European Business Events Sector Records Major Developments in May
The European business events industry witnessed significant activity in May, with major investments in venue infrastructure, destination development, logistics expansion, and event innovation across several countries. From London’s continued dominance as Europe’s leading meetings destination to Portugal’s growing event logistics network, the sector continues to evolve with a focus on growth, accessibility, and improved event experiences.
New venue openings, strategic partnerships, and infrastructure upgrades are reinforcing Europe’s position as one of the world’s leading destinations for conferences, exhibitions, and business events.
BMA House Introduces Wellness Services for Event Delegates
London-based BMA House has expanded its event offering by partnering with Be In Your Element to provide wellbeing-focused experiences for clients hosting live, hybrid, and virtual events.
The partnership allows event organisers to include wellness activities such as breathwork sessions, movement classes, creative workshops, wellness lounges, and even puppy yoga as part of their conference programmes.
With more than 150 wellbeing experiences available, the initiative is designed to improve delegate engagement, energy levels, concentration, and overall event satisfaction. BMA House will offer these services as optional additions, including for clients booking day delegate packages.
Olympia Redevelopment Reaches Major Milestone
One of London’s most ambitious redevelopment projects continues to make progress as Olympia prepares to unveil several new facilities as part of its £1.3 billion transformation.
Among the latest additions are the British Airways ARC, a live entertainment venue with a capacity of approximately 3,800 people, and the new Hyatt Regency London Olympia hotel. Visitors will also have access to a new collection of restaurants, bars, and public spaces located beneath Olympia’s rooftop Canopy.
The large-scale redevelopment aims to transform Olympia into a fully integrated destination combining events, hospitality, entertainment, business facilities, and cultural experiences. Additional features, including Olympia Way enhancements and a major digital art screen, are expected to be completed later this year.
Carly Gibbs Appointed General Manager of Olympia’s New ICC
Olympia Events has announced the appointment of Carly Gibbs as General Manager of its new International Convention Centre (ICC) in London.
Having joined the organisation in June 2025 as Head of Customer Experience, Gibbs brings extensive leadership experience from previous roles with Chiswick Park Estate Management, Mitie, Comic Relief, and Cancer Research UK.
In her new position, she will oversee operational planning, venue launch activities, and customer experience strategy for the new ICC, which forms an important part of Olympia’s long-term redevelopment programme extending through 2027.
London Retains Position as Europe’s Leading Meetings Destination
London has once again secured its position as Europe’s top meetings destination, marking the fourth consecutive year it has held the ranking according to Cvent.
The London Convention Bureau expects the city to welcome nearly 80,000 delegates in 2026, supported by a strong calendar of international conferences and association meetings.
Major upcoming events include the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) and the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), both scheduled to take place at Excel London.
London has also secured future international events including the 2027 World Scout Conference and the International Association of Ports and Harbours Conference, further strengthening its global reputation as a leading business events destination.
Ongoing investments such as Olympia’s regeneration project, Excel London’s expansion, and multiple new hotel developments are expected to further boost the city’s meetings and hospitality sector through 2026.
Europalco Expands Logistics Network Across Portugal
Portugal’s event industry also saw significant development as Europalco, one of the country’s leading event solutions providers, announced the expansion of its logistics infrastructure.
The company has enlarged its warehouse operations in Porto while opening a new regional warehouse in the Algarve, creating a stronger nationwide logistics network to support event delivery.
The new facilities will function as regional hubs storing audiovisual equipment, event furniture, staging solutions, and event structures, reducing dependence on the company’s headquarters in Sintra.
According to Europalco, the expansion will significantly reduce equipment transport times, improve response capabilities for regional events, and lower the need for long-distance transportation of heavy materials.
Investment and Innovation Continue to Shape Europe’s Events Industry
The latest developments across the United Kingdom and Portugal demonstrate the continued momentum within the European business events industry. Investments in venue redevelopment, delegate wellbeing, logistics infrastructure, and customer experience are helping destinations remain globally competitive while responding to changing market expectations.
As cities like London continue attracting major international conferences and companies invest in modern facilities and sustainable operations, Europe’s meetings and events sector remains well-positioned for long-term growth and innovation.
