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Exclusively for hosted buyers, The Meetings Show has today revealed details of its thrilling masterclass programme and dedicated welcome reception, designed to enhance connection and learning for hosted buyers ahead of the main show. Taking place at Excel London from 24-25 June 2026, The Meetings Show continues to bring together the global meetings and events community, with hosted buyers once again at the heart of the experience. Make way for the mastersAhead of the show opening, hosted buyers are invited to enjoy a bespoke programme of masterclasses, sponsored by Venues of Excellence, Imago Venues and Preferred Hotels & Resorts, on 23rd June. Offering a more in-depth learning environment tailored specifically to hosted buyers, this year’s programme reflects the evolving needs of the global events industry and focuses on future-facing thinking and real-world application. Across the day, hosted buyers will explore the key forces shaping the sector from AI and automation to generational change, engagement design and the human experience of live events. Kicking off the masterclasses in style is SongDivision, global pioneers of music-based teambuilding. Setting the tone for the day ahead with energy and inspiration, their networking lunch will blend music, creativity and collaboration to break down barriers and spark meaningful connections. Back by popular demand, Dr Graham Norris, The Meetings Show Conference Futurist, will lead a live research workshop exploring what meetings and events could look like in 2036. Harnessing the power of collective imagination, this unique session will take a deep dive into the drivers of change influencing the next 10 years. The masterclasses will also feature interactive sessions such as ‘From gen X to gen AI: bridging teams across time, tech & TikTok’, where hosted buyers can discover how different generations collaborate and communicate within modern event teams. Hosted buyers will also be able to take part in a hands-on AI workshop focused on practical tools that can be implemented immediately to support planning and delivery. Other fascinating highlights include ‘Networking without the cringe’, examining more inclusive and effective approaches to event networking, and ‘The New Rules of Engagement’, which analyses pressure, behaviour and the realities of working within high-performance event environments. Finishing the day on a high note, SongDivision will return to perform a live, co-created ‘TMS Anthem’, bringing together key takeaways from across the programme in one original banger. A warm welcomeGiving hosted buyers the chance to connect in a more relaxed setting before the show opens, the UK’s largest hosted buyer programme also includes a dedicated welcome reception. Sponsored by Manchester Convention Bureau, part of Marketing Manchester, the reception will take place at the iconic Savage Garden rooftop bar with its spectacular views of the Tower of London. Bringing together hosted buyers, exhibitors and industry peers for an informal evening of networking, it will include live music, Manchester-themed cocktails, and real-time cooking stations. This is as well as the opportunity to ‘sip & paint’ a Manchester-themed mural in collaboration with Paintillio, and a chance to ‘collect & connect’ exclusively with supplier partners. Victoria Braddock, Managing Director at Marketing Manchester, said: “We’re delighted to sponsor the welcome reception and be part of such an important moment in the hosted buyer journey. It’s a fantastic opportunity to bring people together in a relaxed and welcoming environment and to showcase the kind of experiences destinations like Greater Manchester can offer.” Setting the standardThe Meetings Show’s Hosted Buyer Programme is designed to make every moment count. With early access to education, a strong focus on meaningful connections, exclusive networking events, and the opportunity to take part in pre-and post-show FAM trips, it continues to set the standard for hosted buyer programmes in the UK and beyond. Jack Marczewski, Portfolio Event Director, The Meetings Show, said: “We know how valuable time is for event professionals, which is why we’re always looking for ways to enhance the hosted buyer experience. Our dedicated masterclasses and welcome reception mean buyers can start making connections and gaining insights before the show has even begun - creating a more meaningful and rewarding experience from start to finish.” Following strong demand, this year’s hosted buyer programme has now reached capacity. To ensure anyone still wishing to apply has the opportunity to do so, and in recognition that cancellations may occur, a dedicated waitlist has been opened. Places will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and applications will remain open until June 18. Those interested in joining the waitlist can do so here. Anyone who joins the waitlist but does not secure a hosted buyer place will still be welcome to attend the show as a visitor buyer and make their own travel arrangements. A useful option for those seeking inspiration, market insight and valuable industry connections, visitor buyers can take advantage of the extensive education programme, network organically with exhibitors and peers, discover new destinations and suppliers, and tailor their onsite experience around their own priorities and interests. To find out more about the buyer and visitor registration options at The Meetings Show 2026, which will be co-located with Business Travel Show Europe and TravelTech Show

2 June 26, UK: Arena Racecourse Company (ARC) is looking to redefine how drinks are delivered across business events, with a renewed focus on premium low and no alcohol options designed to sit alongside traditional offers at every level.The move reflects a shift in delegate expectations. Low and no is no longer a secondary consideration or a niche request. It is now a core part of how audiences experience conferences, awards ceremonies and live events, and organisers are responding accordingly.ARC’s updated approach integrates low and no drinks across its drink packages, ensuring that every guest, regardless of preference, has access to a considered and high-quality experience. This includes alcohol-free sparkling wines such as (example) French Bloom, Thomson & Scott Noughty and Copenhagen Sparkling Tea, and Freixenet 0.0%, premium gins, including refined serves from Seedlip, Pentire and Gordon’s 0%, and alcohol-free wines from producers such as Oddbird, Torres Natureo and Leitz Eins Zwei Zero.The shift is less about adding options and more about rebalancing the experience. Where once low and no sat outside premium packages, it is now being designed in from the outset, across all price points.This is particularly relevant in a market where delegates are increasingly moderating their alcohol intake, but still expect the same level of quality, presentation and attention to detail. For organisers, the absence of strong low and no options is becoming more visible and more consequential.Julie Coates Walker, Group Head of Sales, at ARC, said: “Expectations have changed. Delegates want choice, but they also want consistency in quality. Our approach is to ensure that every guest feels equally considered, whether they are drinking alcohol or not. That means offering low and no options that stand alongside our premium packages, not separate from them.”ARC’s position reflects a wider shift across the events sector, where inclusivity is increasingly measured through experience design as much as accessibility. As low and no becomes embedded in audience behaviour, organisers are being challenged to respond with the same level of intent. For ARC, this means that low and no is no longer an add-on. It is part of delivering a modern event.

1 June 26, London, UK: To mark the appointment of James B. Clarke as the new General Manager of London Hilton on Park Lane, the hotel has unveiled a cinematic social film demonstrating its new vision for events, brought to life through music, performance, atmosphere, and glamour.Framed as a modern love letter to the hotel’s long-standing role at the centre of London’s awards and banqueting scene, the film draws on a distinctly swinging 60’s aesthetic. Shot in low light and rich in detail, it blends vintage glamour with contemporary energy: ball gowns, smoke-filled rooms, and spotlighted performances sit alongside a confident, modern edge.At its core is an original swing-inspired track, performed by a trio of vocalists whose presence carries the film across the full-scale of event capability available at the hotel. Clarinets, double bass, and live percussion build a layered sound, while the chorus “Elevated, iconic, yours already” anchors the narrative in the hotel’s identity.The setting is unmistakably Park Lane. A Bentley arrives. Doors open and the film moves through the different aspects of the hotel that bring events to life; ballrooms, corridors, behind-the-scenes moments, each frame reinforcing a sense of occasion that feels both timeless and current.The film extends this heritage into something more contemporary, showcasing a variety of musical genres, bringing a different rhythm and perspective, and reflecting how events at the hotel continue to evolve across formats and audiences.Commenting on the film, the newly appointed General Manager, James B. Clarke, said: “This hotel has always had a relationship with performance. There’s a history here of big nights, big moments, and a certain kind of glamour that people associate with Park Lane. It captures something real about how this place feels when it’s at its best.”The film reflects a broader shift in how London Hilton on Park Lane is presenting itself to the market. Rather than focusing on spaces alone, it captures how those spaces come alive, through people, personality, timing, and choreography that underpins delivery at scale.As a companion to the hotel’s recent repositioning, the film offers a more immediate expression of its direction: a venue that balances heritage with a clear sense of how modern events are created and experienced. For event organisers, it is less a showcase and morean opportunity to see how events at London Hilton on Park Lane are built, and how that sense of occasion is brought to life.

The Meetings Show will mark a milestone this year as the first meetings, incentives, and events industry trade show to offer a fully staffed on-site crèche for attending families. Delivered in partnership with event childcare specialist Nipperbout, the initiative forms part of The Meetings Show’s ongoing commitment to creating a more accessible and inclusive event experience, reflecting the evolving needs of today’s event professionals. The crèche will be available for delegates attending the event on 24-25 June 2026 at Excel London and will welcome children of all ages, from babies and toddlers through to teenagers, and will also include a dedicated breast feeding and nappy changing area. Staffed at all times by qualified Nipperbout childcare professionals, the Ofsted-accredited service will be located in the Gallery Rooms on the north side of the venue, just moments away from the main show floor, and is expected to accommodate between 10 and 15 children. The theme for this year’s crèche, ‘Epic Play Quest’, will see the space transformed into a live-action adventure inspired by children’s favourite games. Activities will include creative crafts, active play, themed ‘power-up’ zones, and imaginative challenges designed to encourage creativity and social interaction. Jack Marczewski, Portfolio Event Director, The Meetings Show, said: “Today’s event professionals are balancing busy careers alongside family life and other real-world responsibilities, and we wanted The Meetings Show to reflect that reality. Introducing an on-site crèche is about making it easier for people to attend, participate and get the most from the show without having to choose between professional opportunities and caring responsibilities. We know accessibility and inclusivity mean different things to different people, and this is one way we can better support our community and create an event experience that works for modern attendees.” Janthea Brigden, CEO and Director of Childcare, Nipperbout, said: “For over 34 years, we’ve supported organisers to create environments where families are considered an integral part of the attendee experience and not an afterthought. Providing childcare within live events requires specialist expertise to deliver safely and effectively in busy, fast-paced environments. We’re proud to be partnering with The Meetings Show on this initiative, which reflects a growing recognition across the industry that accessibility and inclusion need to be embedded into event design from the outset, and we look forward to talking to organisers about our services on stand F52.” Parents/carers looking to make the most of this service can pre-booked here quoting event code: TMS240626 by 10 June. Space permitting, the crèche will also be available for drop-ins on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note, the crèche will close daily for lunch between 1:15pm and 2:00pm. Now in its 14th year, The Meetings Show has established itself as a must-attend for event professionals across the UK and beyond. 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. There are various ways to register to attend The Meetings Show 2026, which will be co-located with Business Travel Show Europe and TravelTech Show.

26 May 2026, Newcastle, UK: Crowne Plaza Newcastle has unveiled a renewed vision for its meetings, events and hospitality offering, centred around faster decision making, empowered teams, local partnerships and more personalised delegate experiences, as organisers increasingly look for greater flexibility and creativity from venues.Located in Newcastle’s Stephenson Quarter, the hotel offers nine modern meeting spaces and 251 bedrooms, serving corporate meetings, conferences and social events across the region.The hotel says the shift reflects what today’s event organisers, businesses and guests are increasingly looking for from venues: greater flexibility, faster response times, more creativity, and experiences that feel connected to both people and place.For General Manager Paul Borg, the direction is rooted as much in Newcastle’s character as it is in changing industry expectations. “People want personality,” said Paul. “They want venues that feel responsive, collaborative and genuinely invested in what they’re trying to achieve. Whether it’s an organiser, a business traveller, or someone joining us for dinner, people remember how you make them feel.”The renewed approach is already shaping the way the hotel operates across departments. The hotel’s meetings and events team currently handles more than 1,000 enquiries annually, with an average response time of 48 minutes — significantly ahead of wider industry benchmarks.The hotel says the approach is designed to reduce friction for organisers, with quicker approvals, more collaborative planning and greater flexibility in shaping delegate experiences..Alongside faster response times, the hotel is placing greater emphasis on local sourcing and regional partnerships, from Northeast-based food and drink suppliers through to specialist event and production partners. The aim is to create experiences that feel more connected to the city and region, while giving organisers greater flexibility and access to local expertise.The approach also builds on the hotel’s people-first culture, with cross-trained teams encouraged to work collaboratively across departments, helping create a more agile and responsive environment for clients and guests alike.Paul added: “We speak to event organisers every day and the themes are consistent. They’re looking for creativity, confidence, quicker decisions, flexibility, and teams that are empowered to actually make things happen. That’s exactly the environment we’re building here.“For us, this is about getting back to the roots of great hospitality. Brilliant people, local character, quality experiences, and a genuine willingness to say yes.”Paul believes the combination of empowered teams and local identity is becoming increasingly important within the events sector. “Events have become more human. Organisers still expect operational excellence, but they also want warmth, ideas, energy and authenticity.“Newcastle has a huge amount to offer — creativity, hospitality, brilliant local suppliers and fantastic experiences — and we want working with the hotel to reflect that from start to finish.”The hotel says the renewed vision will continue to shape future investment in technology, team development, partnerships, wellbeing initiatives and guest experiences over the coming months.

Annual list recognises top-performing properties for group business excellence and best-in-class event planner collaboration Reading, 21 May 2026 — Holiday Inn Reading-South today announced it was named the #9 Top Meeting Venue in the UK by Cvent. The Top Meeting Venues list spotlights hotel brands, independent properties and unique venues that set themselves apart by delivering outstanding group experiences through thoughtful event planner collaboration, exceptional service, and tailored event offerings. Rankings are determined based on sourcing data from Venue Directory, a Cvent company, offering a unique view into event planner and third-party demand across the UK venue landscape.Situated just minutes from M4 Junction 11 and two miles from Reading town centre, Holiday Inn Reading-South offers flexible meeting and event facilities ideal for everything from board meetings to large conferences. The hotel features 11 conference suites of different capacities, including the Grenadier Suite for up to 180 delegates. The suites, which all feature natural daylight and air conditioning, regularly host dinner dances, team building sessions, charity fundraising events, and Christmas parties later in the year.Guests can also enjoy the contemporary Open Lobby serving Starbucks coffee and all-day dining, ideal for informal meetings. With modern AV technology, dedicated on-site support, 202 fully air-conditioned bedrooms, and 282 on-site car parking spaces, including coach parking, the hotel provides a seamless and comfortable experience for business and leisure guests.Gagan Kumar, General Manager of Holiday Inn Reading-South, commented: “Being recognised among the UK’s top meeting venues by Cvent is a fantastic achievement for the entire team. We are committed to delivering exceptional service and creating successful events for every client who chooses our hotel. This recognition reflects the hard work of our team and our ongoing investment in providing flexible, high-quality meeting facilities that meet the evolving needs of event planners and delegates.”"Being included in this year’s Top Meeting Venues list is a notable recognition that showcases a venue’s ability to engage with planners and provide exceptional service standards for MICE and corporate events," said Jason Gutteridge, Director of Sales and Operations, Venue Directory. "In today’s competitive environment, it is vital for meeting venues to attract high-margin MICE business by working closely with planners and prioritising responses to RFPs. The venues featured on our list have set high standards for collaboration and reliability. Congratulations to Holiday Inn Reading-South on achieving this remarkable recognition." View all 2026 Cvent Top Lists worldwide at cvent.com/toplists. MethodologyCvent evaluated hotel brands, independent properties and unique venues that generated business through Venue Directory between January 2025 and December 2025. Rankings were determined by a set of qualifying criteria including: total number of enquiries, confirmed bookings, booking value, conversion rate, and response rate. About the Cvent Supplier NetworkThe Cvent Supplier Network features more than 340,000 hotels, resorts and special event venues, serving as one of the world’s largest and most accurate databases of detailed venue information. Event planners sourced more than $20 billion of MICE business through Cvent’s sourcing networks in 2025 alone. The Cvent Supplier Network is part of Cvent’s suite of solutions that 17,000 hotels, venues, CVBs and destination management organisations rely on to reach more planners, attract MICE business to their properties and destinations, and directly engage with Cvent’s global network of nearly 160,000 event professionals. Cvent technology enables hotels and venues to efficiently manage their MICE and corporate travel business, increase revenue, and deliver more profitable results.About Venue DirectoryVenue Directory is a leading venue sourcing solution in the UK and Europe, delivering cutting-edge technology to the corporate events and MICE industry. As part of Cvent’s robust suite of global sourcing solutions, Venue Directory’s database of over 100,000 venues and 200 unique search criteria offers unparalleled access to a diverse range of hotels and special event venues for corporate and MICE events.About CventCvent is a leading meetings, events, and hospitality technology provider with 5,500+ employees and ~30,000 customers worldwide. Founded in 1999, the company delivers a comprehensive event marketing and management platform and offers a global marketplace where event professionals collaborate with venues to create engaging, impactful experiences. Cvent’s suite of products automate and simplify the event management lifecycle and maximise the impact of in-person, virtual, and hybrid events. Hotels and venues use Cvent’s supplier and venue solutions to win more group and corporate travel business through Cvent’s sourcing platforms. Cvent solutions optimise the event management value chain and have enabled clients around the world to manage millions of meetings and events.

We are absolutely delighted to announce that Seafood & Sounds has been named WINNER of the Poole Business Awards 2026 – receiving the prestigious Poole BID High Street Impact Award.Competing alongside many incredible organisations, we are so proud to have been recognised for the positive impact Seafood & Sounds brings to Poole’s town centre, community and local businesses.A huge thank you to everyone who nominated and supported us, and especially to the dedicated team, sponsors, venues, performers and volunteers who help make the festival such a success year after year.Seafood & Sounds was created to celebrate Poole’s amazing hospitality, music, culture and community spirit — and this award means so much to all of us.We are already preparing for an even bigger and more exciting event in 2026, with more live music, entertainment, food experiences and family fun across the town and The Quay.Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th September 2026 From 11am throughout Poole Town Centre & The QuaySpecial congratulations to the incredible core team: • Jeanette – Truly Scrumptious • Michelle – Poole Arms • Helen – Coastal Cruises • Severine – The St Tropez Lounge • Nikki – Custom HouseThank you again to everyone who believes in Seafood & Sounds.

18th May 26, Manchester, UK: CHS Manchester is inviting event professionals to contribute to the creation of an industry-specific AI tool, live at the event in September.The ambition comes as part of a partnership between CHS Manchester and Zoby, a specialist agency looking to support meaningful AI adoption by event professionals. Ed Dench, Founder of Zoby, will present a three-part series as part of the show’s educational programme. The sessions, designed to co-create a practical tool for event professionals, will see the creation of new software, built in real time, on the show floor, by the people who will actually use it.The programme will see three fast-paced, 20-minute sessions that move from insight, to interaction, to innovation. First, the audience helps surface the real challenges slowing them down day-to-day. Then, those insights are tested against wider industry research. Finally, a working AI-powered solution is revealed, shaped by the room, for the room, in a truly CHS way.Ed commented, “What excites me about this is how open it is. We’re not walking in with a finished product, we’re building it with the audience. The sessions are designed to bring event professionals into the process, to share what’s not working for them, and then start turning that into something useful, there and then.”Emma King, Founder and CEO, CHS Manchester, added: “We talk a lot as an industry about AI, but not always in a way that feels practical. This is different. This is us experimenting on behalf of our audience, creating something with them that has real, everyday value. And if we get it right, it won’t just live at the show, it will support the industry long after it closes.”That longer-term ambition will take shape through the launch of the “CHS Innovation Hub – Powered by Zoby”, a new platform designed to continue the conversation, capture industry challenges, and develop a growing library of practical AI tools for the events community.Set against the show’s signature festival feel, with multiple stages, a dynamic layout, and an expanding fringe programme delivered with partners across the city, the Zoby collaboration adds another compelling reason to be there in person.Registration for CHS Manchester is now live, and visitors are encouraged to secure their place early to be part of one of the most talked-about sessions of the show. Because this year, CHS Manchester isn’t just talking about the future of events. It’s building it, together with its audience

Martin Rhodes MP, Chair of The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events and Labour MP for Glasgow, will officially open The Meetings Show. Taking place at Excel London on 24-25 June 2026, the UK’s premier event for meetings, incentives, conferences and events professionals will bring together nearly 6,000 people for two days of fresh ideas and valuable connections. Martin Rhodes MP will cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of the show on the morning of 24 June. He will then tour the show floor meeting and engaging with buyers and exhibitors about the challenges and opportunities shaping the events sector today. “I am very much looking forward to attending The Meetings Show this year, and to officially opening the event as Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events,” said Martin Rhodes MP. “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.” The Meetings Show has a strong tradition of welcoming prominent figures from politics and the events industry to mark its official opening. Previous attendees include Nigel Huddleston MP, who served as Minister of Tourism at the time of his appearance and is now Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, and James Heappey, former Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events. Martin Rhodes joins this distinguished list as the show continues to grow in scale and influence. Now in its 14th year, The Meetings Show has established itself as a must-attend for event professionals across the UK and beyond. 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. Big-name brands including Meliá Hotels International, Marriott International, Cvent, Rwanda Convention Bureau and VisitBritain will be in attendance, alongside a host of new exhibitors including SAX Paris by LXR Hotels & Resorts, Aries Group, Hotel Ripa Roma, Kalimera Kriti Hotels and Resort Village, Uniworld Cruises, Royal Maritime Hotels, Dakota Hotels, 1Hotels and more, offering visitors access to both trusted names and fresh thinking. This year’s newly redesigned education programme spans 63 sessions across three stages, featuring a dynamic mix of panels, presentations, workshops and Q&As. Headline keynote speakers include Emma Henderson MBE - one of fewer than 500 female airline captains in the world until September 2020 and John Vincent MBE, co-founder and former CEO of LEON, who will deliver a candid session titled ‘From LEON to Live Events: Building Brands People Love’. The Meetings Show is home to the UK’s largest hosted buyer programme, offering pre-scheduled one-to-one appointments with more than 550 UK and international hotels, venues and destinations. Event professionals responsible for organising incentives, meetings, conferences and events across the UK and Europe are invited to apply. Hosted buyers confirmed so far include representatives from Deloitte, AbbVie, Principal Global Events, Bray Leino Events and First Event. Alternatively, buyers can choose to attend as visitor buyers, offering greater flexibility to explore the show at their own pace without the commitment of a pre-scheduled appointment diary. Visitor buyers can take advantage of the extensive education programme, network organically with exhibitors and peers, discover new destinations and suppliers, and tailor their time onsite around their own priorities and interests, making it an ideal option for those seeking inspiration, market insight and valuable industry connections. Jack Marczewski, portfolio event director of Northstar Travel Group, said: “We're delighted to have Martin Rhodes MP officially open The Meetings Show this year. It's a fantastic way to kick off what will be two incredible days for the events industry, and we look forward to welcoming him onto the show floor.” There are various ways to register to attend The Meetings Show 2026, which will be co-located with Business Travel Show Europe and TravelTech Show.

UK businesses are losing the equivalent of a full working month each year because decisions take too long, according to new research commissioned by The Meetings Show.Managers report losing an average 3.9 hours every week to delayed or unclear decisions, adding up to 202 hours or 25 working days of lost productivity annually.The findings come from the UK Productivity Gap Index, a new study building on Northstar Meetings Group/Cvent’s PULSE research and based on a survey of 1,000 UK business leaders. Conducted in partnership with The Business of Events, it reveals how everyday collaboration challenges are quietly slowing organisations down.Half (50%) of leaders reported projects frequently stall due to slow decisions. Nearly as many (47%) report meetings end without a clear outcome, while 43% noted teams regularly revisit decisions that should have already been settled.This points to a wider issue around alignment rather than effort. On average, leaders estimate that poor collaboration reduces productivity by 14%, with one in four reporting the impact is 20% or more.The research also challenges assumptions about the role of technology in improving efficiency. While AI is widely adopted, many leaders say it is introducing new complexity. More than a third (36%) report AI has already had a major or significant operational impact, with a further 30% experiencing moderate disruption.At the same time, 62% say AI is increasing the need for human discussion and alignment, rather than reducing it.Face-to-face interaction remains central to how organisations navigate that complexity. Almost two-thirds (65%) of leaders say complex or sensitive decisions are made more quickly in person, rising to 82% for important decisions.While hybrid continues to evolve, the picture is mixed. Half of leaders believe it is slowing early-career development, yet 59% say knowledge-sharing has improved since the pandemic. Together, the findings suggest organisations are still working out how to balance flexibility with effective collaboration.A spokesperson for The Business of Events said: “This research highlights a fundamental shift in how productivity challenges are emerging across UK organisations. It is no longer simply about how hard people work, but how effectively teams align, make decisions and move work forward.“As organisations adopt AI and more flexible ways of working, the need for clarity and shared understanding becomes more important, not less. Without that alignment, technology can accelerate activity, but not necessarily progress.“What this study shows is that collaboration, particularly when it brings people together to resolve complexity, plays a critical role in how businesses perform.”Jack Marczewski, Portfolio Event Director of The Meetings Show, said: “We wanted this research to reflect how work actually happens inside organisations today. It shows very clearly that productivity isn’t just about tools or effort. It’s about how well teams align, make decisions and move work forward.“As AI becomes more embedded in the workplace, the need for clear, confident decision-making becomes even more important. Bringing people together in the right environment is a big part of that.“We’re looking forward to exploring these findings in more depth at the show and working with the industry to help organisations tackle some of these challenges.”The research will be explored further in a fascinating session at The Meetings Show, the UK’s leading exhibition for the meetings and events industry, which returns to Excel London from 24-25 June 2026 and is co-located with Business Travel Show Europe and TravelTech Show.The UK Productivity Gap Index was completed by managers, business owners and C-suite executives in companies with more than 20 employees across fields including IT, finance, healthcare, manufacturing and retail. Conducted by 3Gem, the research explores how decision-making, collaboration and AI are shaping productivity outcomes in UK organisations.