East Midlands events community unites for third annual charity gala supporting Maggie’s Nottingham

East Midlands Elite builds on Expo success and more than £35,000 raised for local charities.

Following the outstanding success of its 2026 Expo, East Midlands Elite (EME) has announced its third annual charity event, bringing together the East Midlands events community for an evening of networking, entertainment and fundraising in support of Maggie’s Nottingham.

The event will take place on Friday 14 August 2026 at the iconic National Space Centre, Leicester, from 7pm until late.

East Midlands Elite is a thriving community of event professionals from across the East Midlands, including venues, event agencies, suppliers, event buyers and industry partners. Founded to encourage collaboration, share best practice and strengthen relationships across the region’s events industry, EME is also passionate about giving back to local communities.

Earlier this year, EME hosted its largest-ever East Midlands Elite Expo, welcoming more than 60 qualified event buyers and 40 exhibitors, further strengthening the region’s events industry through collaboration, education and business opportunities.

The charity gala continues a tradition that has already seen East Midlands Elite raise more than £35,000 for local charities through its previous two annual summer fundraising events. This year’s chosen charity is Maggie’s Nottingham, which provides free practical, emotional and psychological support for people living with cancer, as well as their families and friends.

The event has been made possible through the collaboration of industry-leading venues, suppliers, agencies and event professionals from across the East Midlands, all donating their time, expertise and services to create an unforgettable evening in support of Maggie’s Nottingham.

Guests can look forward to an evening featuring live band entertainment, a silent auction, an exciting raffle and a number of special surprises, with every pound raised helping Maggie’s Nottingham continue its life-changing work.

Beyond fundraising, the event also aims to showcase the strength of the East Midlands events industry, highlighting the exceptional talent, collaboration and venues the region has to offer, while raising the profile of the region and generating vital funds for local charities that make a real difference within our communities.

Tia Goadby, Co-Founder of East Midlands Elite, said:

“East Midlands Elite was founded to bring together the incredible event professionals we have across our region. We’ve built a community that not only creates opportunities for collaboration and business growth but also comes together to make a real difference. Every event we organise is driven by the generosity of our members, sponsors and supporters, and we’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together.”

Clair Harper, Co-Founder of East Midlands Elite, added:

“Our ambition is not only to raise as much money as possible for Maggie’s Nottingham, but also to showcase everything that makes the East Midlands events industry so special. By working together, we’re enhancing the profile of our region, celebrating the incredible talent within our industry and continuing to support local charities that provide invaluable support to people when they need it most.”

The organisers are inviting event professionals, businesses and members of the public to attend what promises to be one of the region’s most exciting charity events of the summer.

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