UKTI, APPG for Events, ILEA and the Events Industry Alliance gather at FIA

Event industry leaders from UKTI, APPG for Events, ILEA and the Events Industry Alliance gathered at Farnborough International Airshow this week for a briefing on the new Farnborough facility. On 12 July, visitors were briefed on the new area, which will feature a purpose-built space able to cater for almost any kind of exhibition, conference, meeting, dinner or launch event. The new Hall 1 will have 12,500sqm, 2,500sqm conference seats and 14 function rooms. Also in attendance were representatives from VistBritain, the UK Events Industry Board, the Business Visits & Events Partnership, VisitEngland, London & Partners and MPI UK & Ireland Chapter. James Heappey, MP for Wells and chair of the APPG for Events, said: “It has been great to not only hear about one of Britain’s greatest event success stories, but to experience it in all its glory. It is also very exciting to hear the plans for the future expansion of the show and additional events taking place on the site, with the development of the Hall 1 facility.” Michael Watton, venue director added: “We have been delighted to host such an important group of event industry figures today, hearing their insights and different perspectives on the value of major events. “We look forward to welcoming them back to the air show in two years’ time when the build of our new venue is completed, boasting the first class facilities that will make us the premier event space in the South East.” The show opened on Monday 11 July but was forced to close early due to inclement weather and flooding. It reopened 12 July for business as usual.