Navigating the Future of Events: Key Insights and Opportunities

Events

The UK event industry contributes significantly to the economy, with a total market value of approximately £42 billion. It supports around 775,000 jobs, despite losses during the COVID-19 pandemic, and continues to recover strongly, driven by corporate events, festivals, and exhibitions. The UK has more than 10,000 venues, ranging from conference centres and hotels to outdoor spaces and stadiums​

Sector Contributions

  • Corporate Events & Meetings: £33.6 billion, dominating the market. Key drivers include conferences, exhibitions, and incentive programmes.
  • Exhibitions & Trade Fairs: £11 billion, facilitating B2B connections.
  • Festivals and Music Events: £3.4 billion, boosted by strong demand for live experiences.
  • Sporting Events: Contribute £2.3 billion annually, driven by football, rugby, and other major events​

Trends Shaping the Industry

  1. Sustainability: Increased demand for eco-conscious events. Examples include venues investing in energy-efficient systems and reducing waste.
  2. Technology: Hybrid formats, AR/VR integrations, and AI personalisation are enhancing attendee experiences.
  3. Consumer Demand: Festivals, cultural events, and music tourism remain high-growth areas, with over 85 million annual attendees across the UK​

The breadth of venues supports the industry’s diversity, enabling everything from intimate corporate gatherings to large-scale public events. London remains a global leader in events, but cities like Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh are also key hubs for business and leisure.

Our Single and Multi Event Products

41.30%

Single Event hit ratio

(based on data between June 1 – June 30th 2024)

33.33%

Multi Event hit ratio

(based on data between June 1 – June 30th 2024)

For Our Brokers

The Single Event and Multi-Event insurance products from Commercial Express are designed for event organisers in the UK, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man. The Single Event policy offers cover for one-off events, including public liability, with optional extensions for employer’s liability, event equipment damage, and cancellation expenses. It’s ideal for individuals or businesses who need tailored protection for a single event. The Multi-Event policy is for those organising multiple events, providing continuous cover for public liability and optional extensions for employer’s liability and equipment loss. Both policies offer flexibility, covering only the areas requested by the policyholder. These products are perfect for event organisers who need to insure against risks such as injury, property damage, or cancellation, helping brokers offer tailored insurance solutions for one-off or recurring events.

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