Hosted buyer registration is now officially open for The Meetings Show 2026, which will return to ExCeL London from 24–25 June 2026. The event is one of the most significant gatherings for meetings and events professionals, bringing together planners, destinations, venues, and suppliers from across the global events industry.
Event professionals from across the UK and Europe, and for the first time a limited number from the United States, are invited to apply for a place in the show’s highly sought-after hosted buyer programme. The initiative is designed for decision-makers responsible for organising incentives, conferences, meetings and corporate events, offering them the opportunity to meet leading suppliers and explore new event solutions.
Strong Buyer Participation Expected
The hosted buyer programme has become one of the most popular features of the event. During last year’s edition of The Meetings Show, nearly 1,500 buyers attended, participating in more than 9,000 pre-scheduled meetings with exhibitors. The structured meeting format created two days of focused discussions, new ideas and genuine business opportunities for both buyers and suppliers.
For the 2026 edition, organisers expect similar strong participation as demand continues to grow among global event planners seeking efficient ways to source venues, destinations and event services.
Careful Pre-Qualification Process
Applications for the hosted buyer programme go through a strict pre-qualification process to ensure productive meetings for all participants. Buyers are assessed based on:
- The size and frequency of the events they organise
- Their purchasing authority and decision-making power
- The geographical reach of their event programmes
This curated approach ensures exhibitors connect with planners who have real event briefs and sourcing requirements, helping maximise the value of every meeting.
Once accepted into the programme, hosted buyers can pre-schedule one-to-one meetings with over 700 exhibitors, including international hotels, venues, convention bureaus and destinations.
Major Exhibitors Confirmed
A number of major destinations and hospitality brands have already confirmed their participation in The Meetings Show 2026. Exhibitors include:
- Visit Portugal
- Netherlands Board of Tourism and Conventions
- Marketing Manchester
- Tourism Ireland
- QEII Centre
- NEC Group
- CrowdComms
- The Q Hotels Collection
- Hilton Hotels Worldwide
In addition, Preferred Hotels & Resorts will be exhibiting at the show for the first time, adding further diversity to the exhibitor lineup.
Leading Buyers Already Confirmed
Several well-known organisations have already confirmed their participation as hosted buyers. Representatives from companies such as Deloitte, AbbVie, Principal Global Events, Bray Leino Events and First Event will attend the show.
These buyers represent a diverse mix of corporate, agency and association event planners, reflecting the broad reach of the meetings and events industry.
Industry Leaders Highlight the Value of the Event
According to Tasha Strange, Senior Sourcing Manager at Principal Global Events, the event continues to play a vital role in maintaining supplier relationships and discovering new event solutions.
She said the show is an essential annual gathering for the company because it brings its global supplier network together in one place. The face-to-face environment allows planners to reconnect with trusted partners while exploring new venues and services for upcoming events.
Strange added that these in-person conversations are invaluable for building relationships and finding fresh ideas that help deliver successful events.
More Than Just Meetings
The hosted buyer experience at The Meetings Show 2026 extends well beyond the exhibition floor. Successful applicants will receive a range of benefits, including:
- Complimentary travel and accommodation
- Access to exclusive networking events
- A tailored educational programme on the evening before the show
These additional experiences are designed to help attendees maximise their time at the event while gaining insights into industry trends and best practices.
Pre- and Post-Show FAM Trips
Hosted buyers will also have the opportunity to take part in familiarisation (FAM) trips designed to showcase destinations and venues across the UK and Europe.
Before the event, buyers can join trips to Bristol or Bath, exploring these historic destinations as potential event locations. After the show, additional trips will be available to Madrid or to Norton Park Hotel, Spa and Manor House, part of The Q Hotels Collection.
These experiences provide planners with firsthand insights into venues and destinations while allowing them to strengthen professional connections in a relaxed setting.
A Programme Designed for Impact
Graham Angus, Head of Hosted Buyer Operations for The Meetings Show, emphasised that the programme is designed to make every minute valuable for event professionals.
He explained that the hosted buyer experience focuses on delivering purposeful meetings, meaningful conversations and strong industry connections over two productive days.
As the largest hosted buyer programme of any UK industry event, the initiative prioritises quality and engagement. Angus added that the programme is ideal for planners looking to discover new venues, destinations and suppliers while building relationships that will elevate future events.
Growing Global Interest
With international participation increasing and new destinations joining the exhibitor list, The Meetings Show 2026 is expected to play an even bigger role in connecting the global meetings and events community.
Event planners interested in attending as hosted buyers are encouraged to apply early, as places in the programme are limited and demand remains high each year.
