The Ultimate Guide to Industry Events for Event Planners

Blog
Row of conference chairs
Save space in your calendars to become a delegate for the day! From January to December, we’ve rounded up the top conferences and exhibitions across the global events industry. The events that are invaluable for the latest event trends, inspiration, and suppliers. 

January

micebook expo | 27–28 January | Convene Sandcroft, St. Pauls, London

micebook EXPO is the industry platform’s flagship event, designed for event planners with the aim to offer meaningful connections, powerful content, and a thriving community. 

February

London Summer Events Show

The London Summer Event Show is a unique exhibition experience focused on seasonal event planning including exhibiting summer venues. The show, now in its 11th year, is organised by Story Events, running parallel with its sister event (the London Christmas Party Show). A highlight is their seminars, themed entertainment, and seasonal workshop programme which includes fun activities from cocktail masterclasses to terrarium making workshops.

AIME | 10–12th | Melbourne, Australia

Awarded Australian trade show of the year, The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event is the leading trade event for the industry in the Asia Pacific region. International and local event planners come together to connect with the best destinations, venues and event suppliers from around the world. 

The Event Production Show | 26th-27th February | ExCeL London

Dedicated to the live event industry, EPS is the longest-running event designed for all event professionals involved in running events across all types. The Event Production Show helps solve the issues that affect including sustainability, crowd management and safety, creativity and attendee experience, the supply chain, diversity and technology and every other challenge that promoters and organisers face everyday.

International Confex | 26th — 27th | ExCeL London

Standing as a beacon of creativity, connection, and innovation for the events industry, International Confex is more than just a meeting point. It’s a launching pad for ideas that define the next era of events. Whether you’re looking to engineer team-building masterpieces, infuse your events with creative flourishes, or explore the next big thing in event tech, you’ve come to the right place.

March

micebook’s International Women’s Day | 8th | London

Described as energising and inspiring, micebook’s International Women’s Day event annually brings together over 100 female event professionals on International Women’s Day for relevant thought provoking content, networking, and wellness workshops focused on shaping female leadership and progression.

April

The BNC Show | 16th | Central Hall Westminster

The Buyers Networking Club hosts it’s first annual networking event in April, with hundreds of event suppliers exhibiting, and an educational programme, event buyers can enjoy experiences, treats, and networking.

The Meetings Show Asia Pacific | 16–17th | Marina Bay Sands

The leading Meetings Show exhibition made its APAC debut in 2024 with MICE suppliers across continents convening to meet with hundreds of international and local Asia Pacific buyers across two days in Singapore.

Experiential Marketing Summit | 24–26th April | Las Vegas

A conference for brand experience creators, EMS is designed to answer the question of what’s happening and what’s next for corporate event marketers. Hear from brand-side event executives leading the ultimate three-day conversation, address your challenges, and find solutions to lead in the next era of experiential marketing.

Event Tech Live Las Vegas | April 30th — May 1st |The Expo at World Market Center

Event Tech Live is the top globally recognised event bringing event professionals, thought leaders, leading event tech companies and startups together twice a year in Las Vegas and London for an exhibition featuring the latest in event technology and innovation. The event provides the tools and opportunities you need to take advantage of technology to create the best events.

EVCOMference | April | London

A jam-packed conference hosted annually by industry body, EVCOM, where event and film production professionals come together to give and take best practice and solve problems together. The agenda is filled with inspiring panel discussions, content sessions, and keynotes by industry leaders across a diverse range of relevant and innovative topics. With an annual theme, the conference is underpinned across core areas such as technology, business solutions, and building a better industry. A day well spent to foster imagination and creativity.

May

IMEX Frankfurt | 20–22nd May
IMEX Frankfurt is where the global meetings, events and incentive travel industry comes together annually for the largest trade show of its kind in Europe. With 3,800-plus global meeting planner and 2,900 suppliers from across the world, the show is a key to the global events community. 

As well as being able to walk through the world in a day, guests can learn the latest industry developments and trends with an education programme which includes 150 seminars, workshops, and forums. Meeting professionals can attend independently or apply to join the hosted buyer program with free and flexible flights, free accommodations and VIP treatment.

June

The Meetings Show | 19–20th | ExCeL London

At the ExCeL London, this two day exhibition hosts hundreds of global event suppliers (over 650 hotels, destinations, venues, and technology suppliers), as well as an education programme to packed full of informative, innovative, and inspiring talks and learning.

July

London Christmas Party Show | 16 ‑17th | London

The London Christmas Party Show is a unique exhibition experience focused on seasonal event planning and Christmas party planning. The show is organised by Story Events, running parallel with its sister event (the London Summer Events Show). A highlight is their seminars, themed entertainment, and seasonal workshop programme which including bauble, cocktail, and wreath making workshops.

Conference for Catering and Events | 21–23rd | Denver

The National Association for Catering and Events (NACE) brings the NACE Experience to Denver to immerse guests in education designed to enhance skills, and advance careers. Expect the latest trends in the industry, networking, and opening doors to new products and services.

CN Sustainability Summit | 24th July | Chicago Booth London

Launched in 2022, the CN Sustainability Summit is an ideal opportunity to examine what the events sector is doing well and identify areas for improvement. This event provides a platform to evaluate the industry’s sustainable impact, discuss best practices and generate ideas on how to address the key issues hindering efforts to create a sustainable future for events.

Venue Connect | 28–31st | Oregon

Ran by the International Association of Venue Managers, the annual conference and trade show celebrated its 99th edition in 2024. Expect everything from cutting edge education sessions, Trade Show exhibit hall, venue tours, Foundation TopGolf, DILC Celebration for a Cause reception, to the Closing Night Party.


August

CEMA Summit | 4–6th | Seattle

Brought to you by the Corporate Event Marketing Association, the summit brings together leaders and innovators in event marketing with thought provoking keynotes, panel discussions, and hands-on workshops led by experts at the forefront of the industry. 

Connect Marketplace | 27–29 August, 2024 | Baird Center, Milwaukee 

Brought to you by Informa Connect, Connect Marketplace is an opportunity to join thousands of passionate event experts from around the globe for networking, one-on-one business meetings, innovative education sessions, and a dynamic trade show overflowing with the latest event solutions.

September

M&C Asia connections | 3–4th | Sands Resort, Macao

Brought to Asia by the Northstar Meetings Group, M&C Asia Connections is the trade show that unites Asia’s top event suppliers and corporate buyers in the meetings, conference, and exhibitions industry to facilitate strategic connections. Leveraging Northstar’s global MICE database, connect with qualified MICE suppliers through scheduled appointments, enjoy experiential activities, learn from guest speakers through targeted education sessions, and have the chance to be fully hosted including airfare and planned activities.

Convening EMEA | 30th September — 1st October | Barcelona

Convening EMEA is PCMA EMEA’s annual flagship event bringing together the global business events industry for an immersive 3‑day programme in Europe. The event attracts 500+ business event leaders from over 40 countries to challenge each other and develop ways to move forward together. 

October

IMEX Las Vegas | 8–10th | Mandalay Bay

IMEX America is the largest trade show for the global meetings, events and incentive travel industry. The event brings suppliers and buyers from every sector of the meetings industry (over 15,00 attendees in total) together at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas. The four-day program offers specialist education, networking and much more, on and off the trade show floor.

The Event Planner Expo | 15–17th | New York

A three-day immersive conference experience bringing together event and marketing professionals from around the globe. From the trade show floor, where over 150 exhibitors showcase the latest venues and services, to the inspiring Speaker Series, guests are surrounded by opportunities for growth, strategic partnerships, and networking.

BNC Show | 15th | Mansion House, London

Hosted by the Buyer’s Networking Club, formed to celebrate event managers with a series of events, membership, and support packages, the BNC Show runs in both summer and winter. While promoting the club’s belief that people need to talk and share with each other to learn, the show also promises to be an enjoyable day with fun experiences, treats, networking, and learning. 

Event Organisers Summit | 16–17th | Heathrow, London
A focused event that brings together meetings and event professionals and key industry suppliers, the summit consists of one-to-one business meetings and interactive seminars within a pre-arranged itinerary.

The Sustainable Events Show | 31st | Chicago Booth, London

The Sustainable Events Show is the first show of its kind. A carbon neutral, one-day event that creates a platform to connect with likeminded event professionals, and over 80 environmentally friendly venues and suppliers, as well as addressing the challenge of practicing event sustainability.


November

Global Incentive Summit | 4th-7th | Ireland

The global hosted buyer event by Northstar Travel Group is for the incentive travel industry, bringing together the incentive travel buyers with top hotels/​resorts, cruise lines, DMCs, DMOs and tourism offices from around the world. Expect one-to-one scheduled appointments, guest speakers, and networking.

Cvent CONNECT Europe | 5–7th | London

Cvent CONNECT Europe is an annual user conference and industry event for production pros, experience makers, and hospitality experts. Join this event in person or virtually to experience cutting-edge event technology innovation and leave with new ideas, best practices, new business relationships and creative strategies that will maximise your total event programme.

Event Tech Live | 20–21st | ExCeL London

Event Tech Live is the No. 1 globally recognised event bringing event professionals, thought leaders, leading event technology companies and startups together twice a year in Las Vegas and London. Event Tech Live features a hosted buyer programme and an exhibition featuring the latest in event technology, software, and innovations from around the world, providing the tools to take advantage of technology for events.

Event Sustainability Live | 20–21st | ExCeL London

Event Sustainability Live London is a two-day Exhibition and Conference bringing together event professionals, thought-leaders and sustainability experts. Delegates can explore the latest trends, innovations and products from companies and venues providing eco-conscious solutions helping to create sustainable events, and meet with fellow professionals who are passionate about event sustainability.

IBTM World | 19th-21st November | Barcelona

IBTM World is a leading global event for the meetings, incentives, conferences and events industry, taking place annually in Barcelona. The event brings together the global meetings industry, with everyone having one common purpose – to meet the right people that can create better business results for their organisation. With 3,000+ destinations and suppliers, and 15,000+ industry professionals from over 100 countries across the world, you can expect to build connections and engage in networking opportunities over the three days.

December

C&IT Incentives Retreat | 11–12th | Chewton Glen

C&IT Incentive Retreat is an intimate business event designed to facilitate new business connections by uniquely matching luxury incentive event managers with expert suppliers in a series of one to one meetings alongside quality content across two days.