Event Buyers Live, the exclusive industry event, has been hailed a resounding success following glowing feedback from those in attendance.

More than 200 events professionals gathered at Heythrop Park Resort, Oxfordshire for #EBL19, which facilitated more than 750 meetings between event organisers and suppliers.

Sponsored by Energy Generator Hire, the event presented organisers with a prime opportunity to engage new suppliers and discuss upcoming projects, as well as learn best practice advice in a series of intimate roundtables.

Key decision makers from England Hockey, IMG, Goodwood, Brand Events, Wasserman, London Marathon and WOMAD attended the event, demonstrating the sheer breadth, scale and experience of organisers in attendance.

Great opportunities

Steve Cunninhgam, director of 20-20 Events, commented: “Event Buyers Live is the new wave of industry networking. Not only is it a superb opportunity to meet all the suppliers I’m interested in, but it’s also a great opportunity to meet my peers in the industry, share and learn from their experiences.”

Rupert Bassadone, head of operations at WOMAD and director of Onsite Event Services, concurred: “Event Buyers Live is by far the most useful industry trade event available to organisers. I always look forward to it, the organisation is on point, the facilities are always excellent and the networking is unmatched.”

Richard Hughes, director of Max Wi-Fi, agreed: “Event Buyers Live is the only event I regularly attend as focused meetings with vetted buyers ensures a great ROI and opportunity to network with focused event professionals.”

“Insightful and engaging”

Julia Charles, managing director of Julia Charles Event Management, praised the “insightful” opening keynote from Iain Duncan Smith MP, who answered many questions from the floor on what Brexit means for the events industry.

Duncan Smith told the audience: “The events industry is a damn sight more important than many other industries in the UK. And I would be very happy to talk to the government about working together more cohesively.”

Piers Linney, entrepreneur and star of BBC2’s Dragons’ Den, closed the two-day event by hailing the power of live events. He said: “If you want to grow your business you need to come to events like this. These kinds of events are great – what could take you two or three years to try and fit into your diary, you can do in two days here.”

Bigger and better

Neil Fagg, director of Event Buyers Live, said of the event’s sixth outing: “The feedback we have received this year from organisers and suppliers has been incredible. It’s heartwarming to hear from the industry – readers of Stand Out magazine – how much they value Event Buyers Live – and that’s everything from the roundtables and networking opportunities to the invaluable meetings.

“Event Buyers Live will be back with a bang in 2020 [#EBL20]. By utilising attendee feedback the next edition of Event Buyers Live will be even bigger and better than ever before.”