Relationships, collaboration and the collective strength of the business events industry were at the heart of the beam Annual Forum 2026, held at Wyboston Lakes Resort on 16 and 17 July.
Under the theme Relationships 3.0 – From Connection to Momentum, the forum explored how the connections already established across the industry can become a catalyst for action, progress and new opportunities.
Alistair Turner guided delegates through the programme as MC, keeping the event flowing and bringing together the themes emerging from each session.
Creating our own momentum
Steve Jones, Chief Executive of Wyboston Lakes Resort, welcomed delegates to the venue before Mohammad Yasin MP officially opened the forum.
Adventurer Laura Kennington delivered the opening keynote, Kairos: Find Your Momentum. Drawing on her experiences of taking on some of the world’s toughest endurance challenges, Laura encouraged delegates to stop waiting for the perfect moment and start creating their own momentum.
Exploring AI, social value and wellbeing
A series of breakout sessions gave delegates the opportunity to examine some of the issues influencing the way we work and deliver events.
Cvent’s Laura Cresswell and Jason Gutteridge explored the opportunities presented by AI for agencies, venues and hotels, looking at how it can support teams and strengthen the way businesses operate.
Matt Grey of event:decision challenged delegates to think differently about social value and how the positive impact of events can be understood, measured and communicated.
Camilla Sheelley led a wellbeing session that gave delegates time to pause, recharge and consider the importance of looking after themselves alongside the demands of working life.
One industry, one voice
A particular highlight was One Industry, One Voice – What’s Next?, chaired by Louisa Watson.
The panel brought together Douglas O’Neill of the BTA, David Tremmil of beam, Shonali Devereaux of the MIA, Robert Wright of The Business of Events and Paul Black.
Together, they considered how industry bodies can work more closely to strengthen the representation of business events. The session demonstrated the progress already being made through collaboration and reinforced the importance of presenting a unified voice to government and other key decision-makers.
David Tremmil, Chair of beam, said: “Our theme was about taking the relationships we have built and using them to create real momentum. That was evident throughout the forum, but particularly during the association panel. Although we represent different communities, we share many of the same priorities and can achieve far more when we speak and act together.”
Future proofing talent
Following an energiser from KDM Events, Julie Shorrock and Linden Beattie led a session focused on attracting, supporting and developing the next generation of industry talent.
They were joined by Summer Thompson of Aimbridge; Andrew Burns, Jonathan Read and Edward Gallier of Leonardo Hotels; Sarah Sadleir of Clermont Hotel Group; Sian Sayward of Inntel; and Sophia Montagna of Wyboston Lakes Resort.
Bringing together emerging talent and experienced industry leaders, the session explored different routes into the sector, career progression and the role employers can play in creating opportunities and demonstrating the value of investing in people.
The power of behaviour
The conference programme concluded with a keynote from Nick Saunders, who explored how small changes in behaviour can make a significant difference to the relationships we build.
His session brought the forum theme back to the everyday interactions that shape teams, businesses and partnerships, leaving delegates with practical ideas to take back into their working lives.
Networking continued during an Ibiza-themed evening event, while an early morning wild swim gave the more adventurous delegates another way to start the day and make new connections.
Supporting Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity
The Annual Forum raised £1,822 for Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity. The amount could provide 56 hours of practical and emotional support for families caring for a seriously ill child.
beam would like to thank every member who contributed, together with everyone who supported the fundraising activities during the event.
David Tremmil added: “The energy across the forum showed what happens when we create space for people to share ideas, challenge one another and build stronger relationships. We are also incredibly proud of the generosity shown for Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity. Our focus now is on carrying that momentum forward across our membership and the wider industry.”
The beam Annual Forum 2026 was supported by JustSmile, Cvent, KDM Events, Speakers Corner, The WOW Bus, Bottle Proof, Halewood Artisanal Spirits, LWC Drinks, Paddy & Scott’s, and Mr and Mrs Grey, commercial partners Greengage and Hornbeam with Wyboston Lakes Resort hosting the event.
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