London’s business events sector set for strong growth, powered by bold new economic plan as city tops European rankings for third year running

London’s business events sector is poised for a new phase of growth, thanks to the city’s new London Growth Plan – with ambitions to drive sustainable growth, productivity, and opportunity across the capital over the next decade. The announcement coincides with London being named the leading European destination for meetings and events for the third year running by Cvent.

Returning to IMEX Frankfurt 2025, the London Convention Bureau is showcasing 22 of the city’s best hotels, venues, and destinations management companies. This year will also see Deputy Mayor for Business and Growth, Howard Dawber, join the London delegation. He will be connecting with event organisers and emphasising the importance of business tourism to London’s economy.

MORE EVENTS CHOOSE LONDON

As London is crowned Cvent’s top meetings and events destination for the third consecutive year, the city continues to attract several major conferences and exhibitions.

• The European Society for Organ Transplantation (ESOT) will bring 3,500 delegates to Excel London in June 2025, focusing on the future of medicine
• Tobacco Dock will welcome the prestigious Kauffman Fellows Summit in November, uniting global venture capital leaders and entrepreneurs
• Hilton London Metropole will host SailPoint Navigate EMEA, a key cybersecurity and identity governance conference

Recent event highlights also include KubeCon CloudNative Con which hosted 12,000 people at Excel London. As well as the Europe Congress MCE North & West Europe at Mercure London Earl’s Court and Microsoft AI Tour EMEA.

Next year shows no signs of slowing. London will host the International Trademark Association’s Annual Meeting, its first in the city, and the Mary Kay Conference in May, with more major event announcements expected this summer.

EXPERIENCE-LED GROWTH & INFRASTRUCTURE EXPANSION

At the heart of the London Growth Plan is investment in the Experience Economy. Designed to regenerate local areas and create vibrant, sustainable places to live, work and visit. London is already gaining momentum on this front:

• Olympia London’s £1.3 billion redevelopment, set to transform West London into a cultural and entertainment district featuring a new theatre, music arena, and two hotels
• Excel London’s 25,000 sqm expansion, will reinforce its status as Europe’s largest fully integrated convention and exhibition centre
• The National Gallery’s £85m revamp of the Sainsbury Wing will enhance the business events sector as well as the hospitality industry

Hotels also play a vital role in the Experience Economy and are seeing rapid growth. Following 24 openings last year, London is set to welcome 50 new properties across the capital.

The likes of Rosewood Chancery Lane will take over the former US Embassy building in Grosvenor Square in September this year. An iconic building and former department store – Whiteleys – is soon to house the Six Senses London towards the end of 2025. And the opening of The Zetter Bloomsbury in October will mark Zetter’s first opening in 10 years. 

The city’s hotel landscape will continue to diversify, with affordable additions including Imbiba’s House of Gods, Travelodge London Chiswick, and CitizenM London Olympia.

Barbara Jamison-Woods, Head of Europe, Convention Bureau at London & Partners, said: “It’s an exciting time to be doing business in London. The London Growth Plan affirms our commitment to hosting events that serve communities and drive economic growth. The diversity of new venues, hotels, and events reflects London’s ability to adapt and lead across industries – from AI to life sciences. London is laying the foundation for a new era of growth and we’re proud to help shape the city’s future as a global business tourism hub.”

Visit the London Convention Bureau at Stand F440 (Halle 8) at IMEX Frankfurt to meet London’s leading businesses and discover how the team can help bring your next event to the UK capital.