Day one of The Meetings Show hailed a success

0
1407

The Meetings Show has experienced a successful first day with thousands of visitors attending for a record number of appointments, to listen to insightful educational sessions and network with fellow meeting and event planners.

The show opened its doors on Wednesday 26 June at Olympia London to welcome more than 900 hosted buyers and thousands of visitors to meet with the show’s 750+ exhibitors.

After an evening of networking over cocktails and hi-tech mini golf at Puttshack for the Hosted Buyer Welcome Reception on Tuesday evening, the show kicked off with NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau hosting a press conference to announce the exciting new development due to open in 2023 – Gateshead Quays.

Alongside meetings and multiple networking opportunities, visitors on day one of the show attended hours of educational sessions as part of the show’s education programme, based around the planner journey.

The show’s opening keynote was delivered by Colin Maclachlan, a former SAS soldier and star of Channel Four’s reality drama SAS: Who Dares Wins, who shared SAS leadership secrets with attendees, while a host of educational sessions followed on subjects such as sustainability, technology, engagement, mental health and gamification.

More education, appointments and networking are set to take place on Thursday 27 June as the show opens its doors for what is expected to be an equally busy second and final day.

Following an opening keynote from pioneering technology researcher Carl Miller on oppression and liberation in the digital age at 9.50am, visitors can attend talks on subjects such as networking, the rise of festivalization and immersive events.

Some highlights include panel discussion ‘Do Men Have a Future in Events?’ With Martin Ellis of Team Umbrella at 12.30pm and ‘Turning Events into Experiences’ with John Hanlon of Giant itab at 2.10pm.

Visitors can also find out about the latest trends and developments in meetings and events technology from some of the leading technology suppliers at the Technology Tour at 11.10am and 2.10pm.

David Chapple, group event director, The Meetings Show, said: “We’ve had an amazing first day of The Meetings Show with a real buzz experienced across show floor as visitors and hosted buyers meet and catch up with our exhibitors to do business, attend networking events and listen to education sessions. Our second day, with its packed programme and pre-scheduled appointments is set to be just as busy and we look forward to welcoming more visitors through our doors.”

Molly Hookings
Author: Molly Hookings

Molly joined the editorial team in March 2019. She has several years’ experience working in broadcast and journalism, as well as marketing and PR. Past experience includes working for the BBC and independent publishing houses. If you have a story you think Molly might be interested in, please email: molly@eventindustrynews.com