The ICCA UK & Ireland Chapter brought together more than 120 association professionals, industry leaders, and experts for its 'highly successful' 2025 annual conference at Cloth Hall Court, Leeds.
Keynote speaker Jamie Jones-Buchanan MBE Photo Credit: SuppliedUnder the theme Business Beyond Borders, the conference welcomed a dynamic mix of delegates, including long-standing members and more than 40 first-time attendees to engage in insightful discussions, learning sessions, and networking opportunities. In addition, more than 30 students joined the conference on day two, demonstrating the chapter’s ongoing desire to invest in future talent.
The 2025 programme covered key industry topics such as sustainability, digital transformation, and inclusivity. Highlights included:
- A rapturously-received keynote address from Jamie Jones-Buchanan MBE, former rugby league star and director of culture, diversity and inclusion at Leeds Rhinos, on the transformative power of sport in creating social change.
- The Big Debate: A highly engaging session where industry professionals and university debating teams tackled a motion on the use of public funds to win conferences, generating spirited discussions on industry ethics and competition.
- Neurodiversity in Events: A panel session led by Gayle McGuinn from EICC, and Andy Williamson from Welcome Brain, with Clare Beach from Azura Events. The session introduced an industry-first neuroinclusive toolkit aimed at enhancing accessibility and inclusion at business events.
The event also saw a DEI hackathon with Rory Archibald of New Intent and the first ever live edition of Northstar's podcast The Meeting Room, featuring the AMI and M&IT editorial team. Beyond the educational sessions, delegates enjoyed a variety of networking opportunities, including the pre-conference networking evening at Banyan, a spectacular gala dinner at the Royal Armouries, and insightful city tours showcasing Leeds’ rich history and culture.
The Great Debate Photo Credit: SuppliedSuzanne Singleton, chair of ICCA UK & Ireland chapter, reflected on the success of the event: “The 2025 ICCA UK & Ireland Conference has demonstrated the power of collaboration, learning, and international perspectives in shaping the future of the meetings industry. The theme ‘Business Beyond Borders’ has resonated strongly, encouraging attendees to embrace innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability in their work.”
Deputy chair of the chapter, Danielle Bounds, added: “The conference would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors, to whom we are extremely grateful, particularly Levy and Lime Venue Portfolio, who this year also provided an insightful look at their sustainability initiatives and activity through a visit to their Biohub at Ings Farm as well as the Farm’s lead scientist, Dr Vincent Walsh rounding up the programme on day one.
Sponsors included:
- Levy and Lime Venue Portfolio
- Northstar Meetings Group
- Failte Ireland
- Royal Armouries
- University of Leeds Conferences and Events
- GES
- SFA Connect
- Conference Leeds
- Shocklogic
- Eventmobi
- Event Associates
- Soaring Worldwide
- Watterston Associates
The conference ended with the announcement that the 2026 Annual UK & Ireland Chapter Conference will take place in Edinburgh on 11-13 February 2026.
