Everything you missed from EBL25: Read our review and check out our gallery
If you missed Event Buyers Live (EBL) 2025, check out our gallery and discover why the industry event is a hit with so many event professionals…
“After another busy summer season, returning to Event Buyers Live (EBL) was a perfect way to bookend 2025 and commence 2026,” explained Adam Fellows, operations manager at NW Live. Fellows is talking to StandOut about his recent experience at EBL, the hosted buyer event which facilitates pre-arranged meetings between event organisers and suppliers.
He used EBL25 to meet new suppliers, make new contacts, and have open discussions with other event professionals about the challenges that everyone has faced this year. And he was not alone in his praise for the event that’s comprised of productive business meetings, friendly networking, and insightful content.
In fact, Joshua Carr, event manager at Cuffe and Taylor, told StandOut that the entire event has changed his outlook on networking and given him more confidence to approach suppliers in the future.
“This is music to my ears and really heart-warming to hear,” said Neil Fagg, co-founder of EBL, which was held earlier this month (November 10-12). “Our team spend so much time supporting our guests so they feel welcomed and comfortable that receiving feedback like this makes the hard work so worthwhile.”
Fagg continued: “Thanks to the time we spend pre-event, trying to understand everyone’s needs, we know that not everyone feels comfortable networking. Some people are daunted walking into a room full of people, who seem like the most confident people ever. But not everyone is. So to have created a space that is like a big warm, professional hug and that still delivers on so many levels is amazing.”
GENUINE CARE
Like Carr, Tristan Batley-Kyle, operations director at Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All, attended EBL for the first time. He said: “It was my first EBL and I thoroughly enjoyed the three days. It allowed me to meet industry colleagues as well as suppliers, which made for a great mix of discussion and reflection.
I would definitely recommend the event to anyone else who is thinking of attending.” Mia Barrett, project manager at Method
Events, concurred and also echoed Fagg’s point. She said: “I think the EBL team are all such lovely people, and it is clear they all work so hard to make the event as welcoming to everyone as is humanly possible. They have a genuine care for all attendees which is a huge part of what makes the entire experience so enjoyable for everyone involved.
“We had such a great experience,” Barrett continued. “It’s so much fun, having proper time to nurture relationships that you rely on throughout the year, and it’s the best format for actual networking and exploring new and exciting opportunities within the industry.”
WELCOMING AND WORTHWHILE
Focused, purposeful, constructive, welcoming, fun, and worthwhile were just some of the words used by other event professionals to describe their experience at this year’s event, which once again returned to the beautiful surroundings of Carden Park Hotel, Cheshire.
EBL welcomed more than 220 event professionals and provided all attendees with a platform to have candid conversations about project requirements and procurement. Plus, there were lots of opportunities to take part in comprehensive but relaxed content sessions that enabled people to openly share their recent event experiences.
Kelly Walker, events director at TR Global Events, agreed. She said that EBL continues to “impress” with content sessions and roundtables that are “consistently” strong, offering insights on topics “rarely covered at similar events”.
DELIVERS REAL VALUE
EBL25 consisted of more than 540 pre- arranged supplier meetings, 22 content sessions, one Fireside Chat, three NetWalks, more networking than you could imagine, and a hilarious live auction that helped EBL to raise £10,000 for the British Heart Foundation.
Claire McDowall, events, culture and tourism manager at City of Lincoln Council, visited EBL for the first time and admitted that it exceeded her expectations. Whilst Clare Goodchild, director of We Organise Chaos, and EBL ambassador, described the event as focused, well considered, educational and conducive to good networking. She commented: “EBL delivers every year without fail.”
Jack Saward, managing director of Saward Marketing and Events, agreed. He said of his EBL experience: “Time is precious, and stepping away from the desk or a client’s live project isn’t always easy to justify. But Event Buyers Live is one of those events
that always delivers real value, both in the people you meet and the conversations you have. It’s an environment that encourages genuine connection and often inspires future collaborations. For me personally, and for Saward Marketing and Events, it’s a few days that always feel worth the investment.”
Similarly, Imperial College Union’s Roberto Sorrentino, events manager, and Kat Iliopoulou, head of commercial services, concurred: “This was the first Event Buyers Live we attended and it has been one of the best industry events we have ever joined! There was a good selection of suppliers in a great setting that enabled meaningful and productive conversations and there was a wide variety of hosted buyers, which made all networking opportunities very valuable.”
NUMBER ONE EVENT
Stuart Cole, managing director of Wise Parking, was just one of the many suppliers, who supported the event. He commented: “I’d heard tales of EBL, but to experience it was a delight. Once the meetings started and we got chatting with so many wonderful people, it was the best two days of the year for me personally, and for us as a business. It is easy to see why it is the number one event of the year.”
Morgan Denton, director at RedBox Events, concurred with Cole. Denton, a big advocate of EBL, had this to say: “EBL is without doubt the best single piece of marketing we do! What’s not to love, 200+ vetted and curated event professionals with budget and open to our services locked in a hotel for two days with us. Let’s keep this our little secret, shall we.”
Ivan Mariacher, director of Trojan Security, who returned to EBL for a second year, also had an “exceptional experience”. He said: “Event Buyers Live 2025 truly delivered on its promise to connect key players across the events industry. The blend of structured meetings, open networking, and insightful discussions created a professional yet relaxed environment that encouraged genuine collaboration. For Trojan Security, it was a fantastic opportunity to engage with organisers and buyers who share our commitment to safety, innovation, and service excellence. Every conversation was purposeful, and the quality of attendees made the event stand out as one of the most valuable networking forums in the sector. I left with fresh perspectives, strong new partnerships, and a renewed sense of motivation for the year ahead. EBL is, without question, a must-attend for anyone serious about driving quality and professionalism within the events industry.”
UNMISSABLE
Events professionals from UEFA EURO 2028 UK and Ireland, Far and Beyond, LS Events, Boomtown, Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, RunThrough, Stable Events, ASO UK, Imagination, Live Nation, RG Live, TFI Lodestar, Gemfest, The Great Run Company, Boardmasters, Y Not Festival, Lawn Tennis Association, and The Fair attended the respected event.
Stephen Bailey, event co-ordinator at Bolton Council, hailed the event as excellent and believed it was focused to the industry’s needs with all the right people in the room to do business with.
In fact, Catherine Bishop, head of operations at Stable Events, described EBL as “unmissable”.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to plan for the year ahead and connect with contractors you rarely get the chance to meet face-to-face,” she explained.
THANK YOU
“EBL25 provided a safe and comfortable environment for our guests to have so many conversations about how they navigated the challenges of 2025 and how they plan to make their events better for 2026,” Fagg explained further. “We know that everyone within the events industry is talking about how they can enhance their customers’ experiences, and we know that because of the thoughtful conversations that were taking place this year.
“It’s because of our guests’ willingness to share their experiences and be open about what they want and need that have helped transform EBL into what it is today.”
Fagg continued: “When we first launched EBL, one of our guests called it ‘the place to do business’ and for a long time it really was that. But now it’s so much more. It’s the place to network, it’s the place to exchange experiences, and it’s the place to plan and to listen. More importantly, it’s the place where you can be yourself, surrounded by absolute event legends.”
Chris Price, event director of The Boat Race, agreed. He said: “Event Buyers Live is a unique event that creates a seamless platform for event organisers and suppliers to discuss new ideas, new business, and have meaningful conversations in both formal and social settings. It’s 100 per cent worthwhile and I’d recommend it to anyone thinking of attending.”
Fagg concluded: “EBL was born out of a love for our amazing industry. This year was EBL’s 11th outing. Last year, we celebrated our tenth edition with a big celebration but this year, our focus was to make sure anyone and everyone was welcomed to the event with open arms. The industry has had a tough year, so we wanted everyone to feel like we cared. Personally, I think we achieved that but like every event, there are lessons to learn. Now, we have already turned our attention to EBL26 and we are making a few tweaks to the event so that next year’s event delivers on yet another level.
“Finally, I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone that attended and supported our team, and who made it so special. From our speakers, our ambassadors, and our event partners, everyone played their part and delivered an amazing showcase for our amazing industry. Here’s to moving forward and 2026!”
*Would you like to check out more? Take a look at our amazing round-up video.
*Special thanks to Swift MRP, Endigo Event Communications, Hire Frequencies, Carden Park, Tysers Live, Style Branding, Delegate Select, AIF, NOQ, onboard.earth, We Are Plaster, and British Heart Foundation.
Images: We are Plaster
