Resource guide
This resource guide provides a curated list of professional associations, industry reading, and leading voices to follow.
It is designed as a practical resource to help you build networks, stay informed, and engage with industry thought leaders.
We recommend that you:
- Join one to two associations that best match your sector (corporate, exhibitions, incentives).
- Subscribe to key magazines (digital editions are often free for planners).
- Follow ambassadors on LinkedIn to keep up with industry shifts.
Join social media groups to share challenges, discover opportunities, and connect with peers. - Check blogs monthly for innovation and case studies.
Associations to consider joining
Membership of professional bodies can enhance credibility, offer networking opportunities, and provide valuable resources.
Here are key UK and international associations:
- EVCOM (Events and Visual Communication Association) Represents the live events and visual communications industry. Membership offers networking events, training, and industry advocacy.
- mia (meetings industry association) Provides accreditation, training, and a strong professional community for venues and event planners.
- beam (business events, accommodation, meetings) Formerly HBAA, focused on business events, accommodation, and agencies.
- AEO (Association of Event Organisers) Supports organisers of trade and consumer events through research, advocacy, and training.
- MPI (Meeting Professionals International – UK & Ireland Chapter) One of the largest global event associations, providing education and global networking.
- ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) Global leader in the international meetings industry, offering data and connections.
Industry reading list
Staying informed means keeping up with magazines, trade media, and blogs that shape the sector. Here are some of our top picks:
- Conference News – Covers UK venues, suppliers, and market updates.
- Conference & Meetings World – Global perspective on conferences.
- Exhibition News – Essential for trade and consumer exhibition organisers.
- Event Industry News – Digital-first coverage of news, tech, and trends.
- C&IT Magazine (Conference & Incentive Travel) – Leading UK publication for incentive planners.
- Meetings & Incentive Travel (M&IT) – Industry insights and awards coverage.
- Exhibition World – International exhibition sector focus.
- Stand Out Magazine – Practical case studies and supplier insights.
- Skift Meetings – In-depth analysis on meetings and hospitality.
- Smart Meetings – International meetings coverage with a UK perspective.
- PA Life – Magazine aimed at PAs and EAs.
Social media groups to follow
Joining online groups fosters community support, collaboration, and real-time updates.
Helpful hashtags include: #EventProfs, #MeetingsMatter, #EventTech.
LinkedIn Groups
- Event Industry Networking Group
- UK Event Planners & Organisers
- Meetings & Events Professionals
- Sustainable Event Professionals
Facebook Groups
- Event Planners UK
- UK Event Organisers Network
- The Delegate Wranglers
- Event Professionals UK
