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16th June 26, London, UK: London Hilton on Park Lane is entering a new era, shaped by the new appointment of General Manager James B. Clarke and the continued evolution of its conference and banqueting offer following a major refurbishment completed in recent years. As part of a new vision, the hotel is looking to reintroduce ‘glamour’ into events through the combination of people power, new facilities, and a new ambition for events that come to the hotel. “An iconic address has always carried a certain expectation,” says James. “What is evolving now is how that promise is brought to life: through a more deliberate focus on people, spaces, and delivery, while drawing on the glamour of our heritage and location.”The transformation of the ballroom and surrounding spaces has already redefined what the hotel can deliver, with a focus on greater flexibility, improved flow, and the practical demands of modern production. Rather than fixed formats, the spaces now act as adaptable frameworks, designed to support everything from large-scale awards ceremonies to more intimate, design-led experiences. London Hilton on Park Lane is already known for creating the nights London talks about, but the shift has been in how those moments take shape. Events begin earlier, with a closer focus on the brief and the unspoken ambition behind it. Menu development is led through chef tastings that tune into both audience and intent, while spaces are treated as frameworks rather than fixed formats. The process is increasingly collaborative, with a team focused on finding the ‘yes’ where it matters most. James brings with him experience across leading UK properties, including the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, Hilton London Bankside, and JW Marriott Grosvenor House London, amongst others. He has built his reputation on aligning operational precision with a strong, engaged team culture. He is also a career hotelier and a massive contributor to industry progression, currently Chairman of The Master Innholders, and a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality. James is also Vice Chair of Back to the Floor 2026, an event held to fundraise for Hospitality Action, which raised £400,000 this year. Since joining London Hilton Park Lane, his focus has been on people and culture — creating an environment where teams feel inspired to deliver exceptional experiences. Passionate about hospitality and the connections events create, he believes the best results come from engaged teams, strong relationships and making every client feel genuinely looked after. That approach is most visible at scale. The precision required to deliver large-format dining, where hundreds of plates land together seamlessly, sits alongside the ability to create more intimate experiences that feel considered and elevated. It is this balance between ambition and delivery that defines the hotel’s proposition today. “We’re built for big moments,” James added. “But the real focus is consistency. Whether it’s a thousand guests or a smaller, more detailed experience, the expectation is the same. One team, one rhythm, and a level of delivery that makes it effortless for the client and unforgettable for their audience.” For event organisers, the result is a venue that combines scale with flexibility, and heritage with a more contemporary, responsive way of working. The address still brings the promise, but it is the people who bring it alive.

15th June 2026, UK: Meet In Wales is turning its focus to the food and culinary sector, targeting corporate businesses and international associations with a shared passion for gastronomy, sustainability and food innovation, and inviting them to bring their meetings and events to Wales. This approach forms part of a wider strategy to align business events with the country’s priority sectors which are influenced by the Research Excellence Framework (REF) - showcasing not only what Wales does well, but what it stands for.The Welsh food and drink sector is a £17.3 billion industry focused on high-quality produce, sustainability, and traditional ingredients. Key staples include world-renowned Welsh lamb and beef, Caerphilly cheese, laverbread, and Bara brith. The industry is rapidly growing in craft spirits, Welsh wine, and eco-friendly products too. It also has experiences to match its diverse offering including:food tours in Wales such as Loving Welsh Food, foraging in Wales on the Wales coast path, visits to Gin and Whisky Distilleries such as Penderyn and Hensol Castle as well as numerous vineyards.Wales’ food story is rooted in authenticity. Its size and strong sense of community make it uniquely positioned to demonstrate true “field to fork” processes, where supply chains are short, relationships are close, and provenance is transparent. Wales is the proud home of nine Michelin-starred restaurants, including the country's only two-starred destination, alongside several Bib Gourmand and Michelin Green Star award winners.This renewed focus comes at a pivotal moment, as Wales hosted the prestigious Worldchefs Congress last month - the first time the event has ever been held in the UK in its 98-year history. Its arrival marked a significant milestone for the nation, firmly placing Wales on the global culinary map and providing a powerful platform to showcase its produce, people and provenance to an international audience. The event’s theme, ‘Pasture, Passion, Plate,’ celebrated the journey of food from its origins to the final dish and highlights how food connects us all—from farm to fork, across borders and cultures. Having taken place at the ICC in Newport, the event worked in partnership with the venue and drew on its sustainability mission to be a green, environmentally friendly venue that continually reduces it carbon footprint, water consumption, and waste production and has a positive impact on the community and environment.Beyond the immediate global spotlight, the Worldchefs Congress represents a significant legacy opportunity for Wales. The event, which has been led by Meet In Wales Ambassador Arwyn Watkins,not only celebrated world-class produce and culinary talent, but also helped inspire the next generation of chefs, growers and food innovators. By strengthening skills, supporting training pathways and elevating hospitality as a valued career, Wales aims to ensure long-term benefits for its culinary industry.Meet In Wales is working closely with sector ambassadors, chefs, producers and educators to position the destination as a hub for culinary-led events. By connecting organisers with local expertise and communities, the team can offer immersive, meaningful experiences that go beyond traditional event formats. Heledd Williams, Head of Business Events at Meet In Wales, commented: “Wales has an incredibly rich food heritage, but we are equally proud of the innovation and sustainability shaping its future. Hosting the Worldchefs Congress is a defining moment for us—it allowed us to share our story with the world while creating lasting opportunities for our people and our industry. Our size, our communities and our passion for food mean we can offer something truly distinctive to event organisers. Hospitality businesses are the backbone of everyone’s experiences and undoubtedly food and drink play a large part in enhancing those experiences.”In recent years, Wales has evolved its business events strategy to focus on sectors where it can offer genuine expertise and impact - from renewables and technology to food and drink. By aligning events with these strengths, Meet In Wales aims to attract gatherings that not only benefit from the destination, but also contribute to its growth and legacy.With a thriving food and drink sector, strong academic links, and a deep cultural connection to land and produce, Wales is well positioned to lead conversations around sustainability, provenance and the future of food on a global stage.

With a little over one week to go until The Meetings Show 2026 opens its doors, anticipation is building for what promises to be one of the UK's leading gatherings for meetings, incentives and events professionals. Taking place at Excel London on 24-25 June, the show will bring together almost 6,000 industry professionals, more than 550 exhibitors, and representatives from over 80 destinations worldwide for two days of business, education, networking and inspiration. Now in its 14th year, Martin Rhodes MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events, will officially open The Meetings Show before touring the exhibition floor and meeting buyers and exhibitors from across the sector.An education programme with its eye on the futureThis year's education programme has been designed to help event professionals stay ahead of the latest trends and opportunities shaping the industry, bringing together a stellar line-up of speakers offering practical insight, future-focused ideas and tools that can be applied immediately. Spanning 63 sessions across three stages, and featuring a dynamic mix of panels, presentations, workshops and Q&As, headline speakers include Emma Henderson MBE, one of fewer than 500 female airline captains worldwide until September 2020, who will draw on more than three decades of experience to share lessons from the flight deck to the board room. Also headlining is John Vincent MBE, co-founder and former CEO of LEON, who will share practical insights on building purpose-driven brands, leading with resilience and creating experiences people feel genuinely connected to. Other highlights include Anna Abdelnoor's ‘The sustainability excuses killing progress (and a blueprint on how to shut them down fast)’, which will examine the barriers preventing meaningful sustainability progress in events, and ‘Creating neuroinclusive networking: designing events where everyone can connect’, exploring how networking experiences can be redesigned to work better for neurodivergent attendees. Red Bull Technology Campus’ David Osgathorp will share practical approaches to leadership and performance in ‘Lead like an elite athlete’, while The Meetings Show Conference Futurist, Dr. Graham Norris, will use the power of collaborative imagination to reveal what industry leaders think events will look like in 2036. The programme will also feature a candid session curated by this year’s Tomorrow’s Talent winners challenging some of the industry's biggest assumptions. Expect strong opinions, fresh perspectives and honest debate as the next generation of event professionals share their views on what needs to change in a session sponsored by Legends Global. Also returning for 2026 is the ever-popular The Reckoning, a no-holds-barred debate that will see industry leaders Paul Harvey (Editor, M&IT), James Lancaster (Editorial Director, AMI) and Paula Rowntree (Founder, The Business Events Network) discuss the impact of AI on how event professionals work, create and connect.Global destinations, venues and suppliers under one roofThe Meetings Show continues to provide event buyers with the opportunity to meet a wide range of destinations, venues, hotels and suppliers all in one place. Big-name brands including Minor Hotels, Destination Toronto, Radisson Hotel Group, Cubex Centre Prague, Oman Convention Bureau, and Visit Costa Rica will be in attendance. These will be alongside a host of new exhibitors such as BESydney, Rainbow Tourism Group, Ras Al Khaimah, Wynn Al Marjan Island, Macdonald Hotels & Resorts, Cameron House on Loch Lomond, The Met Hotel, National Parks of Georgia, and Somerset County Cricket Club - giving visitors access to both trusted names and fresh ideas.Accessibility and inclusivity at the showAs part of its commitment to creating a more accessible and inclusive experience for attendees, this year, The Meetings Show will become the first meetings and events industry trade show to offer a fully staffed on-site crèche for attending families, meaning attendees can get the most out of the show without having to choose between professional opportunities and caring responsibilities. Delivered in partnership with event childcare specialist Nipperbout, the facility will also include a dedicated breastfeeding and nappy changing area. Attendees will also have access to a range of wellbeing initiatives, including The Calm Hub, a Sensory Calm and Quiet Room, and EventWell Buddies (dedicated individuals who provide personalised support and assistance for navigating the show floor), as well as AI-powered live captioning across the show's education stages to support greater access to content.Networking and hosted buyer benefitsExclusively for hosted buyers, The Meetings Show will offer a bespoke programme of masterclasses and a dedicated welcome reception designed to enhance connection, learning and early engagement. Taking place ahead of the main show on 23 June, the masterclasses will explore future-facing themes including AI and automation, generational change, engagement design and the human experience of live events, with sessions delivered by industry leaders including Gerrie Hawes from Remotely Human and Luke Goetting from LTG Strategy. Designed to bring buyers, exhibitors and industry peers together for an informal evening of networking ahead of the show opening, hosted buyers will also be invited to an exclusive welcome reception at Savage Garden rooftop bar. Sponsored by Manchester Convention Bureau, part of Marketing Manchester, it will feature live music, Manchester-themed cocktails, and interactive experiences including real-time cooking stations and a ‘sip & paint’ Manchester-themed mural in collaboration with Paintillio. Alongside opportunities to meet exhibitors and peers from across the global events community, attendees will be able to take advantage of a range of exciting networking opportunities throughout the show. A full schedule of networking events, including a 7am running tour with Go! The Meetings Show app – attendees’ personal event companion A go-to tool for planning, navigating and getting the very best out of the show, The Meetings Show app will launch later this week. Designed to help attendees keep everything in one place so they can focus on what really matters – meeting the right people, discovering new ideas and making meaningful connections Jack Marczewski, Portfolio Event Director, The Meetings Show, said: "We can’t wait to welcome the industry back to Excel London this June. The Meetings Show is where the global events community comes together to connect, learn and do business and 2026 is set to be one of the most feature-rich editions yet, with an extensive exhibitor line-up, a packed and forward-thinking education programme and a range of new and returning highlights for attendees.” There are various ways to register to attend The Meetings Show, which will be co-located with Business Travel Show Europe and TravelTech Show.

10th June 2026, UK: Lime Venue Portfolio (LVP) is celebrating a series of sustainability achievements across its member venues, following the latest ECOsmart assessments from sustainability specialists Greengage.The results highlight the growing commitment to independently verified sustainability standards across the portfolio, with venues achieving Platinum, Gold and Silver certifications through the ECOsmart programme. Among the highest achievers were The Kia Oval and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, both awarded Platinum status, recognising exceptional performance across environmental, social and governance criteria.Further success was achieved by the QEII Centre, Allianz Stadium Twickenham, Milton Hill House, Sedgebrook Hall and Eastwood Hall, all of which secured Gold certification, while a significant number of venues across the portfolio achieved Silver status, demonstrating a collective commitment to continuous improvement and measurable sustainability progress.The achievements build on Lime Venue Portfolio's partnership with Greengage, announced earlier this year, which was designed to support venues in benchmarking performance, identifying opportunities for improvement and providing event organisers with greater transparency around sustainability credentials.For planners, the certifications provide confidence that venue sustainability claims are supported by independent assessment and evidence, helping them make informed decisions as sustainability continues to play an increasingly important role in venue selection.Jo Austin, Sales Director at Lime Venue Portfolio, commented, "These certifications are a fantastic reflection of the work taking place across our portfolio. Sustainability has long been an important focus for our venues, and we're incredibly proud to see venues across the portfolio recognised at Platinum, Gold and Silver level. Together with Greengage, we're helping venues benchmark their progress, share best practice and provide event organisers with greater confidence and transparency."Mark Bevan, Chief Commercial Officer at Greengage Solutions, added, "The venues within Lime Venue Portfolio have demonstrated a genuine commitment to sustainability through action, measurement and continuous improvement. Independent certification is becoming increasingly important for organisations across hospitality and events. The recognition reinforces Lime Venue Portfolio's ongoing commitment to supporting venues on their sustainability journey, while providing event organisers with trusted, independently verified information as they seek to deliver more sustainable events.”

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.