David Tremmil, Chair of beam, on what can be achieved when collaboration turns ideas into actual progress.
The events industry has always been good at talking. The challenge now is ensuring those conversations lead to meaningful action.
Across the sector, there is a growing recognition that collaboration can no longer sit at surface level. Faced with economic pressure, changing legislation, skills challenges, and increasing scrutiny from government, the industry needs stronger alignment, clearer messaging, and a more unified voice if it wants to influence real change. That shift is already starting to happen.
Recent discussions around accommodation levies and tourist taxes demonstrated the importance of collective advocacy, with industry bodies coming together to highlight the wider economic contribution of business events and the unintended consequences additional taxation could create for destinations, organisers, and venues alike.
At the same time, collaboration is also taking shape behind the scenes in ways that could have long-term impact for the sector.
The joint response to the Office for National Statistics consultation reviewing Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes brought together organisations including beam, MIA, AEME, The Business of Events, and UKEvents. The submission focused on ensuring the modern events workforce is properly recognised within official classifications, reflecting the increasing professionalism, complexity, and strategic value of event management roles.
Individually, these initiatives are important. Collectively, they signal something bigger – an industry moving beyond fragmented agendas towards a more coordinated approach to advocacy and representation.
This isn’t about one organisation leading the conversation or competing for visibility. It is about recognising that the industry is stronger when expertise, insight, and influence are shared.
The future of the meetings and events sector will not be shaped by polite discussion alone. It will be shaped by industries, associations, and businesses willing to work together, challenge constructively, and turn collaboration into action.