The exhibition industry is becoming increasingly consolidated, with larger organisers acquiring successful independent businesses and scale becoming an ever-greater competitive advantage. But does bigger really mean better?
This session brings together independent organisers and industry leaders for an honest debate about what consolidation means for the future of the independent sector. Can smaller businesses compete with the buying power, international reach and resources of the major players? Or do independents have advantages that the giants simply can't replicate, from agility and entrepreneurial decision-making to specialist expertise and closer relationships with their audiences?

We'll explore where independents can still win, where scale genuinely matters, and whether staying independent is a strategic advantage or an increasingly difficult position to maintain. Expect different perspectives, challenging questions and a frank conversation about what it takes to build a successful independent exhibition business in a consolidating market.