The MIA sees Andy Burnham’s appointment as UK Prime Minister as an opportunity for the events industry. Shonali Devereaux, Chief Executive of the MIA, emphasises that the business meetings and events sector must be part of conversations about economic growth from the beginning.

Economic Impact of the Sector

The industry contributes £33.6 billion to the UK economy annually and supports growth across all regions. Every meeting, conference and exhibition creates opportunities for investment, innovation and job creation, according to Devereaux. „Despite this, our sector is still too often overlooked when economic policy is being developed. That simply has to change under Andy Burnham’s ’10-year plan for change‘,“ she states.

Parliamentary Committee Recommendations

Just weeks ago, the Culture, Media and Sport Committee published a report on business events setting out clear recommendations for government. These include publishing a standalone national business events strategy, supported by a sector-led National Business Events Council, and reversing damaging cuts to VisitBritain’s business events team and funding. The Committee also recommended moving responsibility for the sector from DCMS to the Department for Business and Trade, as well as committing to clear, published targets for ministerial attendance at priority business events.

Employment Challenges

The MIA also highlights the industry’s role in tackling unemployment. The UK unemployment rate currently stands at 16.2 per cent – its highest level in over a decade. The events sector has long offered accessible entry points into employment. However, the latest MIA Insights report shows that nine in ten respondents say rising employment costs are making it harder to recruit and train the next generation of talent.

„We have the infrastructure, the demand and the drive to be a key partner in reducing UK unemployment, but what we need is government engagement to unlock this potential,“ says Devereaux. She emphasises that this represents a genuine opportunity for the sector’s voice to be heard.