CHS Leeds 2025 wrapped last month, after delivering a resounding response from both buyers and exhibitors. The event, which returned to the Royal Armouries again this year, was one of the most productive, informative, and inspiring editions to date.
The event benefited from the continued support of Conference Leeds as the Strategic Brand Partner and brought together over 150 exhibitors with buyers from across the UK, and standout education that placed Welfare firmly at the heart of industry conversation.
The programme, which combined insightful keynotes and spirited panel discussions, gave delegates the opportunity to explore welfare through a professional, personal, and legislative lens. The feedback was one of the most powerful in recent memory for the show and validated the bold subject choice, as well as the input of the many visitors who packed out the sessions.
“We set out to make Welfare the theme of the year, and our visitors really embraced it,” said Emma King, CEO & Founder of CHS Leeds. “The level of engagement in our education sessions, the questions asked, and the passion in the room was exceptional. It proves once again that our community wants to grow, connect, and lead with empathy and responsibility.”
The education programme, sponsored by UTAC Millbrook with the support of production by Lighthouse Events, delivered everything from certified sessions to expert-led panels. One of the highlights saw a powerful update on Martyn’s Law, which saw Royal Ascent on the day of the event, and was timed perfectly to hear the perspectives from the Home Office, Dannielle Bounds of ICC Wales, and Sandra Bannister of Brighter, each giving planners real-world insight into how the new legislation will impact the events sector.
The day was opened by Cally Stewart, who gave a profound, humorous, but urgent keynote that addressed female relationships. Other standout moments included Lizzy Eaton of Oddity Events debuting a new initiative on diversity and inclusion in the events industry, and a thought-provoking panel on safe travel and delegate protection, chaired by Intimacy Coordinator and highlight from CHS Birmingham, Sam Murray, and featuring Leigh Cowlishaw, Black Box Partnership, Kate Whitby, The Venues Collection, and Sian Sayward, Inntel. The day finished with reflections from Sian Sayward, Emma King and Holly Moore from Make Events.
“We had a packed room in every session, with delegates leaning in, asking big questions, and sparking meaningful debate,” added Emma. “It’s everything we’re about at CHS; it underlines the quality of our visitors and how they really steer our conference content.”
Meanwhile, the event’s Hosted Buyer Programme added an extra dimension of value, combining high-level networking with unique city experiences. Buyers from London enjoyed first-class train travel, site visits to the newly opened Hyatt Place and Hyatt House Leeds, and a taste of Leeds’ local flavour at the Liquor Studio. Special networking moments like the Connections Brunch by ASM Global and the Conference Leeds and LHVA Hosted Buyer Connections Lunch kept conversations flowing.
“We’re really proud of what we’ve created here in Leeds, and the network we’re contributing to,” concluded Emma. “We’re proud to have created a space where productive conversations happen, knowledge is shared freely, and real business was done. It’s what CHS is all about.”
