The organiser of Event Buyers Live has announced that Falklands War veteran, Simon Weston CBE, will deliver the keynote opening address at the hosted buyers event next year.

In 1982, the Sir Galahad was destroyed in Bluff Cove on the Falkland Islands. On board was Weston, Welsh Guardsman, a name and face that was going to become well known for his struggle to overcome his injuries (46 per cent burns) and redefine his role in life.

Weston’s message is one of achievement, of triumph over adversity, of seizing the moment and succeeding, and one that he will deliver to a room of high profile events professionals on February 21 at The Belfry Hotel and Resort. Weston, who is currently the patron of the Falklands Veterans Foundation, the Enham Trust, Allied Service Trust and an ambassador for Changing Faces, will not only talk about overcoming adversity and positive mental attitude but also his experience of being in the public eye for more than 30 years.

Neil Fagg, event director at Event Buyers Live, commented: “We’re so excited to have worked with Champions Speakers to welcome Simon to Event Buyers Live. He has so many stories to share, and a lot of wisdom to impart. We look forward to welcoming Simon to Event Buyers Live in February and am sure that our delegates will be inspired by his stories too.”

Now in its fifth year, Event Buyers Live will again facilitate pre-arranged face-to-face meetings between prominent event organisers and suppliers. To date, budget holders and key decision makers from IMG, Loudsound, London Marathon, SME London, Henley Festival, Boomtown and European Championships – to name a few – have signed up to attend the event. They will take part in the meetings and take advantage of the many networking opportunities. Furthermore, the event features a range of practical and insightful roundtables and educational seminars.

The content of the event is always well received, as Jim Davey, founder and managing director of Redwood Event Solutions, explained: “I thought the business opportunities, calibre of contractor and targeted opportunities were fantastic. The speakers were superb and there’s always a little room in the old grey matter for us all to learn, I certainly did.”

Fagg concluded: “Over the years, Event Buyers Live has been praised for its speaker programme, which leaves organisers feeling inspired and motivated. The demand for #EBL18 has been very motivational and with all supplier and organiser positions closing Friday, this demonstrates the increased popularity of this fantastic event.”

More information on the speakers can be found here: www.eventbuyerslive.com/speakers