- News
EIA Launches Campaign for UK-EU Events Trade Deal
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By Ryan Moss
- 01 Jul 2025
- 3 min read
The Events Industry Alliance (EIA) has launched a campaign calling on UK and EU policymakers to prioritise a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) for the business events sector in future trade talks.
The campaign urges the UK government to pursue bilateral deals with EU member states for visa-free travel for event professionals, and to develop a sector-specific MRA that would ease cross-border operations. The UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) already provides a framework for such arrangements, and the EIA believes the time is right to act.
The campaign is backed by a cross-party group of MPs, including Shaun Davies, Labour MP for Telford and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events. He described business events as “a vital driver of trade, innovation and regional growth” and said an MRA would “reduce friction, support exporters and reaffirm the UK’s role as a world-leading destination.”
It also has support from the European Exhibition Industry Alliance (EEIA), which represents organisers, venues, and suppliers across the continent. EEIA Secretary General Barbara Weizsäcker said reducing barriers “would ease operational challenges and strengthen cooperation,” benefiting both the UK and EU industries.
The UK’s business events sector hosts more than 1,100 exhibitions annually, attracts over 7 million attendees, and supports over 100,000 jobs. In 2023, the industry grew by 17%, compared to just 0.1% GDP growth nationally.
Despite its value, the sector has been largely excluded from post-Brexit discussions. UK suppliers continue to face rising costs and operational barriers when working with EU clients. According to an EIA survey, 82% of suppliers say Brexit has negatively impacted their operations, with 67% reporting direct business losses.
One major casualty was the relocation of the world’s largest gaming and technology trade show from London to Barcelona, estimated to have cost the UK economy £250 million. The EIA argues that a sector-specific MRA could help prevent further losses and secure the UK’s global competitiveness in business events.
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