11 NOVEMBER 2026 · ETIHAD STADIUM, MANCHESTER
The Events
Summit
A Stage is a Stage
The live events ecosystem rarely sits in the same room. On 11 November 2026, it will. The Events Summit gathers organisers, rights holders, suppliers, and governments at Etihad Stadium for a day of structured debate, not another conference of one-way presentations
WEDNESDAY 11 NOVEMBER 2026 · ETIHAD STADIUM, MANCHESTER
The Definitive Industry Platform
The Industry's Big Debate
On 11 November 2026, Etihad Stadium hosts a different kind of industry gathering. The Events Summit puts senior figures from across the live events ecosystem into open debate on the issues shaping its future, from workforce and infrastructure to funding and audience behaviour.
This is where sport, music, and business meet on equal footing. Whether you hold the rights, run the shows, or build the infrastructure behind them, you'll leave with sharper thinking and the people to act on it.
01
DEBATE
Share different perspectives, debate freely, and get involved - this is not just a keynote you sit and watch.
02
DIALOGUE
Roundtables peer to peer shared insights. Input into each workstream. Make your voice count.
03
CONNECTIONS
Deploy your best networking skills. Leverage the social programme. Get connected via the Summit App.
Four Sectors. One Stage.
Outdoor Events
Music & Live
Sport
Brands
TES 2026 Programme Outline
The summit operates on a strategic flow of high-level debate, peer-to-peer dialogue, and stadium-wide networking, designed for the decision-makers of the global events industry
Tuesday 10 November
17:00
Pre-Summit Networking Drinks
ADVANCE ACCESS · Exclusive pitch-side access for networking and photo opportunity
Wednesday 11 November
09:00
Summit Opening Plenary
The opening keynote addressing the intersection of sport, music, and business strategy.
10:30
Morning Sessions: Strategic Workstreams
Interactive peer-to-peer dialogues focusing on operational excellence and sector synergy.
13:00
Summit Networking Lunch
High-level networking across stadium hospitality zones.
14:30
Afternoon Innovation Debates
Deep-dive sessions on infrastructure innovation and future event technology.
16:30
Summit Closing Plenary & Wrap-Up
Synthesis of the day’s workstreams and final stadium stage address.
19:00
Evening Gala Programme & Awards
Celebrating sector excellence with the industry’s elite.
2026 Speakers
Rick Stainton
Cat Kevern
Chris Barrett
Jamie Dixon
John Muddeman
Samuel Hughes
CEO, The Power of Events
Chair, NOWIE
Content Director, Mash Media
Chief Creative Officer & Editor-in-Chief, MONDO | STADIA
Event Director, UKEL
Chief Creative Officer & Editor-in-Chief, MONDO | STADIA
Rights Holder Passes
1 complimentary pass per organisation upon vetting from the MEI team
Outdoor Events
Music & Live
Sport
Brand EXPERIENCE & ACTIVATION
Focused passes for organizers of large-scale festivals, outdoor shows, and public spectacles.
Concerts, tours and venues. Promoters and live production leaders shaping the live industry.
Exclusive passes for decision-makers and strategy leads within the global sports sector.
Strategic passes for corporate partners, brands, and infrastructure innovators.
Sponsors and Partners
The Events Summit is supported by global industry leaders who share our commitment to defining the future of stadium and arena experiences.
INSIDE THE VENUE
Secure a high-footfall position within the Etihad Stadium concourses. From modular shells to bespoke brand activations, place your solutions directly in the path of the industry's most influential decision-makers.
EXTERNAL AREAS
For outdoor events, temporary structures, and large-scale infrastructure providers. The stadium's exterior plaza provides the perfect stage for showcasing physical builds and vehicle activations.
THE EVENTS SUMMIT STEERING GROUP
Rick Stainton
CEO, The Power of Events
John Muddeman
Event Director, UKEL
Kate Beavan
Chair, The Events Industry Forum
Peter Heath
Former Managing Director, PLASA
Laura Armstrong
Project Director, LS Events
Sandy Case
SVP, CT Group
Nick Mattingley
Director, Decision Support Centre Ltd
Steve Heap
Chair, The Events Industry Forum
the events summit accomodation options
We have partnered with the Medock Hotels to provide preferred rates for all summit delegates. If you prefer other options, alternatives have been suggested. Please book directly using the links provided below.
The Medlock, a Radisson Blu Hotel
As our official delegate hotel, this premier venue offers exclusive preferential rates for all summit attendees.
