Katarina Railko brings a wealth of specialized knowledge to the table as a seasoned hospitality expert with a career rooted in the travel and tourism sectors. Her deep affinity for expos and conferences has made her a prominent voice in the business events industry, where she advocates for the intersection of entertainment and high-level corporate strategy. In this discussion, Railko explores the upcoming 2026 Policy Forum at Savoy Place, an event poised to redefine the UK’s standing in the global events market. The conversation delves into the parliamentary inquiry into major events, the complexities of implementing security mandates like Martyn’s Law, and the vital role of accessibility in modern event planning. Through her insights, we examine how the collaboration between policymakers and industry leaders can foster a more competitive and inclusive economic landscape.
How do you envision the 2026 Policy Forum at Savoy Place shifting the needle for the business events economy? What specific policy initiatives are currently most critical for growth, and how can industry leaders ensure these ideas translate into actionable government legislation?
The upcoming Policy Forum at Savoy Place on July 7, 2026, represents a pivotal moment for our industry to finally bridge the gap between abstract ideas and concrete legislative progress. By gathering a diverse range of voices—from campaigners to top-tier politicians—the forum creates a high-stakes environment where the business events economy is treated as a core pillar of national growth rather than a secondary concern. To ensure these initiatives result in real law, we must focus on the evidence gathered during the parliamentary hearings held last December, which highlighted our sector’s immense economic contributions. Industry leaders need to present a unified front, using the forum’s platform to demonstrate how policy changes can directly stimulate international investment and job creation. There is a palpable sense of urgency as we look toward this date, knowing that the insights shared in those historic halls will dictate our trajectory for the next decade.
With the parliamentary inquiry into major events examining international competitiveness, what are the primary hurdles currently holding the sector back? Could you outline the specific steps the Select Committee might recommend to help sporting and cultural events better compete on a global scale?
One of the most significant hurdles we face is the fragmented nature of how we approach international competitiveness, which is exactly why the Major Events Inquiry led by Dame Caroline Dineage is so vital. The inquiry is specifically designed to examine the challenges and opportunities within sporting, cultural, and business events to see where the UK might be losing its edge to rival markets. I expect the Select Committee to recommend a more streamlined support system that simplifies the logistics of hosting world-class events, perhaps through improved tax incentives or specialized visa pathways for international talent. There is a real desire among stakeholders to see a roadmap that elevates the UK’s status, ensuring that when the next major cultural or sporting event is up for bid, our infrastructure and policy framework are undeniable assets. By analyzing the evidence given during the initial parliamentary hearings, the committee can identify the red tape that stifles innovation and replace it with a competitive, forward-thinking strategy.
Security mandates like Martyn’s Law and accessibility standards are increasingly vital for large-scale gatherings. How can event organizers practically balance the costs of these necessary upgrades with the need for profitability, and what metrics should be used to measure the success of these inclusivity initiatives?
Balancing the financial bottom line with the moral and legal imperatives of security and accessibility is perhaps the most delicate act an organizer performs today. With advocates like Figen Murray and Dr. Shani Dhanda leading the charge, it is clear that measures like Martyn’s Law are not just optional extras but fundamental components of a modern, responsible event. Organizers can manage these costs by integrating security and accessibility into the earliest phases of planning, treating them as core infrastructure rather than expensive retrofits. Success shouldn’t just be measured in dollars; we should look at “inclusion scores” and attendee diversity data to see if our spaces are truly welcoming to everyone. When an event feels safe and accessible, it builds a level of trust and loyalty that pays dividends in long-term attendance and brand reputation, far outweighing the initial setup costs.
Having the Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events involved suggests a deeper link between industry and government. In what ways can senior leaders more effectively lobby for the sector’s interests, and what are the most common mistakes made when presenting evidence to parliamentary committees?
The involvement of Martin Rhodes and the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Events provides a rare direct line to the heart of government, but senior leaders must be surgical in how they use it. The most effective lobbying happens when we speak the language of the Treasury, translating the “magic” of events into hard data regarding regional development and export value. One common mistake is providing overly broad or emotional testimony without the support of specific, localized economic figures that show exactly how a policy shift will benefit a specific constituency. We need to move away from general pleas for support and instead offer policymakers ready-made solutions that align with their broader goals for national productivity. When we present evidence, as we did last December, the goal must always be to make the politician’s job easier by showing them exactly how our growth serves the public interest.
Since international associations like PCMA are participating in these policy discussions, how do global trends in business events compare to the current climate in the UK? What specific strategies from other markets could be adapted locally to foster a more resilient and diverse event ecosystem?
Having Sherrif Karamat from PCMA involved brings a crucial global perspective, reminding us that the UK is competing in a truly international arena where trends shift rapidly. Many overseas markets have successfully fostered resilience by creating “event zones” that offer streamlined regulatory environments, a strategy that could be adapted here to boost our own regional hubs. We are seeing a global move toward hyper-personalized event experiences and sustainable practices, which are becoming non-negotiable for international associations when choosing a host city. By observing how other markets integrate digital layers with physical gatherings, the UK can develop a more diverse ecosystem that isn’t solely dependent on traditional models. Adapting these global best practices locally will require a shift in mindset, moving toward a more agile and tech-forward approach that ensures our venues remain the first choice for the world’s most influential gatherings.
What is your forecast for the business events sector?
I forecast a period of intense transformation where the business events sector moves from the periphery of the economy to a central role in the UK’s industrial strategy. As the findings of the Major Events Inquiry are implemented, we will see a more formalized partnership between the government and industry leaders, leading to more robust funding and support frameworks. The focus will shift heavily toward “impact legacy,” where the success of a conference is measured by the long-term professional and social changes it triggers in the host city. While the initial costs of adapting to new security and accessibility standards may be a hurdle, they will ultimately result in a more professionalized and resilient industry. By 2026 and beyond, I expect the UK to reclaim its spot as a global leader by successfully blending its rich cultural heritage with a modern, policy-backed infrastructure that attracts the brightest minds from across the globe.
