Results of Annual General Meeting
The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events (APPG) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday 14th April 2026 at Portcullis House, Westminster, and re-elected Martin Rhodes, Labour MP for Glasgow North as its Chair His reappointment will ensure the work of the APPG continues to recognise and support the UK’s events sector across Parliament and Westminster.

In addition, James Asser, Labour MP for West Ham and Beckton, Douglas McAllister, Labour MP for West Dunbartonshire and Jack Rankin, Conservative MP for Windsor, were also re-elected as the groups Officers, and will support in driving the direction of the APPG alongside the group’s Chair.

Evidence session
We held a very successful first Evidence Session in Parliament on Monday 13th April, where the APPG heard from several representatives from across the events sector. We were able to learn about some of the challenges facing the sector and look at how the APPG can support opportunities for growth.

The session will help us shape some of our work as we further engage with Ministers and officials, and we are planning further sessions in the future.

Situation regarding VisitBritain Business Events
You are, we are sure, aware of the situation regarding VisitBritain Business Events. This is of course very concerning, with the current Head of Business Events, Paul Black, leaving due to redundancy, and the remaining team also being reduced significantly.

In addition, we understand that the highly successful Event Growth program, will also have its funding removed, which will affect event bids up and down the country.We have briefed the APPG on the impact of this decision, and they have written to the Minister requesting an urgent meeting.

We have also written to Dame Caroline Dinenage DBE MP, Chair of the CMS Select Committee, to request her support, given the committee report on business events which is about to be published.

Meeting with Minister
The Sporting Events Bill has been introduced to Parliament in the House of Lords, and Stephanie Peacock MP Minister for Sport , Tourism, Civil Society and Youth at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport has asked for the support of the APPG as they take this legislation forward.

While the Bill does not directly relate to the events sector, we do feel that there are some areas where it does positively impact the wider industry, and therefore we feel able to support the Bill.

The Minister has requested a meeting to discuss further, once the bill reaches the House of Commons, so will keep you updated on progress.

Scotland Roundtable
The APPG will be holding a Roundtable in Edinburgh on 29th May, bringing together a small group of senior event leaders who represent both the supply chain and those who are delivering business events across Scotland.

The purpose of the session is to share some insights into Scotland current position, challenges and opportunities, given that tourism and business events are a devolved matter for the Scottish Government.

Shaun Davies MP
Following his appointment as a Government Whip, Shaun Davies, former Chair of the APPG, has had to step down as a Parliamentary Member of the Group.

Shaun has been an enthusiastic supporter of the events sector, and we thank him for his work over the past year and wish him well in his new role within Government.

Accessibility Parliamentary Round Table
On Monday 1st June, the APPG will be holding a Parliamentary Roundtable discussion on accessibility in UK events, hosted by Chair Martin Rhodes MP and Dr Shani Dhanda, the leading disability campaigner.

This Roundtable follows the publication of the landmark ‘Access All Areas: Closing the Accessibility Gap in Events’ report, created by The Business of Events in partnership with ICC Wales. The findings are stark – one in three event delegates identifies as having a disability, yet 93% still face barriers when attending events.

This Roundtable provides a unique opportunity for key stakeholders to come together to review the evidence, share expertise, and agree a practical blueprint for accessible, inclusive events.

The Meetings Show
Martin will be attending The Meetings Show this year and will officially open the event on 24 June at Excel London, before touring the show floor to meet buyers and exhibitors.

Martin said: “I am very much looking forward to attending The Meetings Show this year. As one of the UK’s leading gatherings for the meetings and events industry, it brings together the people, ideas and connections that drive the sector forward. I’m looking forward to meeting some of those at the heart of this important industry, and to hearing first-hand about the opportunities to further grow our world leading event economy.”

Now in its 14th year, The Meetings Show has established itself as a must-attend for event professionals across the UK.

This year’s edition will see more than 550 exhibitors and over 80 international destinations represented under one roof, giving attendees unparalleled access to venues, hotels, destinations and services from across the globe.

The Business of Events : Policy Forum
Invitations for this year’s Policy Forum, held again at IET London: Savoy Place on Tuesday 07 July 2026, have now been issued.

The APPG will be delivering an overview of its work and contributing actively to the content of the programme, and Dame Caroline Dinenage DBE MP, Chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, will also be providing an update on the recent CMS inquiry into major events.

If you would like further information on the forum, do let us know, and you can also register for your complimentary places here.