Hospitality Live Leeds: A New Era for the MICE Industry
The hospitality industry is built on the power of human connection, yet the traditional trade show format often feels disconnected from the energy of the people who power it. On Monday 20th April 2026, we are changing the narrative. Hospitality Live Leeds is set to launch at the Royal Armouries, moving away from predictable exhibition hall layouts to introduce a fresh, festival-style approach to MICE events.
Shaking Up the Traditional Trade Show
For too long, the MICE industry has relied on rigid structures and formal exhibition stands that can sometimes stifle genuine interaction. Hospitality Live is designed to break that cycle. By replacing traditional booths with relaxed meeting spaces, we are creating an environment that feels refreshingly human and encourages real conversation and relationship-building.
The event is the result of a collaboration between passionate leaders across the hospitality sector, including Wayne Topley (Managing Director of Cedar Court Hotels and Chairman of the LHVA), Paula Kelsey (Cloud9 Events Agency), and the expert team at the Royal Armouries. Our goal is simple: to provide a platform where hospitality professionals can create meaningful connections without the “same old” trade show formalities.
A Purpose-Led Experience
At Hospitality Live Leeds, we believe that the hospitality industry should be a force for good. We are proud to champion community and positive impact through our partnership with Zarach, a charity dedicated to ending child bed poverty.
This isn’t just a corporate sponsorship; it is an active collaboration. Through our innovative bed donation program, exhibitors have the opportunity to include a brand-new bed as part of their showcase, which will then be donated to Zarach. This initiative will result in the donation of 25 beds and mattresses, providing children in need with the foundations for better sleep, wellbeing, and educational opportunity.
What to Expect: From Business to Celebration
We have curated a day that reflects the vibrant nature of Hospitality UK. Starting at 12pm, the programme features a lineup of elite venues and suppliers, curated networking, and engaging keynote speakers delivering practical, bite-sized live sessions.
However, we know that the best conversations often happen when the pressure is off. From 6pm, Hospitality Live transforms into a casual festival format. The energy stays high as we move into an evening of:
- Live Music and Drinks: A relaxed atmosphere to unwind.
- Informal Networking: Where the most valuable business relationships are often cemented.
- Street Food and Socializing: An experience-led environment designed for the modern professional.
Join the Community
Whether you are an event booker, an agency, or a venue representative, Hospitality Live offers a more effective and engaging way to connect with the MICE industry. This is a standout highlight for Leeds events, designed for those who are looking for a more authentic way to do business while supporting a legacy of positive change.
Free delegate tickets are now available, and we invite venue partners to apply for their space to be part of this inaugural event. We look forward to seeing you at the Royal Armouries events center for a day that promises to be professional, purposeful, and never stuffy.
