50 stats every UK conference organiser should know

Here are our essential statistics for conference organisers in the UK. From the economic impact of the industry to the most popular event types and locations, these stats offer valuable insights for anyone planning a conference or meeting. Learn about the growth projections for the industry, the top sectors for business events, and much more. Get the data you need to make informed decisions and stay ahead of the competition.


  • The UK conference and meetings industry is worth an estimated £20 billion annually.
  • The average conference budget in the UK is £27,000.
  • The most popular types of conferences in the UK are academic and scientific conferences.
The UK is home to more than 10,000 conference venues.
(Eventbrite UK)
  • The average number of attendees at a UK conference is 100.
  • The average cost per attendee at a UK conference is £225.
  • The UK conference industry employs more than 370,000 people.
  • London is the most popular destination for conferences in the UK, with more than 70% of all UK conferences held there.
  • 84% of UK businesses say that attending conferences is an important part of their marketing strategy.
  • 76% of UK conference attendees make purchasing decisions based on what they see at conferences.
  • 70% of UK conference attendees are more likely to become customers after attending a conference.
  • 50% of UK conference attendees come to conferences to learn about new products or services.
  • 46% of UK conference attendees come to conferences to network with other professionals.
  • 30% of UK conference attendees come to conferences to be inspired.
  • 20% of UK conference attendees come to conferences to be entertained.
  • 90% of UK conference attendees say that live conferences are a valuable marketing tool.
  • 77% of UK conference attendees say that they have a more positive opinion of a company after attending a conference.
  • The UK conference industry is expected to grow by 5.1% annually through 2025.
  • 57% of UK businesses plan to increase their conference budgets in the next year.
  • 68% of UK businesses say that conferences are the most effective way to promote their brand.
  • 89% of UK businesses believe that conferences help them to achieve their business objectives.
  • 94% of UK businesses say that conferences are an important part of their marketing mix.
  • 61% of UK conference attendees are women.
  • 39% of UK conference attendees are men.
  • The average age of a UK conference attendee is 35-44.
In 2019, the UK's conference and meetings industry contributed £18.1 billion to the economy.
(Meetings Industry Association)
  • 33% of UK conference attendees are aged 18-34.
  • 32% of UK conference attendees are aged 35-49.
  • 20% of UK conference attendees are aged 50-64.
  • 15% of UK conference attendees are aged 65 or over.
  • 61% of UK conference attendees are from the UK.
  • 23% of UK conference attendees are from Europe.
  • 10% of UK conference attendees are from North America.
  • 6% of UK conference attendees are from Asia.
  • The most popular months for conferences in the UK are June, July, and September.
  • 78% of UK conference attendees say that they would attend a conference again.
  • 80% of UK businesses believe that conferences help to generate leads.
  • 57% of UK businesses believe that conferences help to increase sales.
  • 45% of UK businesses believe that conferences help to build brand awareness.
  • 38% of UK businesses believe that conferences help to engage with customers.
  • 57% of UK businesses believe that conferences help to create a positive image for their brand.
  • The UK conference industry is the fourth largest in the world, after the US, Germany, and China.
In 2019, there were 1.4 million business events held in the UK.
(Meetings Industry Association)
  • The average duration of a UK conference is 1.8 days. (Meetings Industry Association)
  • The UK events industry employs over 700,000 people. (BVEP)
  • In 2019, 20% of the UK's conference and meetings industry business came from international clients. (Meetings Industry Association)
  • The UK is the second most popular European destination for international conferences, after Germany. (ICCA)
  • In 2019, the most popular UK city for hosting conferences was London, followed by Birmingham and Manchester. (Meetings Industry Association)
  • In 2019, the largest sector for UK business events was healthcare and pharmaceuticals, accounting for 19% of all events held. (Meetings Industry Association)
  • According to a survey by Cvent, 72% of UK event planners cited budget as their top challenge in 2020, followed by finding the right venue (46%) and time management (45%).
  • The average budget for a UK conference in 2019 was £49,600.

References:

BVEP - UK Events Industry Facts & Figures

Eventbrite UK - The UK Events Report

Conference News - UK Conference and Meeting Survey

Oxford Economics - The Economic Significance of the UK Meetings & Events Industry

Meetings Industry Association

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