UK Conferencing and Events Market Report 2023

Stay ahead of the curve and future-proof your business with Mintel’s UK Conferencing and Events Market Report 2023. Our full report is packed with consumer-led market intelligence, the latest UK events industry trends and consumer behaviours affecting your business. Get a 360° view of the events industry, including market size, share and forecasted growth to help you align your business strategy with the needs of your audience.

Below, we’ve handpicked the key insights analysed in the full report and summarised the core topics.

Topics Analysed in this Report

• How the UK events industry has performed in the unprecedented disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic and now supply chain disruption and high inflation.
• Key market drivers and challenges in the events industry UK.
• Analysis of the business, leisure and mixed events segments.
• The projected performance of the conferencing and UK events industry from 2023-27

Events Industry UK Outlook

Demand for conferences and events remains strong, reflecting the high value placed on in-person experiences. However, the UK events industry continues to battle a number of challenges, including staffing shortages, high costs, short lead times and the rising cost of living. Operators need to demonstrate flexibility in planning and focus on creating value for clients.

• UK events industry market size: The value of the ‘business events” sector rose from £.7.3 billion in 2021 to an estimated £26.6 billion in 2022.

UK Events Industry Statistics, Trends and Opportunities

Hybrid events are here to stay

Following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions the UK events industry has witnessed a rapid adoption of hybrid events. Hybrid events are expected to remain popular due to a number of reasons, including tighter travel budgets, sustainability concerns, wider audience reach, and the ability to engage with a global audience in a way that suits them. However, a strong hybrid event requires a considerable amount of tech and event management, which can be costly and needs careful consideration.

• UK events industry opportunity: 33% of meetings in Europe are expected to be hybrid in 2023.

UK events industry continues to battle skills shortages

The pandemic’s uncertainty led many event professionals to explore alternative careers, some temporarily but many permanently, damaging the industry’s emergence. Staff shortages have also been exacerbated by the UK’s EU exit. The conferencing and events industry is addressing the staffing challenges in a number of ways, including investing in technology and forming partnerships with educational institutions in a bid to nurture a new generation of professionals though apprenticeships.

• UK events industry statistics: 76% of organisations revealed that they currently have staff vacancies.

To learn more about the UK events industry, including a five-year forecast, analysis of consumer behaviour, and recommendations for market opportunities, purchase our full UK Conferencing and Events Market Report.

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Expert Insights from a B2B Analyst

This report, written by Claudia Preedy, a leading B2B analyst, delivers in-depth commentary and analysis to highlight trends in the events industry UK and add expert context to the numbers.

While there is increased demand for face-to-face events and conferences, the sector continues to grapple with a number of challenges. High costs, short lead times and staffing challenges remain high on the agenda.  Client expectations are also growing, with audience expectations becoming far more experience-led. A focus on efficiency, collaboration, flexibility and having the ability to pivot across different mediums is going to be vital to navigate the more challenging market conditions.”

Claudia Preedy
Principal Analyst