Across three days, the MeetEngland team hosted international associations and professional congress organizers (PCOs) in key growth sectors such as medical, life and social sciences, business services, conservation and clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and creative industries. Representatives from London Convention Bureau, Manchester Convention Bureau, Meet Bristol & Bath, Conference Leeds, and Experience Oxfordshire Venues joined the event.
Local UK ambassadors welcomed attendees at networking events. Ambassador Simon Manley spoke at the British Embassy Residence in Geneva; Minister Andrew Dalgleish addressed guests at the British Embassy Offices & Garden in Paris; and Ambassador Anne Sherriff participated at the British Embassy Residence in Brussels. These events provided opportunities for PCOs and associations to engage with convention bureaus.
Paul Black, Head of Business Events stated: “Association congresses play a critical role within England’s business events ecosystem…Our European trade mission enables us to deepen engagement with this sector…and position cities across England as premier destinations for future congresses.”
Richard Moss from Manchester Convention Bureau said: “For Manchester…it’s about the connection. By engaging directly with international trade associations…we champion collaboration…These moments strengthen Manchester’s global voice…”
England is recognized for its academic infrastructure with over 120 universities. Association congresses support high-impact sectors like life sciences and financial services by facilitating knowledge exchange. Major congresses planned for 2025 include Preventing Overdiagnosis International Conference in Oxford and IEEE International Symposium on Circuits and Systems in London.
The European mission is part of an annual calendar organized by MeetEngland to facilitate platforms for English convention bureaus to connect with international markets.
