award winners, celebrating Luke Facey’s outstanding contribution

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Photo credit: Babyolive Photography & Design

The Event Supplier and Services Association (ESSA)  revealed the winners of its 2025 Awards last night, honouring the exceptional accomplishments of the sector’s leading professionals.

Marking its eighth year, the ESSA awards highlight the diversity and quality that drive the events industry forward, celebrating organisations and individuals who raise the bar in innovation, exceptional service and unwavering dedication.

Taking home the prestigious Outstanding Contribution to the Industry Award on the night was Luke Facey, Managing Director at Alfa Display & Design. Judges praised Luke’s long-standing advocacy for supplier welfare, citing his championing of the needs of contractors, stand builders and small businesses across the industry. As the first Chair of the ESSA Stand Builder Forum and a driving force within the joint AEO, AEV and ESSA Health & Safety Working Group, Luke’s influence behind-the-scenes embodies the very spirit of this award, recognising an unwavering commitment that has shaped and strengthened the sector in profound and lasting ways.

ESSA Awards 2025 winners list in full:

ESSA OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE INDUSTRY AWARD, Sponsored by beMatrix UK

Winner: LUKE FACEY, Manager Director, Alfa Display & Design

ESSA YOUNG PERSON AWARD – Sponsored by Happy Projects

Class of 2025 Winners:       

  • HANNAH ALDER, Abraxys
  • MILLY BAGNALL, Promo House Staffing
  • FREDDIE COATES, Moss UK Group
  • LEAH EVANS, Lock5
  • ELLIOTT HAIGH, Smart Display & Exhibitions         
  • DOMINIC HUDSON, Psycho Peacock
  • REBECCA MCINTOSH, beMatrix UK           
  • WILLIAM O’HANLON, Full Circle Events & Exhibitions
  • POPPY WILKES, Driscoll Brothers Group    
  • A special mention goes to TERRI-ANNE MALONEY of Disrupt Talent for receiving HIGHLY COMMENDED in this category

ESSA MEMBER COMPANY AWARD – Sponsored by Beechwood Event Flooring

Winner: AZTEC EVENT SERVICES

Silver: FULL CIRCLE EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS

Silver: GES

ESSA UNSUNG HERO – Sponsored by Extreme Exhibitions

Winner: MITCH GRAY, Concept Furniture International

BEST ORGANISER – Sponsored by Kuehne+Nagel

Winner: NINETEEN GROUP

BEST VENUE – Sponsored by GES

Winner: NEC BIRMINGHAM 

SUSTAINABILITY – Sponsored by Extreme Exhibitions

Winner: BEMATRIX (UK)

Silver: VERSATILE VENUES

PRINT: DELIVERING EXCEPTIONAL SERVICES & PRODUCTS – Sponsored by beMatrix UK

Winner: PRIORITY GRAPHICS for Heineken

Silver: MOSS UK GROUP for Klaviyo

AV & PRODUCTION: DELIVERING EXCEPTIONAL SERVICES & PRODUCTS – Sponsored by Aluvision

Winner: INSERT PRODUCTIONS for Parker Paris Airshow

LOGISTICS: DELIVERING EXCEPTIONAL SERVICES & PRODUCTS – Sponsored by InEvexco

Winner: KUEHNE+NAGEL for DSEI 

FULL-SERVICE CONTRACTOR: DELIVERING EXCEPTIONAL SERVICES & PRODUCTS – Sponsored by Air Business

Winner: SHOWLITE – CIPD Festival of Work

Silver: TECNA for AI Summit London

BEST STAND BUILD UNDER 10 SQM: DELIVERING EXCEPTIONAL SERVICES & PRODUCTS – Sponsored by Black Pear Creative

Winner: ROCKET-X for Aimbridge EMEA

BEST STAND BUILD UNDER 30 SQM: DELIVERING EXCEPTIONAL SERVICES & PRODUCTS – Sponsored by PSP Exhibitions

Winner: IMAGINE EVENTS for Libernetix

Silver: SMART DISPLAY & EXHIBITIONS for SA Catapult

BEST STAND BUILD OVER 30 SQM: DELIVERING EXCEPTIONAL SERVICES & PRODUCTS – Sponsored by Priority Graphics

Winner: IMAGINE EVENTS for Grant UK for Grant UK

Silver: EVOLVE CREATIVE SOLUTIONS for Analog Devices

BEST MEMBER COLLABORATION – Sponsored by Abraxys

Winner: MOSS GROUP & SPIRO for Graphics for Good

BEST COLLABORATION WITH AN ORGANISER – Sponsored by InEvexco

Winner: ILS and WORLD TRAVEL MARKET 2025

Silver: ABRAXYS  and INFORMA

Silver: NASUWT and NIPPERBOUT

Silver: SOLUTIONS2 and SCREWFIX LIVE

Silver: WAYS & MEANS and RECFEST

Commenting on the awards, Andrew Harrison, CEO of ESSA, said: “As we celebrate the eighth ESSA Awards, I’m reminded that our industry’s strength lies in its people. These winners demonstrate the passion, creativity and commitment that make our sector extraordinary. There is exceptional work happening across our industry, work that is often unseen but critical to our collective success, and these achievements not only raise the bar but also inspire the wider community and will drive our sector into the future.”

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Events

GoGather Releases 2026 Corporate Events Trends Guide

by jummy84
written by jummy84

The corporate event planning company shares research-backed look at how events are changing

GoGather has released their 2026 Corporate Events Trends Guide ahead of the new year, featuring industry professional insights and research-backed findings. The 2026 guide features a core theme of strategic, intentional, experience-led events that actually justify the time and money people spend to attend. The free guide is available for anyone to view here.

Inside, you’ll find a deep dive into six main trend predictions, including:

  • Experience-first event design
  • Formats and content are getting sharper
  • Attendee behavior is redefining agendas
  • Technology, AI and the data that matters
  • Production that balances tech and emotion
  • Logistics, operations and planning strategy

“In my 20 plus years within the event planning industry, these last couple years have truly been the most transformative, especially in terms of technical advancements, the shift in attendee desires and overall logistical planning,” said Brian Kellerman, CEO & Partner at GoGather. “Our team pride ourselves in being proactive vs. reactive when it comes to these quick changes, and putting together these guides help us prepare for what’s to come. We hope that by sharing this guide we can help the industry grow and strengthen as a whole!”

The guide also highlighted key data points from recent research to help prepare event professionals for the rapidly evolving industry. Compared with 2025 figures, the research shows:

  • 6% of meeting professionals experienced a rise in meeting costs
  • 39% of meeting professionals used AI for content creation 
  • 66% of meeting professionals experienced flat or reduced budgets 
  • 83% of meeting had in-person components 

For over 15 years, GoGather has delivered high-quality corporate events worldwide that support creative concepts, organizational missions and event goals. From strategy development to execution, they handle every detail of a client’s event. Their team is made up of the industry’s most seasoned event experts located both nationally and internationally.

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Events

New Chair and Officers elected for All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events

by jummy84
written by jummy84

The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events (APPG) has confirmed Martin Rhodes, Labour MP for Glasgow North as its new Chair following its Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on Wednesday 3rd December at Portcullis House, Westminster.

As well as representing Glasgow North, Martin Rhodes MP serves on several committees within the House of Commons including the Environmental Audit Committee, Absent Voting (Elections in Scotland and Wales) Bill and Space Industry (Indemnities) Bill. His appointment will strengthen the Group’s work to ensure the continued recognition and support of the UK’s events sector across Parliament and Westminster.

In addition, both James Asser, Labour MP for West Ham and Beckton and Douglas McAllister, Labour MP for West Dunbartonshire were both nominated and elected as Officers of the group. They will join Jack Rankin, Conservative MP for Windsor, in driving the direction and decisions of the APPG for Events alongside the group’s Chair.

New Chair and Officers elected for All Party Parliamentary Group for Events James Asser MP (small)New Chair and Officers elected for All Party Parliamentary Group for Events James Asser MP (small)
James Asser MP
New Chair and Officers elected for All Party Parliamentary Group for Events Douglas McAllister MP (small)New Chair and Officers elected for All Party Parliamentary Group for Events Douglas McAllister MP (small)
Douglas McAllister
New Chair and Officers elected for All Party Parliamentary Group for Events Jack Rankin MP (small)New Chair and Officers elected for All Party Parliamentary Group for Events Jack Rankin MP (small)
Jack Rankin

A spokesperson for the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events said: “We are delighted to welcome Martin Rhodes MP as Chair and both James Asser MP and Douglas McAllister MP as Officers of the Group. All three bring a deep understanding of the importance of the events sector to the UK’s economy and communities, and their commitment will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen the industry’s voice in Parliament.

“We look forward to working with them to ensure that the events sector receives the recognition and support it deserves for its role in driving growth, encouraging innovation, and connecting people across the UK and beyond.”

Discussing his appointment, Martin Rhodes MP said: “I am honoured to have been elected Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events, and look forward to working with my fellow Officers, and my colleagues in Parliament, to continue to give a voice to our world leading events industry.

“Over the coming weeks, I will be working with the team from The Business of Events, to update our programme to ensure that going forward, we provide the level of engagement and support that this sector both needs and deserves.”

The EGM was chaired by Independent Chair Wera Hobhouse, Liberal Democrat MP for Bath. The election was triggered by the resignation of the previous Chair, Shaun Davies MP, following his appointment as Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to the Secretary of State for Defence. Under parliamentary rules, Government members cannot chair an APPG.

PR & Communications agency Davies Tanner, through its The Business of Events Think Tank and Advocacy Network, manages the APPG for Events and acts as a Special Advisor to the group.

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Events

UK events industry unites 10 major venues for largest ever ‘One Day at Christmas’ to combat loneliness

by jummy84
written by jummy84

The UK events and exhibitions industry is set to deliver its most ambitious collective social initiative yet, with One Day at Christmas expanding to 10 of the UK’s largest event venues on Friday, December 5th, 2025. The campaign brings the industry together to host a festive Christmas dinner and community celebration for more than 3,500 vulnerable and isolated people.

The 2025 event marks a significant milestone, welcoming two major new venues: P&J Live, Aberdeen, and Tobacco Dock, London, joining eight other iconic locations nationwide.

Further amplifying the campaign’s reach, much-loved broadcaster and host of Good Morning Britain, Richard Madeley, has officially lent his support, hosting the central event at Excel London. His involvement underscores the national importance of the initiative, which has already served over 10,000 meals since its inception in 2017.

Julian Agostini, founder of One Day at Christmas, stated: “This event is the ultimate showcase of the heart and capability of the UK events industry. When we say no one should feel alone at Christmas, we mean it. Expanding to 10 major venues, from Aberdeen to London, demonstrates the sheer cooperation and determination of the exhibitions sector to give back.”

One Day at Christmas is unique because it is entirely powered by the events and exhibitions community. Venues donate their space, caterers donate food, and hundreds of volunteers—staffed by the industry—donate their time. Donations are made from all corners of the industry to make this a very special day. This collective effort is aimed at tackling the UK’s loneliness epidemic, which affects millions of adults.

The full list of 10 confirmed host venues for 2025 includes:

  • NEW: P&J Live, Aberdeen
  • NEW: Tobacco Dock, London
  • Business Design Centre, London
  • Coventry Building Society Arena
  • ExCeL London (Hosted by Richard Madeley)
  • Farnborough International
  • Manchester Central
  • NEC Birmingham
  • SEC Glasgow
  • Royal Armouries, Leeds

The event is being supported by some of the major event and exhibition organisers in the UK, whose shows include Grand Designs Live, UK Construction Week, The Cake & Bake Show, The National Running Show, MCM Comic Con, amongst live performances, concerts, sporting events and much more.

“This is more than just a festive meal; it’s about providing connection, community, and dignity for those who need it most. We are ready to help the media show the nation what true Christmas spirit looks like,” added Agostini.

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