ESSA

The Event Supplier and Services Association (ESSA) has announced details of its 2025 annual conference, themed ‘What’s Next?’

This year’s event, sponsored by beMatrix and Abraxys, will look firmly into the future, exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping the events industry, and how members can harness its potential to streamline operations, unlock efficiencies and drive smarter ways of working.

Designed to challenge conventional thinking, spotlight innovation and share practical insights, the conference will equip delegates to prepare for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

Taking place on 4 December 2025 at Warwick Conferences in Coventry, the speaker line-up includes an opening address from leading futurist William Higham. As founder of Next Big Thing, he specialises in research-driven predictions of consumer behaviour and emerging trends, equipping businesses with the insight and strategies they need to anticipate change and confidently prepare for What’s Next.

CEO of AI in Business and author of AI Strategy for Sales and Marketing, Katie King, a leading expert in the field of AI, will explore ways the technology can be applied responsibly across business functions – from sales and marketing to customer experience and competitive growth – whilst keeping ethics at the heart of innovation.

Closing the conference is Richard McCann, an exceptional communicator whose inspiring iCan philosophy has transformed the way thousands of people think and act. With a focus on embracing change, overcoming challenges and creating a positive mindset, Richard will leave delegates energised and ready to face the future. His message resonates perfectly with this year’s theme of What’s Next?, encouraging the audience to adapt with confidence, seize new opportunities and approach the road ahead with resilience and belief.

ESSA CEO, Andrew Harrison, said: “Our theme of ‘What’s Next?’ addresses both the challenges and opportunities our industry faces. As the pace of change is accelerating, our conference is designed to help members not only keep up, but get ahead. From artificial intelligence to new ways of working, this year’s programme will equip the events supply chain with the insights, tools and confidence they need to thrive in the future.”

The conference precedes the 2025 Annual ESSA Dinner and Awards, where winners across 16 categories will be celebrated for their outstanding contributions to the industry. Free to enter, every ESSA member is eligible to submit an entry. Full details and application forms can be found here.

The ESSA 2025 Conference, Dinner and Awards is open to all in the events industry. ESSA members who joined in 2025 receive two complimentary tickets, and all other full ESSA members receive one complimentary ticket to the conference, dinner & awards*. Tickets start from £175 +VAT for the conference and £115 +VAT for the awards. For further information and to register your attendance, click here**.

*Additional tickets required for additional attendees from the same ESSA member company.

**Separate registrations required for daytime conference and evening awards dinner event.