Whether you work in conferences, fundraising, festivals, concerts or any other type of event, you will find something of interest in this year’s packed calendar of industry happenings in the UK, Ireland and Europe.
As event planners, we don’t need to tell you the benefits of attending live events, so grab your diary, and pencil in a few of the shows that promise to provide you with ideas and inspiration in 2017!
Here’s your full list of events for event planners in 2017. To start networking with your industry peers now, head over to the EventTribe forum.
January
What: Eurosonic Noorderslag
Where: Groningen/Holland
When: 11-14 Jan
Web: https://www.eurosonic-noorderslag.nl
In 2016, the Eurosonic Noorderslag conference attracted over 4,000 music industry professionals, including representatives from over 424 international festivals. The event offers a daytime conference programme featuring 175 panels, keynote speakers, interviews, workshops, and dinners, as well as pitches, parties and meetings covering the latest developments in the international music, media, production and interactive industries.
What: London Summer Event Show
Where: London
When: 24-25 Jan
Web: https://www.londonsummereventshow.com/
The London Summer Event Show is a boutique exhibition that brings together a mix of the best summer venues and suppliers with hundreds of top event buyers. The show’s split event format consists of an evening event exclusively for event agents and a full day event dedicated to corporate event buyers.
What: EVENTEX
Where: Dublin
When: 24-26 Jan
Web: https://eventex.co/
Eventex helps event professionals to acquire new professional skills. Delegates can choose one masterclass to attend each day and also benefit from new Mash sessions – a format that lets attendees learn things from the other classes at the end of each day.
What: Bett Show
Where: London
When: 25-28 Jan
Web: http://www.bettshow.com/
A must-visit for anyone involved in education events. Discover the world’s leading brands in education technology that gather at Bett every year to showcase latest products.
February
What: ISPO
Where: Munich
When: 5-8 Feb
Web: http://munich.ispo.com/en
The world’s largest multi-segment sports exhibition, those wanting to find out more about health and fitness trends will find all they need at ISPO MUNICH.
What: Event Buyers Live
Where: London
When: 8-9 Feb
Web: http://eventbuyerslive.com/
Taking place at Hilton Heathrow, Event Buyers Live provides organisers with the opportunity to meet suppliers, check best value procurement, generate new ideas and network with other events professionals.
What: ACE of M.I.C.E Exhibition
Where: Istanbul
When: 22-24 Feb
Web: http://ameistanbul.com/
Meet with PCO’s, event management companies, hotels, technology and event support companies from Turkey and around the world all under one roof.
What: Fast Forward
Where: Amsterdam
When: 23-24 Feb
Web: https://www.fastforward.xyz/
FastForward promises two jam-packed days of music industry insight, and tight-knit networking opportunities. Speakers include Mike Smith, incoming Managing Director of Warner/Chappell Music UK.
March
What: Confex
Where: London
When: 1-2 Mar
Web: http://www.international-confex.com/
Taking place at Olympia, London, Confex provides the largest buying forum for the events industry with venues, destinations, suppliers and buyers networking and doing business. An extensive education programme includes a Sales Conference featuring up to date trends and motivational sales techniques for event professionals.
What: Event Production Show
Where: London
When: 1-2
Web: http://www.eventproductionshow.co.uk/
The Event Production Show brings together full event infrastructure suppliers and runs alongside Confex at Olympia, London.
What: M&IT Awards
Where: London
When: 3 Mar
Web: http://www.mitawards.co.uk/
Organised by Meetings & Incentive Travel magazine, the awards event brings together all sectors of the corporate events business to reward excellence of service and product in a glittering night at Battersea Evolution.
What: European Meetings & Events Conference
Where: Granada
When: 5-7 Mar
Web: http://www.mpiweb.org/Events/emec-2017/home
EMEC is an environment that brings event planners and suppliers together to collaborate, solve problems and confront challenges head-on—together! Immersive learning experiences include a keynote by David Beckett on giving the perfect pitch.
What: DMX
Where: Dublin
When: 8 Mar
Web: https://www.dmxdublin.com/
A Marketing Institute event, DMX Dublin brings together top marketing leaders, marketers from multinationals and start-ups, advertisers, creative agencies, digital agencies. The one-day conference includes presentations from more than 40 world-leading speakers.
What: ILMC
Where: London
When: 8-10 Mar
Web: http://www.ilmc.com/
International Live Music Conference (ILMC) is an invitation-only conference designed and attended by active members of the concert industry. Conference sessions follow an open forum format with all delegates encouraged to get involved.
What: EventIT
Where: Glasgow
When: 9 Mar
Web: http://www.eventit.org.uk/
The events industry show for Scotland, EventIt 2017 will offer valuable networking opportunities as well as a variety of learning events. The four main themes running throughout the day will be Event Technology, Connectivity, Critical Services and Education for the Future.
What: Meeting Industry Association Annual Conference
Where: London
When: 20 Mar
Web: http://www.mia-uk.org/event_group/dont-stop-rethink/
Entitled ‘Don’t Stop… Rethink’, the mia urges the sector to push ahead with new and innovative plans by addressing post-Brexit issues and concerns. Suitable for industry professionals at all levels, the programme which includes two keynote speakers and promises great networking opportunities.
What: British Travel and Tourism Show
Where: Birmingham
When: 22-23 Mar
Web: http://www.tourismshow.co.uk/
Taking place at the NEC, British Tourism & Travel Show brings together over 3,000 top level travel buyers including Group Travel Organisers, Coach Operators and Tour Organisers.
April
What: Music Week Awards
Where: London
When: 5 Apr
Web: https://www.nbmevents.uk/
The Music Week Awards are the UK’s only music awards that recognise all parts of the music industry including live music events. Taking place at Grosvenor House Hotel in London, more than 900 of the industry’s leading figures will be in attendance.
What: Ticketing Tech Forum
Where: Dublin
When: 5-6 Apr
Web: http://www.ticketingtechnologyforum.com/
Ticketing Technology Forum is a high-level networking and knowledge exchange event designed to address the specific needs of key executives engaged in the development and implementation of entertainment ticketing solutions.
What: Venue Expo
Where: Edinburgh
When: 12-13 Apr
Web: http://www.thevenueexpo.co.uk/
The Venue Expo provides MICE industry buyers the opportunity to do business with suppliers from around the UK as well as networking and learning from specialists from within the industry.
What: Running Awards
Where: London
When: TBC
Web: https://therunningawards.com
The Running Awards identify and recognise the best in running every year, including live events. Categories include Best New Event, Best 10k, Best Fun Run, Best Charity Event and more.
What: AIPCO Business Tourism Conference
Where: Kilkenny
When: 14-15 Apr
Web: http://www.aipco.ie/conf2016/
Presented by the Association of Irish Professional Conference Organisers, this event is for anyone involved in Business Tourism in Ireland. Drawing on the expertise of psychologists, motivation experts and social media gurus, this year’s AIPCO will teach EventProfs the 10 steps to sales success.
May
What: British Media Awards
Where: London
When: 3 May
Web: http://britishmediaawards.com/
The British Media Awards celebrate the media industry and include awards for events run by publishing companies. Last year’s winners included The Drum for ‘Do It Day’ and Centaur Media for its Festival of Marketing.
What: London Christmas Party Show
Where: London
When: 10-11 May
Web: https://www.londonchristmaspartyshow.com/
This year taking place at Christchurch Spitalfields, the London Christmas Party Show brings together a mix of the best Christmas venues and suppliers with hundreds of top event buyers. Includes foods, drinks and creativity workshops.
What: Academic Venue Show
Where: London
When: TBC
Web: http://www.academicvenueshow.co.uk/
The show is organised by Venuemasters, a marketing consortium promoting over 60 academic venues, and offers event organisers the opportunity to meet representatives from a broad cross section of UK universities.
What: IMEX
Where: Frankfurt
When: 16-18 May
Web: http://www.imex-frankfurt.com/
With 3,500+ exhibitors, IMEX is a one-stop shop for planners looking to book and organise worldwide meetings, events and incentive travel programmes. It also offers a comprehensive education programme, this year focusing on ‘Purposeful Meetings: How to plan with deeper meaning, innovation and insight in mind’.
What: The Great Escape
Where: Brighton
When: 18-20 May
Web: http://greatescapefestival.com/
The Great Escape is a festival for new music featuring more than 50 artists performing alongside a music industry convention. Core strands include insight sessions, panels, conversations, networking events and parties.
What: Venue Expo
Where: Newport
When: 24-25 May
Web: http://www.thevenueexpo.co.uk/
The Venue Expo provides MICE industry buyers the opportunity to do business with suppliers from around the UK as well as networking and learning from specialists from within the industry.
What: International Music Summit
Where: Ibiza
When: 24-26 May
Web: http://www.internationalmusicsummit.com/
IMS Ibiza is for anyone involved in electronic music, offering three-days of live seminars and debates amongst the leaders of the international music community. Speakers this year include Pete Tong, Carl Cox and The Pet Shop Boys.
What: Wide Days 2017
Where: Scotland
When: TBC
Web: http://www.widedays.com/
Scotland’s award-winning music business convention, Wide Days attracts key music industry players for two-days of discussion and networking.
What: Liverpool Sound City
Where: Liverpool
When: 27-28 May
Web: http://www.liverpoolsoundcity.co.uk/
Liverpool’s annual two-day music festival and conference featuring keynotes and workshop sessions from key digital music industry figures. 2017 is the event’s 10-year anniversary.
June
What: Event 360
Where: London
When: 1 Jun
Web: http://www.event360forum.com/
Exclusively for event professionals with a purchasing power of at least £100,000, Event 360 brings together brands, agencies and suppliers and offers inspirational content sessions, pre-arranged one-to-one meetings and networking opportunities.
What: Midem
Where: Cannes
When: 6-9 Jun
Web: http://www.midem.com/
With four packed days of conferences, competitions, networking events and concerts, Midem is the essential relationship broker of the music industry.
What: The Meetings Show
Where: London
When: 13-15 Jun
Web: http://www.themeetingsshow.com/
The UK’s largest gathering of meeting suppliers, get introduced to more than 600 of the finest destinations, hotels, venues, DMCs and technology providers. The show also includes 80 free-to-attend educational sessions delivered by the most creative thinkers in the industry.
What: AEO Excellence Awards
Where: London
When: TBC
Web: http://www.aeoawards.org/
The AEO Excellence Awards is the Association of Event Organiser’s flagship event, celebrating organisers’ achievements, standards of excellence from venues and service quality by suppliers and contractors throughout the industry.
What: Conference Awards
Where: London
When: 30 Jun
Web: http://conferenceawards.co.uk/
Recognised as the go-to showcase for the exceptional and the innovative, The Conference Awards return for their 8th year.
July
What: Fundraising Convention
Where: London
When: 3-5 Jul
Web: http://www.fundraisingconvention.uk/
Join over 2,500 other fundraisers at the largest professional fundraising event in Europe. The conference aims to inform, refresh and engage through a programme of talks, workshops and features.
What: National Union of Students
Where: Liverpool
When: 7 Jul
Web: https://www.nus.org.uk/en/commercial-services/trade-show/
NUS Trade Show is the only show dedicated to the £200 million student market. The show is for operational managers and staff at students’ unions in catering, events, entertainment, licensed trade and retail.
August
What: c/o pop convention
Where: Cologne
When: 17-18 Aug
Web: http://c-o-pop.de/en/convention/
Taking place alongside the c/o pop festival, the convention will bring together label operators, music managers, festival organisers, media experts and agency chiefs to hear top speakers. Current case studies are presented and discussed, with a wealth of networking opportunities to boot.
September
What: AEO Conference
Where: Brighton
When: 8-9 Sept
Web: http://www.aeoconference.org.uk/
The Association of Event Organisers Conference is the definitive business networking forum for event industry professionals. This year’s theme is ‘Time for Change?’. Emma Crosby, broadcast journalist, will expertly steer sessions covering heavyweight topics such as managing opportunities and risk in the wake of Brexit and how to develop inspiring work environments and cultures in order to attract, retain and develop talent.
What: International Festival Forum
Where: London
When: TBC
Web: http://www.iff.rocks/
The International Festival Forum (IFF) is an invitation-only event for booking agents and festival bookers. IFF is held in early autumn, as conversations about next years’ festival line-ups begin, and it provides a dedicated platform for buyers and sellers to network.
What: Reeperbahn Festival
Where: Hamburg
When: 20-23 Sept
Web: https://www.reeperbahnfestival.com/en/conference/about
The Reeperbahn Festival is Europe’s B2B platform for the music and digital industry. The Reeperbahn Festival Conference offers industry professionals a programme that includes more than 230 sessions, networking events, meetings, showcases, and award shows.
What: C&IT Awards
Where: London
When: TBC
Web: http://www.citawards.com/
The C&IT Awards recognise and celebrate companies applying best practice to the creation, planning, production and management of innovative and successful events within B2B sectors. The Awards are open to all companies running events both in the UK and overseas.
What: Square Meal Venues & Events Live
Where: London
When: TBC
Web: http://www.venuesandevents.co.uk
Featuring over 250 venues and event suppliers, plus expert seminars and tasting sessions across five colourful floors, Venues & Events Live is an essential diary date to help plan your next 12 months of events.
October
What: Live UK Summit
Where: London
When: TBC
Web: http://www.liveuksummit.com/
A declining number of headliners and a call to boycott the secondary ticketing market were among the topics of debate at last year’s LIVE UK Summit. The 2017 edition promises a host of speakers covering equally lively topics.
What: Live Music Business Awards
Where: London
When: TBC
Web: http://www.livemusicawards.co.uk/
The only event committed to presenting awards to the business people who drive the country’s contemporary live music industry. The awards recognise excellence and talent among promoters, venue operators, festival organisers and agents, through to artiste managers, tour managers and show producers.
What: Event Organisers Summit
Where: Berkshire
When: 9-10 Oct
Web: http://eventorganiserssummit.co.uk/
The Event Organisers Summit is a highly focused event that brings together event professionals for one-to-one business meetings, interactive seminars and valuable networking opportunities.
What: ADE
Where: Amsterdam
When: TBC
Web: https://www.amsterdam-dance-event.nl/about-ade/
The Amsterdam Dance Event is a five-day electronic music conference and festival held annually in mid-October. Divided into nine themed programs, ADE’s comprehensive conference covers every aspect of the modern music industry, featuring dedicated programming for business professionals, start-ups, aspiring producers and musicians, students, VJs, visual artists and stage designers.
What: Showman’s Show
Where: Newbury
When: 18-19 Oct
Web: http://www.showmans-directory.co.uk/showmans-show/about-the-show
The Showman’s Show is the only outdoor show of its kind in the UK, attracting nearly 5,000 visitors over two days and with in excess of 340 exhibitors, who show the most sophisticated structures, equipment, technology and entertainment demanded by the event industry at large.
What: EVCOM Clarion Awards
Where: London
When: TBC
Web: https://www.evcom.org.uk/awards-entry/
The EVCOM Clarion Awards are the leading event and communication awards that recognise performance in CSR and sustainability, including: environment, diversity, equality, community, charity initiatives, education, ethical, health and welfare issues.
What: Scottish Alternative Music Awards
Where: Glasgow
When: TBC
Web: http://officialsama.squarespace.com/
The Scottish Alternative Music Awards (SAMAs) are an independently ran music award, which currently take place in Glasgow. The awards are run by a small team of creatives based in Glasgow who have a great passion for music, events and collaboration. The SAMAs really care about the Scottish scene, and want to shout about it!
What: Higher Education Show
Where: London
When: TBC
Web: http://he-show.co.uk/
The UK’s largest free-to-attend higher education business show, bringing together all key stakeholders to discuss issues that matter.
What: WOMEX
Where: Katowice
When: TBC
Web: http://www.womex.com/
WOMEX is an international networking platform for the world music industry. The annual five-day event comprises a bustling Trade Fair, Showcase Festival, Conference, and Film programme, as well as festive Opening and Award ceremonies.
November
What: World Travel Market
Where: London
When: 6-8 Nov
Web: http://www.wtmlondon.com/
World Travel Market attracts 50,000 travel professionals from around the world, coming to meet and do business with up to 5,000 international exhibitors.
What: Venue Expo
Where: Liverpool
When: 7-8 Nov
Web: http://www.thevenueexpo.co.uk/
The Venue Expo provides MICE industry buyers the opportunity to do business with suppliers from around the UK as well as networking and learning from specialists from within the industry.
What: Association of Festival Organisers Conference
Where: Stratford-upon-Avon
When: 10-12 Nov
Web: http://www.festivalorganisers.org/content/conferences-training
Whatever your role or interest in festivals, if you are dedicated to learning and teaching, sharing and networking to continuously improve the scene, you’ll find plenty of common ground at AFO Conference.
What: AIF Festival Congress
Where: Cardiff
When: TBC
Web: http://aiforg.com/festivalcongress/
Festival Congress is The Association of Independent Festivals’ (AIF) flagship event. The two-day conference, evening celebration and awards attract over 400 delegates from across the festivals and events world each year. Awards categories include ‘New Festival on the block’, ‘Mind blowing spectacle’, ‘Festival live act of the year’ and ‘Smart marketing’.
What: UK Festival Awards and Conference
Where: London
When: TBC
Web: http://www.festivalawards.com/
The UK Festival Awards are awarded annually, with various categories for all aspects of festivals that have taken place in the UK, and one category for European festivals.
What: EventTech Live
Where: London
When: TBC
Web: http://www.eventtechlive.com/
Join over 1,000 event organisers, marketers, brands and agencies to celebrate, discover, and shape the future of events and technology.
What: IBTM World
Where: Barcelona
When: 28-30 Nov
Web: http://www.ibtmworld.com/
IBTM world (formerly EIBTM) gathers more than 15,000 meetings industry professionals for three days of focused business opportunities with over 3,000 exhibitors, thought provoking professional education and networking.
What: Associations UK Congress
Where: London
When: TBC
Web: http://www.associationscongress.com/uk
The Associations Congress UK is the largest two day conference for employees of membership organisations in the UK, with over 350 delegates attending.
What: NOEA Annual Convention Day
Where: Bath
When: TBC
Web: http://www.noea.org.uk/events.asp?pageId=52
National Outdoor Events Association Convention is for anyone involved in outdoor events and features a range of industry speakers heading up topical sessions. Last year’s event was all about commercialisation; making money from outdoor events, and 2017’s content promises to be equally useful.
What: The Meetings Industry Marketing Awards
Where: London
When: TBC
Web: http://www.mimaawards.com/
The Meetings Industry Marketing Awards (MIMA) was launched in 2002 to raise the standards of marketing in the meetings and events industry and to recognise the marketers. This year, MIMA will be held at the EVCOM Awards in November 2017.
What: EVCOM Live Awards
Where: London
When: TBC
Web: http://www.evcom.org.uk/awards-entry/
Organised by events industry association EVCOM, the EVCOM Live Awards 2016 recognise and reward the best of the events industry. The evening promises a glittering reception followed by a delicious three-course dinner, entertainment, dancing and celebration.
What: Venues & Destinations Summit
Where: London
When: 20-21 Nov
Web: http://venuesanddestinationssummit.co.uk/
The Venues & Destinations Summit is specifically organised for managers and directors responsible for sourcing venues and destinations for all kinds of events, meetings and conferences.
December
What: Music Publishers Association Xmas Dinner
Where: London
When: TBC
Web: http://www.mpaonline.org.uk/content/mpa-christmas-lunch-2016
The MPA Christmas Lunch is one of the longest established, most eagerly anticipated and best loved dates in the music industry calendar. It’s an opportunity for individuals and businesses across the industry to unwind and celebrate the year with colleagues and friends alike.
What: UK Event Awards
Where: London
When: TBC
Web: http://www.ukeventawards.com/
The Drum UK Event Awards recognise and reward the very best of Britain’s events industry. The awards are open to event organisers, suppliers and marketers. The evening kicks off with a networking drinks reception followed by dinner, the awards presentation and after-party.
What: Mudstacle Awards
Where: Surrey
When: TBC
Web: https://www.mudstacle.com/events
The Mudstacle Awards are the ‘Oscars’ of obstacle course racing, where the industry and community join together to celebrate the very best events, brands and inspiring individuals in the obstacle racing world.
Did we miss anything?
Are you attending an industry event we haven’t included in this list? Let us know in the comments below!
