10 APPG
CHASING THE EVENT CAMPAIGN TRAIL
The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events convened for its AGM in April with advocacy at the forefront in what will be an important election year . Martin Fullard reports
s the corridors of Westminster echo with the urgency of election year preparations , the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events ( APPG ) convened its Annual General Meeting on 16 April 2024 at Portcullis House , London . Led by the chair , Rt Hon Theresa Villiers MP , Member of Parliament for Chipping Barnet , the meeting delved into the role of the events sector in the context of an opportunity for growth , with a briefing given by representatives of the events industry Think Tank , The Business of Events .
Unconstrained by party politics , the APPG represents collaboration , focusing solely on advocating for the events sector ’ s interests across party lines , with members from across the political spectrum .
The APPG reiterated its commitment to championing the events industry . Despite the imminent electoral showdown , the Group reaffirmed its mission to continue to advocate for the sector ’ s growth , social impact , cultural enrichment , and job creation prospects .
Theresa Villiers
At the forefront of discussions was that it remains imperative for the UK to harness the resurgence in the global business events sector . Drawing insights from the 2023 Global Economic Significance of Business Events study , conducted by Oxford Economics for the Events Industry Council , the APPG discussed the industry ’ s substantial economic footprint , which has seen a strong global growth in recent years , with more expected to come .
According to the report , the global business events sector is currently valued at $ 1.6 trillion and is regarded as one of the most valuable parts of the visitor economy . The term ‘ business events ’ is being used more widely across government , and for the evasion of doubt includes corporate meetings and conferences , association and academic congresses , particularly within the medical sectors , incentive and reward programmes , and trade shows and exhibitions .
To add more context , according to research conducted by Custom Market Insights , the global business events sector is set to grow by an average of 12 % per year between 2024 and 2032 . Based on current numbers , this would mean an additional $ 18bn of business events spend every year for the next eight years globally . In the UK , this would equate to an additional $ 4.7bn of events spend , derived from both domestic and international business events .
Yet , despite commendable strides in 2022 and 2023 , the journey towards sustainable growth necessitates strategic interventions and that requires targeted support from the UK Government .
Central to the APPG ’ s plan of action is an approach aimed at supporting the industry ’ s foundations and advocating its global competitiveness . The Group ’ s plan of work includes advocating for updated Standard Industrial Classification ( SIC ) codes , working to help support for the expansion of available grants , and championing a tax credits and incentive scheme akin to the film and TV industry . www . conference-news . co . uk