When The BNC Show debuts at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms on Thursday 29th October, there will be plenty to discover beyond the exhibition floor.

Our packed programme of seminars, workshops, roundtable discussions and interactive sessions brings together a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives from across the events industry.

Whether you’re looking to sharpen your strategic skills, explore new technology, develop your career or simply return to the office brimming with ideas, there’s a session to inform and inspire you.

And with subjects ranging from the commercial value of events to the power of perspective, the programme reflects an industry that never stands still.

We hope that you enjoy the show and leave inspired and fulfilled.

The expectations placed on event professionals are evolving. Delivering a flawless event is no longer the only measure of success; today’s professionals are increasingly expected to influence senior stakeholders, demonstrate return on investment and connect their work directly to wider business objectives.

In The Evolution of the Event Profession: From Logistics to Strategic Business Partner,  we’ll explore what it takes to move beyond delivery and become a strategic voice within an organisation. Lead by LGIM’s Anita Dennis, she’ll discuss strategy and outcomes with Sharon Bannister from Inntel, Amrita Chahal from ISUOG and events industry author Sasha Frieze.

For those ready to take their strategic thinking further, Sasha will later lead Create a Transformational Event Strategy That Delivers a practical, 45-minute, hands-on workshop.

Drawing on ideas from the bestselling Chief Event Officer’s Playbook, host Sasha explores how to clarify purpose, sharpen strategic positioning and create participant-led experiences that drive engagement and attendance. There’s even the opportunity to win a copy of the book.

Also in the workshop room Women in Leadership powerhouses Anna-Marie Trzebinski and Jade Cannon from Total Politics Group explore the next topic in their crucial discussion series for women in events: Dare to Fail: The Power of Perspective – achieving and thriving through upheaval, disappointment  and challenging times. They’ll be joined by Linklaters’ Clare Melton and Kat Carn of Balancing Akt in this candid and compelling workshop.

The inside track on venues, experiences and creativity

Finding the right venue and creating an experience people remember are fundamental to successful events. But how do you stay ahead of the competition while delivering something genuinely special?

Ed Poland, founder of Hire Space, brings his team’s expertise to The Lowdown: London’s Most Exciting New Venue Openings (And How to Book Them Before the Competition). Expect an insider’s perspective on the openings worth watching, what event planners need to know and how to secure availability before everyone else catches on.

Meanwhile, Creating Exceptional Experiences: From B2B to Money-Can’t-Buy Moments, presented by corporate event managers from insurance, financial and banking and chaired by Glenn Mainwaring from The Barbican, examines what really makes an experience exceptional.

The discussion will cover understanding different audiences, balancing creativity with commercial objectives, designing for accessibility and inclusion, and delivering high-impact experiences without relying on enormous budgets.

People, culture and the connections that matter

Events bring people together - but how can we make sure everyone feels represented, included and genuinely part of the experience?

As part of Black History Month, Honouring Our Communities: The People, Culture & Connections Behind Unforgettable Events, brings together Adeola Daramola and Shakira Browne for an honest, interactive conversation about representation, creativity, belonging and community.

Drawing on their experiences as black women working in corporate events, and the friendship that began when they met at a BNC Show, they’ll explore how Nigerian, Guyanese and Afro-Caribbean influences can shape the way we create, connect and lead.

Through personal stories and audience participation, the session will challenge delegates to think about how events can better honour the communities around them, question established approaches and create spaces where people feel genuinely seen.

It’s a timely reminder that while technology can connect us virtually, there remains something uniquely powerful about bringing people together in a room.

Careers, recruitment and a fresh perspective on success

People are at the heart of the events industry, and several sessions put their experiences, ambitions and challenges centre stage.

In our brilliant panel:  The Event Professional of the Future: What Skills Do We Actually Need? This session looks at how experience, technology, company culture and changing career paths are reshaping the profession - and what skills will matter most in the years ahead. Joining chair Emily Simmons-Wright from De Vere will be Candice Kass of The Power of Events, Paul Comerford of Cvent and Toni Sansom of Lumen Launch.

In Hiring Well and Getting Hired: The Latest Insights, Trends & Advice for Events Professionals, Chris Mear from RCR leads an open, practical roundtable on the recruitment market. Drawing on RCR’s industry experience and findings from the upcoming BNC Salary Survey, the discussion will explore hiring trends, salary expectations, what employers are looking for and where opportunities are emerging.

Whether you’re recruiting talent, considering your next career move or simply curious about the direction of the market, this is an opportunity to exchange experiences and hear advice from recruitment specialists and fellow professionals.

For a more personal approach to career development, Meet the Mentors – Career Tips & Conversations for Event Professionals, presented in partnership with The BNC, Jade Fletcher from Jade Green Events and her panel of mentors offer a speed-mentoring experience with four 10-minute rounds.

Delegates can meet mentors with backgrounds spanning operations management, running an events business, VIP experiences and the ultra-high-net-worth world.

AI: Less conversation, more action

Artificial intelligence continues to generate discussion across the industry, but how can event planners move beyond experimenting with chatbots and start using AI to make everyday work more efficient?

Stop Chatting to AI, Start Delegating: A Hands-On AI Workshop Built Around You takes a practical approach. Designed for beginners and experienced users alike, the one-hour workshop explores how AI can connect with existing tools and take on repetitive tasks.

With beginner, intermediate and advanced tracks running side by side, attendees will work towards a personal plan matched to their role and the tools they use, explore ready-made AI skills for event tasks and start putting one real task into practice during the session.

The format combines a live demonstration, guided hands-on work and the opportunity to share what participants have created. Delegates can bring a laptop, although a phone will also work.

The emphasis is firmly on practical application: not simply talking about what AI might do, but identifying what it could do for you. This session is lead by Hire Space.

The bigger picture: Economy and sustainability

We’re delighted to welcome onto our speaker programme some incredibly popular and informed voices from Performing Artistes.

During two must-attend sessions we will tackle two important considerations for the industry: economic pressures and sustainability.

Experts from Performing Artistes such as Phillipa Forrester will lead dedicated sessions exploring the economy and sustainability, bringing these subjects into the wider conversation about the challenges and opportunities facing event professionals.

From navigating commercial realities to considering the environmental impact of events, these discussions add further dimensions to a programme designed to encourage fresh thinking across the profession.

A sparkling finish

Not every learning experience needs to take the form of a seminar or roundtable.

For something a little different, the Gusbourne Sparkling Wine Masterclass, hosted by Dan Grainger, offers a 45-minute exploration of multi-award-winning English wines from Gusbourne.

Guests will discover what makes Kent such a special place for growing grapes and hear the story of how an ancient estate has been transformed into a leading wine producer.

It’s an opportunity to discover more about English wine, develop your knowledge and enjoy a different kind of learning experience during the show.

Make the most of your BNC Show experience

From strategic workshops and industry intelligence to candid conversations, career advice, practical technology and new ideas for creating exceptional events, The BNC Show’s education programme reflects the breadth, ambition and creativity of the profession itself.

It’s also an opportunity to connect with fellow event professionals, exchange experiences and discover perspectives you might not encounter in your day-to-day work.

The BNC Show takes place on Thursday 29th October, from 9am to 4pm, at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms, London.