ICCA UK & Ireland 2025 Annual Conference Goes Beyond Borders in Leeds

The ICCA UK & Ireland Chapter ended its 2025 Annual Conference today at Cloth Hall Court, Leeds.

Under the theme 'Business Beyond Borders', the event has brought together association professionals, industry leaders, and experts to explore international perspectives, innovative solutions, and professional growth opportunities within the global meetings industry.

With more than 120 attendees, the conference welcomed a dynamic mix of delegates, including long-standing members and more than 40 first-time attendees eager to engage in insightful discussions, cutting-edge learning sessions, and invaluable networking opportunities.  In addition, more than 30 students joined the conference on day two, demonstrating the Chapter’s ongoing desire to invest in future talent.

Engaging Content and Thought-Provoking Discussions

The 2025 programme was packed with compelling sessions, covering key industry topics such as sustainability, digital transformation, and inclusivity. Highlights included:

• Keynote Address: Jamie Jones-Buchanan MBE, former rugby league star and Director of Culture, Diversity & Inclusion at Leeds Rhinos, delivered an inspiring keynote on the transformative power of sport in creating social change.
   
• The Big Debate: A highly engaging session where industry professionals and university debating teams tackled a motion on the use of public funds to win conferences, generating spirited discussions on industry ethics and competition.
   
• Neurodiversity in Events: A groundbreaking panel session led by Gayle McGuinn from EICC, and Andy Williamson from Welcome Brain, with Clare Beach from Azura Events. The session introduced an industry-first neuroinclusive toolkit aimed at enhancing accessibility and inclusion at business events.
   

Beyond the educational sessions, delegates enjoyed a variety of networking opportunities, including the pre-conference networking evening at Banyan, a spectacular gala dinner at the Royal Armouries, and insightful city tours showcasing Leeds’ rich history and culture.

Suzanne Singleton, Chair of ICCA UK & Ireland Chapter, reflected on the success of the event: “The 2025 ICCA UK & Ireland Conference has demonstrated the power of collaboration, learning, and international perspectives in shaping the future of the meetings industry. The theme ‘Business Beyond Borders’ has resonated strongly, encouraging attendees to embrace innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability in their work.”

Deputy chair of the Chapter, Danielle Bounds added:  “The conference would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors, to whom we are extremely grateful, particularly Levy and Lime Venue Portfolio, who this year also provided an insightful look at their sustainability initiatives and activity through a visit to their Biohub at Ings Farm as well as the Farm’s lead scientist, Dr Vincent Walsh rounding up the programme on day one.

As ICCA UK & Ireland continues to grow and adapt to the evolving global landscape, anticipation is already building for the 2026 Annual UK & Ireland Chapter Conference in Edinburgh from 11-13 February, 2026.

Sponsors included: Levy and Lime Venue Portfolio; Northstar Meetings Group; Failte Ireland; Royal Armouries; University of Leeds Conferences and Events; GES; SFA Connect; Conference Leeds; Shocklogic; Eventmobi; Event Associates; Soaring Worldwide; Watterston Associates.