Europe
UK CVB Meet Blackpool has revealed that corporate events have already generated over £3.2m (US$4.3m) in economic benefit for the local area in 2025, exceeding its annual target of £2.2m for the financial year ending March 2026 seven months ahead of schedule. Just five months into the financial year, Blackpool has already achieved a 12% year-on-year increase on the £2.89m in revenue generated from ...
The income and employment impact of Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre’s record-breaking congress year has already exceeded €50m for the Finnish capital, the management team reports. The six international congresses hosted by the Centre brought more than 25,000 delegates to Helsinki during the first half of the year and boost the goal of the Helsinki Tourism Advisory Board to double the tourism r...
Vienna has been confirmed as the host city for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, following the city’s successful bid submitted on 3 July 2025. The decision was decided by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (ORF). Mayor of Vienna Michael Ludwig said the Austrian capital put in a “strong bid” to stage the 70th Eurovision and is “proud...
FCM Meetings & Events (FCM M&E), the global meetings and events division of FCM Travel, has unveiled its new Reporting & Analytics Tool which it says is designed to enhance operational functionality and deliver confirmed savings. “As global corporate environments continue to evolve rapidly, it’s important for organisations to adopt leading-edge solutions that boost seamless operations ...
For the events industry, the rail revival is more than a stylish alternative to flying. It represents a chance to rethink how delegates, exhibitors, and incentive groups travel. By balancing sustainability, experience, and logistics, it can support both attendees and organisers. Sleeper trains make a comeback Luxury sleeper trains are re-emerging, not just as nostalgic journeys, but as a modern re...
Chris Rhodes, founder and creative director of London-based creative production agency Experience explains why working together trumps working alone in event production The premium events world is changing fast. Instead of agencies competing for every project, the smartest teams are joining forces to win bigger briefs and deliver better results. Why the shift? Clients want immersive experiences t...
Caroline Bocquel will become chief executive of Fáilte Ireland in November. Bocquel will be the first woman to hold the top role at Ireland’s national tourism development authority. Bocquel brings over 20 years of senior leadership experience, most recently as chief executive of BIM, where she led Ireland’s seafood industry through post-Brexit challenges. Under her leadership, the sect...
The updated Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) exam has been launched (13 August) and welcomed by the Events Industry Council (EIC) which said the new exam aligned with the 2025 CMP International Standards (CMP-IS), designed “to provide a future-focused framework that reflects the evolving landscape of the global business events industry”. The CMP designation is held by more than 13,...
Global tourism and business events industry consulting firm, GainingEdge has announced that Steen Jakobsen (pictured) will begin work as the company’s new CEO on 1 September, 2025. Jakobsen has more than 25 years of international experience in the global tourism and business events industry. He served as director of the Copenhagen Convention Bureau for 14 years, followed by 10 years as vice-presid...
Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games has appointed Trivandi as official event delivery partner. Trivandi – international specialist in planning, design and delivery of major events – has worked on every Summer Olympic Games since London 2012, the last three Commonwealth Games, FIFA World Cups and World Expos. The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games take place 23 July-2 August 2026 and the aim is a sustaina...
In an industry where every word counts, Silent Seminars has become a quiet force behind the scenes of some of the world’s most dynamic business events. From multinational trade fairs to high-level corporate conferences and regional expos, the company’s wireless headphone technology is transforming how organisers deliver content – and how audiences absorb it. Founded in the UK, Silent Seminars star...
Euromic, the association of leading DMCs, recently held its Academy 2025 in the coastal city of Genoa, Italy, gathering 45 participants (representing 24 euromic ‘Inspirational DMC’ destinations). Delegates met for three days under the theme ‘The future is bright’. This year’s Academy placed a spotlight on the next generation of talent – young future incentive industry leaders – providing them with...