European business travel picked up pace significantly in 2025, with a positive uptick in business travel for events and conferences. The industry anticipates a continuation of the momentum in 2026 as well, driven by the increasing need for corporate engagement, advanced networking and higher productivity. That’s where London is leading the pack in Europe and is poised to remain the top destination in the continent for business events in 2026 as well. Are you wondering why?
Let’s find out more about this below.
London Scores Big in Business Event Rankings for 2025 and 2026
London has been ranked as the top meetings and events destination by Cvent for the third year in a row. The ranking highlighted the UK capital’s easy accessibility for business travellers like you, with six airports and an effective public transportation network. At the same time, London has also been identified as the top destination for events and meetings across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East in 2026 as per a new American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) survey. The rankings account for multiple factors like the ease of travel and transportation for attendees, physical security and safety, cost-effectiveness for participants and organisers, local attractions and recent public investments, sustainability or ESG aspects and a robust experience for attendees.
The UK capital maintained its position as the top city in this category once again, with respondents highlighting its global accessibility, diverse portfolio of venues and its rich culture. The strong transportation connections and dynamic environment for business were highlighted as major factors behind London’s enduring appeal in the survey. In fact, London’s dominance in the meetings and events category was visible through the growth of the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) category throughout 2025.
Interestingly, the UK events industry accounted for £61.65bn in economic contributions, with London taking up the lion’s share of the same. Top events included The Business Show (ExCeL), AI and Big Data Expo Global 2025 (Olympia), FinovateEurope 2025 (InterContinental O2), UK Fintech Week (Guildhall), London Business Expo (Olympia) and the London Global Convention (House of Lords and Mayfair). Hosting mega business events and conferences seamlessly has only bolstered London’s reputation as a top-tier European destination in this category.
Why London Is Set to Make a Mark in 2026 and Beyond
There are several reasons why London is set to maintain its leadership in the European meetings and events category in 2026. For starters, the city scores big with the availability of top venues, such as Olympia London, ExCeL London, Tobacco Dock, QEII Centre and more. Here are some other factors worth considering in this regard.
- London remains one of the best-connected global cities, with six international airports and great public transportation
- Along with top-tier event venues, the UK capital also remains a hub for global business and finance, attracting leading industries and enabling networking opportunities
- There is no shortage of business-friendly accommodation or corporate serviced apartments in London, available at competitive rates for corporate travellers. The city offers a diverse range of options to suit every budget, along with flexible lease terms designed specifically for extended stays.
- London remains a hit with Bleisure travellers as well, combining business and productivity with top-notch cultural offerings like museums and theatres
- A flourishing cultural and dining circuit broaden London’s appeal for global business travellers, along with historic landmarks and riverside experiences
- A citywide focus on sustainability also helps businesses adhere to their ESG (environmental, social, governance) blueprints while organising major business events and conferences
- As one of the world’s foremost technology centres, London offers wonderfully equipped event spaces and conference venues. You can expect cutting-edge AV equipment, live streaming solutions, video conferencing facilities, high-speed Wi-Fi and social media engagement, complete with VR and wearables for next-level experiences
Choose London for Your Next Business Event or Conference
If you’re planning a big-ticket business conference or event in Europe, London is clearly the place to be! It’s got everything that corporates require, ranging from cost-effective and wide-ranging serviced apartments with business-friendly amenities to multiple established event venues. At the same time, the city has a robust transportation network, great public infrastructure and amenities and top-tier dining, shopping and cultural experiences. Accessibility and a strategic global location make London stand out amidst other European destinations, along with the overall quality of life.
The city’s continued economic growth, the rise of startups and its status as a sustainable and tech-first destination have all contributed to its appeal in the MICE segment. Going forward, in 2026, the global hospitality industry anticipates London to keep pulling the punches as the foremost destination in Europe for business events, meetings and conferences. If you’re a business traveller or a company with a direct interest in this segment, it’s time to wake up to the magic of London without further ado.