The Meetings Show 2026 Opens Hosted Buyer Registration at ExCeL London

Hosted buyer registration is now open for The Meetings Show, returning to ExCeL London from 24–25 June 2026.

Event professionals from across the UK, Europe, and — for the first time — a limited number from the US are invited to apply for one of the industry’s most sought-after hosted buyer programmes. Decision-makers responsible for organising incentives, meetings, conferences, and events are encouraged to secure their place early.

Last year, nearly 1,500 buyers attended, taking part in over 9,000 pre-scheduled meetings, creating two days of focused conversations, fresh ideas, and real business opportunities.

Applications are carefully pre-qualified to ensure every meeting counts. Buyers are assessed on the size and frequency of the events they deliver, their purchasing authority, and the geographic reach of their programmes — creating a curated environment where suppliers meet planners with genuine briefs.

Once accepted, hosted buyers can schedule one-to-one appointments with more than 700 UK and international hotels, venues, and destinations. Confirmed exhibitors already 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, alongside Preferred Hotels, exhibiting at the show for the first time.

Hosted buyers for 2026 so far include representatives from Deloitte, AbbVie, Principal Global Events, Bray Leino Events, and First Event — representing a diverse mix of corporate, agency, and association planners.

Tasha Strange, Senior Sourcing Manager at Principal Global Events, said: “The Meetings Show is a key event for Principal Global Events each year because it brings our worldwide supplier network together under one roof. It’s a unique opportunity to reconnect with trusted partners while also discovering new venues and suppliers to support our upcoming event requirements. Having these conversations face‑to-face in one place is invaluable, and I’m really looking forward to exploring fresh ideas and building the relationships that help us deliver exceptional events at The Meetings Show this year.”

The experience goes beyond the show floor. Hosted buyers receive complimentary travel and accommodation, access to exclusive networking events, and a bespoke educational programme on the eve of the show.

Pre-show, buyers can join a FAM trip to Bristol or Bath. Post-show, there are opportunities to experience Madrid or Q Hotels’ Norton Park Hotel, Spa, and Manor House in Winchester, extending connections and inspiration beyond London.

Graham Angus, Head of Hosted Buyer Operations, said: **“Our hosted buyer programme is built for event professionals who want to make their time matter. It’s two days of purposeful meetings, inspiring conversations, and meaningful connections — all in one place.

As the largest hosted buyer programme of any UK industry event, we focus on quality, energy, and creating an experience that feels genuinely valuable. If you’re looking to discover new venues, destinations, and suppliers and build relationships that will elevate your events, this is where it starts.”

Published by Meeting Media Company, the publisher of Headquarters Magazine (HQ) – a leading international publication based in Brussels, serving the global MICE industry and association community.