UK Events Industry Pushes for EU Deal to Ease Post-Brexit Barriers
The UK events industry is urging policymakers to negotiate a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) with the European Union to ease cross-border rules that have disrupted trade shows, exhibitions, and meetings since Brexit.
Britain's exit from the EU was finalized in 2020 when the two sides agreed to a trade deal.
The UK' $84.7 billion events sector has seen a drop in international exhibitors and delegates due to increased red tape, visa delays, and logistical hurdles.
'Business events support trade and regional economies. The ability to operate easily across borders is essential,' said Shaun Davies, Labour MP for Telford and chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events.
Patchwork of Systems to Navigate
Event professionals must now navigate 27 separate immigration systems. Each with its own short-term work requirements. Belgium, for example, requires a work permit even for visits under 90 days. These hurdles have forced some major shows to relocate.
One example is ICE (International Casinos Exhibition), a major gaming industry trade show. It is relocating from London to Barcelona. Organizers cite rising costs and logistical burdens for EU-based exhibitors as a driving factor in the decision.
Led by the Events Industry Alliance, the campaign seeks to restore international cooperation and position the UK as a more accessible destination for global events.
A new white paper by The Business of Events outlines further recommendations. They include reopening the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement to allow for an events-specific visa exemption, issuing clear country-by-country guidance, and creating centralized support services to help professionals comply with EU work requirements.
These steps, the paper argues, would help the UK stay competitive and grow in a post-Brexit world.
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