The Meetings Show 2026 Unveils More Interactive, Future-Focused Education Programme

The Meetings Show has unveiled its 2026 education programme, introducing a more immersive and interactive format aimed at sparking ideas, encouraging open debate and delivering practical insights that attendees can apply immediately.

Taking place at Excel London on 24–25 June 2026, this year’s edition places a stronger emphasis on participation, with expanded opportunities for discussion, collaboration and hands-on learning throughout the programme.

Building on the success of last year’s content, the refreshed approach has been shaped directly by attendee feedback, evolving an already well-received experience to focus even more on what audiences value most: honest conversations, inspiring speakers and actionable ideas.

Designed to support professionals at every stage of their careers, the programme responds to a period of significant transformation across the events industry.

Across 63 sessions and three stages, attendees can expect a diverse mix of formats from panels and presentations to workshops and Q&As, bringing together a strong line-up of speakers sharing practical insights, forward-looking perspectives and tools ready for immediate use.

Among the headline speakers, brought by LAI International, is keynote Emma Henderson MBE, one of fewer than 500 female airline captains worldwide until September 2020. Drawing on more than three decades of experience, she will share lessons from the flight deck to the boardroom, delivered with authenticity, compassion and humour.

Also headlining is John Vincent MBE, co-founder and former CEO of LEON, who will present a candid session, From LEON to Live Events: Building Brands People Love. Reflecting on his journey, from reshaping the fast-food sector to launching Feed NHS during the pandemic, he will offer practical insights into building purpose-led brands, leading with resilience and creating meaningful audience connections.

The programme also brings together a wide range of industry voices. Amy Wood, Accessibility Manager at Salesforce, will explore how to embed accessibility into event planning in her session, ‘Revolutionising event accessibility: a person-first approach’. She will share lessons from large-scale events, highlighting what has worked (and what hasn’t) alongside practical ways to scale inclusive planning.

Amy will also join The Corporate Conversation, a fast-paced, ask-me-anything session designed to tackle the questions professionals rarely get the chance to ask. Accessibility remains a core focus across the programme, with captions and AI-supported features ensuring full engagement for all attendees.
 

Sustainability will also take centre stage, with Anna Abdelnoor, CEO and Founder of isla (check our HQ interview on the #124 edition), leading ‘The sustainability excuses killing progress (and a blueprint on how to shut them down fast)’. This direct and practical session will challenge common industry barriers, from “it’s too expensive” to “clients aren’t asking for it”, and replace them with actionable strategies that protect margins, reputation and relationships.

Ahead of the show, isla is inviting event professionals to share the sustainability challenges they encounter via a short survey. The results will help shape the session and contribute to a practical, industry-backed framework that attendees can implement immediately, with participants also entered into a prize draw.

Looking further ahead, Dr Graham Norris, The Meetings Show Conference Futurist, will lead a live research workshop as part of the Hosted Buyer Masterclasses, exploring what events could look like in 2036. This highly interactive session will encourage participants to challenge assumptions, collaborate and co-create a shared vision for the future. Insights gathered will be presented alongside a panel of industry experts and developed into a white paper, with attendees receiving priority access.

Returning features include The Reckoning, a candid, no-holds-barred industry debate, as well as the ever-popular Hot Wings session, alongside a range of new interactive formats designed to stimulate conversation and fresh thinking.

The Meetings Show’s knowledge director, Samme Allen, said: “We listened closely to all feedback received and, building on an already solid base, have set out to make our conference programme the best in the industry. We know attendees are looking for candid voices, more interaction and debate, and fresh, future-focused ideas that will see them through the next stages of their careers. We’ve delivered an innovative programme that ticks all the boxes, with speakers who can connect and empower delegates with insight, spark meaningful conversations and contribute to real progress across the meetings and events community.”

Overall, the 2026 programme for the two-day Northstar Meetings Group show is designed to deliver meaningful, actionable learning, combining hands-on workshops, data-driven insights, immersive storytelling and lively debate.

To extend the value beyond the event itself, an enhanced digital playbook will be produced post-show in partnership with Lim, capturing key insights and ensuring the learning continues long after the doors close.
 

The full education programme can be viewed here. To find out more about the buyer, hosted buyer and visitor registration options, please sign up here.

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.