UK Events Report 2025

UK Events Report 2025 published: UK Events Industry Value Surges to £68.7 Billion as UK Strengthens Role as Global Safe Harbour for Events

[LONDON – 9^th December] – UKEVENTS today announces the latest figures from its UK Events Report 2025, revealing that the UK events industry is now worth an estimated £68.7 billion, reinforcing its position as a cornerstone of the UK economy and a driver of innovation, trade, and tourism.

The report highlights the UK’s growing reputation as a safe, stable destination for international events amid global geopolitical uncertainty. With ongoing conflicts and regional tensions reshaping event strategies worldwide, the UK is increasingly seen as Europe’s “safe harbour”, attracting relocated conferences and exhibitions from higher-risk regions.

London retains its global hub status, hosting major summits and international gatherings, while regions and cities are benefiting from domestic substitution and levelling-up investment. This trend is supported by VisitBritain’s LVEP framework and VisitBritain’s Business Events Support Programme, together with integration of events within government industrial priorities.

Despite challenges such as rising operational costs, visa complexities, and talent shortages, the industry is embracing hybrid formats, sustainability-led practices, and inclusivity standards to meet evolving client and attendee expectations. These innovations are helping UK events remain competitive and future-ready.

Looking ahead, the UK events sector is forecast to grow 3–5% annually through 2027, outperforming many EU markets. Strategic priorities include lobbying for visa streamlining, enhancing regional infrastructure, and embedding ESG principles into event delivery.

Glenn Bowdin, Chair of UKEVENTS, commented: “This uplift to £68.7 billion underlines the resilience and adaptability of our industry. Events are not just economic drivers—they are catalysts for trade, innovation, and social cohesion and showcase the UK on a global stage.

“As global uncertainty persists, the UK’s stability and creativity make it a natural meeting point for the world. That’s why UKEVENTS continues to advocate for both business and cultural events to be much more centre stage in the delivery of government growth and social objectives, and for a national event strategy to help deliver the best outcomes from this.”

John Gallery, Research and Market Intelligence Lead of UKEVENTS, said, “This UKEVENTS report builds on our earlier study, drawing in the latest research and data available.  The report demonstrates the importance of developing research for and about the industry, providing increasing evidence to support our understanding of the value of events.”

For more information and to access the full report, visit www.ukevents.org.uk.