Insights from the Event Production Show 2026

The East Anglian Festival Network (EAFN) has just returned from a busy and productive two days at the Event Production Show at ExCeL London. It was fantastic to see so many familiar faces and meet the new innovators shaping the future of the UK’s outdoor event industry.

For those who couldn’t make it, here is a breakdown of what Mike and Hayley discovered on your behalf:

On the Ground: Networking & Collaboration

Mike was present for both days, hosting pre-planned meetings and walking the floor to catch up with our members. Hayley joined for a high-energy second day to help facilitate our growing list of industry connections.

The recurring theme this year? Collaboration over competition. In our conversations with other exhibitors and suppliers, there was a palpable shift toward “resource sharing.” By working together on logistics and regional procurement, we can collectively drive down costs and reduce our carbon footprint across the East of England.

Key Takeaways from the Sessions

We spent time in several of the seminar theatres to ensure The EAFN stays at the forefront of industry standards. Here are the “Big Three” insights for our members:

1. Sustainability is the New Standard: Following the recent “Show Must Go On” report by Vision for Sustainable Events which was launched in the House of Commons, the focus has shifted from “recycling bins” to Scope 3 emissions. Expect to see more focus on how your audience travels to your event.
2. The AIF Forecast: The Association of Independent Festivals shared data suggesting a cautious but optimistic 2026. Audience spending habits are shifting toward “experience-heavy” value rather than just a lineup.
3. Smart Tech: From AI-driven crowd management to the “You. Smart. Thing.” travel assistant, technology is becoming more accessible for smaller, regional festivals – not just the giants.

A Note of Thanks

A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by to chat with Mike and Hayley. Whether we met in a planned session or a chance encounter in the aisles, your feedback is what allows us to represent the East of England scene so passionately on the national stage.

And also a huge thanks to Mash Media for putting on a fabulous show and to the Snoozebox team for looking after Mike.

“The energy this year felt different. There’s a real sense of evolution in the air. People aren’t just looking to get through the season; they’re looking to make it better, smarter, and more sustainable.” — Mike, EAFN

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Event Production Show 2027 will take place on 3rd and 4th March 2027

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