VisitBritain Business Events

Last week, our Head of Business Events, Paul Black, and Growth Programme and Education Manager, Laura Caprioli, joined industry colleagues at the EICC in Edinburgh for the ICCA UK & Ireland Annual Conference, which explored the evolving landscape of the international association meetings industry. Across the event, the team took part in insightful sessions covering #AI, association and PCO engagement, and a state-of-the-nations discussion on the challenges and successes across our industry. Laura also led a session which showcased how the VisitBritain Business Events Growth Programme is supporting events across Britain, delivering over £60.6 million in direct economic return (2018-2024) and strengthening Britain’s position in priority growth sectors. The session also explored the ever-growing importance of sustainability, international event attraction, and legacy planning, and how strategic investment can drive both regional development and global collaboration. A huge thank you to the speakers, organisers and all who contributed to a great few days! #ICCA #BusinessEvents #Britain #VisitBritain #Associations #EventProfs

We’re proud to have supported the successful bid for the Ocean Sciences Meeting 2026, through our VisitBritain Business Events Growth Programme. As the first time this global gathering will take place outside the United States, it marks a significant milestone for Scotland and the UK. The event will bring together leading researchers, innovators and marine scientists from around the world to share knowledge and shape the future of ocean science. Through the Business Events Growth Programme, VisitBritain is able to support major international events such as this, demonstrating our commitment to advancing scientific collaboration and promoting sustainable ocean stewardship. Learn more about the event in the article below, including insights from Head of VisitScotland Business Events, Neil Brownlee and our Head of Business Events, Paul Black. Association Meetings International | VisitBritain | #BusinessEvents #SustainableEvents #Associations #InternationalConferences #BEGP #BusinessEventsInBritain

Season’s greetings from all of us at VisitBritain Business Events. It’s been a busy and exciting year and we look forward to continuing the great work with our team and partners in 2026! #VisitBritain #BusinessEvents #Britain #EventProfs #2025

As IBTM continues, last night we were joined by VisitScotland Business Events, Meet In Wales and MeetEngland alongside 18 destination representatives at our Britain Association networking evening. We were delighted to be joined by international associations from key sectors such as business services, academia, sciences, healthcare, and architecture to discuss potential bids, evolving requirements, and developing new partnerships. The evening provided a valuable platform to highlight #Britain as a leading destination for business events - showcasing our strengths, our strategic capabilities, and the exceptional opportunities available across our nations. Thank you to all who attended and contributed to a fantastic evening. #VisitBritain #BusinessEvents #IBTM #Associations #EventProfs

Our Head of Business Events Paul Black was delighted to join 42 senior leaders from the global business events industry for the Forum for Advocacy in Barcelona, organised by The Business of Events and IBTM Events. The forum was full of global perspectives to advance industry advocacy, engagement with policy makers locally and nationally, and attracting future talent across the business events industry. It was a very insightful afternoon with valued colleagues from 23 countries before the start of #IBTMWorld. Next stop, the trade show floor – please come and see destination partners from across the nations! 📍Meet In Wales: G10 📍VisitScotland Business Events: G25 📍MeetEngland: G50 📍London Convention Bureau: G30 #businessevents #EventsinBritain

This week our Business Events Executive, Hollie Chichester, has been at the ICCA Annual Congress 2025 in Porto, Portugal. The ICCA Congress brings together global leaders and innovators from across the meetings and events industry. From insightful workshops to forward-thinking panel sessions on sustainability, leadership, AI, and technology, this week has showcased the ideas and collaborations driving the future of international events. It’s been a great week of connecting and learning – thanks to ICCA for organising such an immersive and insightful event! ICCA UK & Ireland | #ICCA2025 #ChartingTheCourse #BusinessEvents #MeetingsIndustry #PortoIsNowForever #EventProfs

Following an external evaluation, we are pleased to update results on the Business Events Growth Programme since 2018 which now includes results from the financial year 2023/2024. The Programme has two grant funding pillars. One supports cities when bidding for new association events, and the second supports organisers and destinations to scale confirmed business events. Some key findings from the evaluation include: 💡 April 2018 – March 2024: 91 international events supported across 18 cities in Britain, delivering £60.6 million in direct economic return 💡 £35 return for every £1 invested 💡 Economic impact nearly doubled post-pandemic, delivering £39.8 million (2022-2024) 💡 Expanded reach, with events supported in more cities across Britain post-pandemic 💡 81% of events aligned to growth sectors in the UK Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy 💡 Growth in sustainable policies and wider societal impacts reported, including intellectual, financial and social outputs The Programme has continued during 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 which will be evaluated once the events have taken place. To date, a further 64 events across 15 cities have been supported from April 2024 – November 2025. Further details can be found here: https://lnkd.in/eyYM5N5c A huge thank you to our external panel for your tireless support and insight with the Business Events Growth Programme - Joss Croft OBE - 杨博路, Jennifer Jenkins and Michael Hirst OBE. #BusinessEvents #VisitBritain #MeetInBritain #Tourism #EconomicGrowth #Sustainability #UKEvents

Scotland took centre stage at PCMA’s Convening EMEA 2025 in Rotterdam, with Neil Brownlee, Head of Business Events, VisitScotland and PCMA Chair, officially welcoming over 600 delegates at the opening ceremony. Our team was proudly represented by Rory Archibald and Marios Koutentakis, who joined global industry peers to explore the future of business events, sustainability and community impact. They’ve returned inspired and ready to share their key takeaways and insights from an incredible few days of learning, connection and collaboration. 👇 Read their full reflections on PCMA’s Convening EMEA 2025 in the comments below. #BusinessEvents #Scotland #EventProfs PCMA EMEA