27/02/2026
February just said, “We smashed it,” didn’t it?
Events are well and truly back, and in the last few weeks the ESSA team has been out and about at AEO Association of Event Organisers Forums, International Confex, Event Production Show, EuroShop – The World´s No. 1 Retail Trade Fair and others. That's some step count collectively!
From packed aisles and buzzing stands to those “quick catch-ups” or deep dives, the energy has been unmistakable out there. Businesses are investing, conversations are sharper, and there’s a real appetite for doing things better and more collaboratively.
What’s stood out most? The people. Familiar faces, new ones, future partners, all sharing ideas, challenges and opportunities. That’s the magic of being back in the room together. You can’t replicate that on a screen.
If we missed you and you'd like to catch up, let’s fix that. Do drop us a message.
Comments back at HQ include:
“ExCeL was buzzing this week at International Confex, Event Production Live and The PA Show. The halls were packed with creativity, collaboration and that unmistakable events-industry energy. It was fantastic to see so many ESSA members exhibiting with such professionalism and passion, a real showcase of the strength of our community.
From meeting new members for the first time to catching up with long-standing faces, the week was productive, inspiring and genuinely fun. If this is a sign of what’s ahead, 2026 is shaping up to be a brilliant year for our sector.” – Helen Lowe, Sales & Business Development Manager
