Event Production Show 25-26 February 2026
Programme
10.15-10.55
AI in Events: How AI is Affecting Your Event
What are the tangible impacts and opportunities of AI in the events industry. How is it affecting both the production of events and the visitor experience.
Goc O’Callaghan, UBX
11:20-12:00
Medical, Safety and Health Trends for 2026
A look at the changing needs in spectator safety. How can we prepare for new challenges in audience care, from drug misuse to wellbeing. What provisions need to be provided on site, and how will these differ from previous years.
Chris Howes, Event Medical Association | Rick Bate, President, IoSH | Linda Krawecke, TTK Welfare | Bev Osborne, Training 4 Resilience
12:20-13:00
Placemaking, Government Relations and How Events Boost Economies
An argument for the power of events to stimulate local and national economies, told through the perspective of the placemaking boom happening across the UK. Featuring case studies and discussion on how events are stimulating towns, cities and nations.
Alasdair Moore, Intrepid Collection | George Bacon MBE
14.15-14.55
Drone Technology 2026
Drones remain one of the most exciting and expansive areas of event production. In 2026, the technology is set to expand even further, so what will this look like, and how can event organisers work with providers to create the truly extraordinary.
Tom Rees AeroAVA | Julie Coates Walker, Arena Racing Company
15.20-16.00
Gaining and Keeping Sponsorship in 2026
How can the industry work better with brands. What are they after from their event spend, and how can we demonstrate the value of investing, long term, in events.
Al Turner, EI8HT PR & Marketing | Cris Cricerello, Wasserman | Anjna Raheja, Car Fest
Information
The National Outdoor Events Association (NOEA) has announced the continuation of its content partnership with Event Production Show (EPS), as it presents a full line-up of content on day one of the 2026 show.
Taking place on 25 February 2026, the programme will bring together leading voices from across the outdoor and live events sector, focusing on the real-world challenges and opportunities facing event producers today, from safety and sponsorship to emerging technology and the future shape of the industry.
The programme blends aspirational thinking with practical insight and is reflective of NOEA’s agenda to represent and reflect the changing shape of modern events. Sessions will explore how AI is already transforming event delivery, with Goc O’Callaghan of UBX opening the day with real-world examples of how data and automation are reshaping both production and audience experience.
The wider economic and societal role of events will also be explored through a placemaking lens, with Alasdair Moore of Intrepid Collection sitting alongside independent producer George Bacon MBE, while emerging production technologies will be brought to life through an interview with Tom Rees of AeroAVA and Julie Coates Walker from Arena Racing Company, looking at how drones and new formats are changing the creative possibilities of live events.
The day will conclude with a forward-looking discussion on sponsorship and long-term brand partnerships, featuring insights from Al Turner of EI8HT PR & Marketing, Cris Cicerello of Wasserman and Anjna Raheja from CarFest, focusing on how organisers can secure investment in an increasingly competitive landscape.
“You are doing an AMAZING job supporting members”
“We have been glued to your information bulletins.”
“… had to drop you a line to say how amazing your communications have been …”
“… the daily emails summarising the position, especially related to events, are very useful indeed …”
“Thank you for your time and commitment keeping us updated about the effects of the pandemic on the events industry.”
“Keep ’em coming … NOEA’s proactivity on this topic is much appreciated!”
“NOEA has been absolutely fantastic in your support for all of us.”
“I’m sure all your members are thankful for your assistance in these trying times.”
“You guys are doing an amazing job of supporting the industry – you were out there first and are such a key resource!”
“Thank you for all your information and updates.”