Buyers Networking Club | London, 2026
Type of work:
Moderating 150 events leaders exploring the complex challenges shaping the UK and global economy – and what they mean for the events industry.
Topic:
The World Today: Managing Events in Challenging Times
Client:
Buyers Network Club (BNC), Performing Artistes
Nik Gowing was invited to shape and moderate a senior-level panel exploring how global disruption is reshaping the events industry.
Set against a backdrop of geopolitical instability, economic uncertainty, rapid advances in AI and growing sustainability pressures, the session challenged event leaders to rethink how they plan, deliver and future-proof their work.
Nik led the discussion, bringing together Andrew Grill, Lucy Siegle and Ian King to examine the systemic forces impacting the sector. Rather than a traditional panel, the session focused on connecting macro-level risks. From AI disruption to sustainability demands and their real-world implications for event professionals.
“The latest conflict impacting the Middle East is a stark reminder of how quickly our landscape can change, and how vital it is that we stay informed, adaptable, and ready to help our clients pivot.
I posed this very question to Nik Gowing. Hearing a panel of experts unpack the realities and responsibilities we face as an industry was powerful.” ️
— James Barrett, Director of Partnerships, Live Group
What we achieved
Through targeted questioning and live challenge, Nik pushed the the to panel to explore how AI is transforming audience expectations and operational delivery. How sustainability is shifting from a reputational issue to a core business requirement. And how geopolitical and economic volatility are affecting confidence, investment and planning cycles.
The discussion also surfaced a more fundamental shift: the need for greater adaptability and resilience in an industry traditionally built around predictability. By linking global trends to immediate operational decisions, the session helped participants better understand not just what is changing, but how to respond.
About Buyers Networking Club
The Buyers’ Networking Club (The BNC) is a premier UK-based association and networking club for corporate event managers and professionals. Founded in 1997, it helps members find recommended suppliers, share industry advice, and attend educational events such as The BNC Show and forums to support event planning.
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