The UK Soft Power Group (UK SPG) is the leading non-governmental body representing a wide spectrum of the UK’s most influential soft power institutions.
With members ranging from Ascot Racecourse and The Jockey Club to the Premier League, City of London, and Core Cities UK, the group champions the role of soft power as a key element of the UK’s foreign policy. In a recent report, the UK SPG outlined a series of recommendations to the UK Government aimed at strengthening the country’s global influence through more coordinated soft power strategy.
Key takeaways and what they mean for the business events industry:
Structured Government engagement
A formal engagement channel between the Government and soft power stakeholders, including business events professionals, creates opportunities for the sector to influence policy, align with national strategic objectives, and position UK hosted events as part of the wider diplomatic and cultural offer.
Strategic clarity and predictable funding
Long-term planning and predictable funding mechanisms will give event organisers and industry stakeholders greater confidence to invest in large scale international events. This stability enables the UK to attract high profile conferences and exhibitions, enhancing its global reputation.
Stronger overseas connectivity
Leveraging the expertise of UK diplomatic Posts and institutions abroad can help promote UK based business events to international delegates, exhibitors, and investors. Enhanced collaboration with embassies and trade offices can also support the recruitment of international speakers and attendees, boosting event impact and reach.
‘Digital-gateway’ to the UK
A central digital platform showcasing UK soft power assets would allow business event organisers to better market their events globally, access cross sector resources, and collaborate with cultural and academic institutions. This could support hybrid events and international outreach while reinforcing the UK’s reputation as an innovation hub.
Cross-Governmental coordination
When departments and devolved administrations work together on soft power strategies, the business events industry benefits from more coherent support, clearer messaging, and easier access to cross-sector partnerships. This could also lead to more unified bids for major international events and congresses.
These recommendations, if implemented, could significantly strengthen the UK’s business events sector by integrating it into the national soft power strategy. This would enhance global visibility, foster international partnerships, and support economic growth through increased delegate spend, inward investment, and knowledge exchange.
To see the full summary of the report visit here to learn more
