A Landmark Quarter for Global Events
Welcome to the latest ICC Wales Quarterly Update. 2026 is picking up pace, and Q2 has been a standout period for ICC Wales. From welcoming the Worldchefs Congress & Expo to the UK for the first time, to continuing to push important conversations around accessibility, it’s been a quarter shaped by global connections, fresh thinking and meaningful progress.
Quarterly Update from Craig Bingham, Managing Director at ICC Wales
Q2 has been a particularly exciting and proud time for ICC Wales as we hosted the Worldchefs Congress & Expo from 16 - 19 May 2026, marking the first time this globally renowned event has been staged in United Kingdom.
Bringing an event of this scale to Newport speaks volumes about the confidence in ICC Wales as a destination for international congresses. It also reflects Wales’ growing reputation for hosting events that attract global audiences and deliver real impact.
The Congress brought together chefs, innovators and industry leaders from across the world, exploring themes such as sustainability, culinary innovation and the future of food - a brilliant example of how events can spark ideas, collaboration and progress.
Alongside this, we’ve continued to deliver a diverse programme of conferences and exhibitions, each contributing to knowledge sharing, economic impact and sector growth.
Our advocacy work also remains a key focus. Through initiatives such as Access All Areas, we’re working to support positive change across the industry and ensure accessibility and inclusion are considered from the very start.
As always, a big thank you to our clients, partners and our fantastic team. We look forward to welcoming you to ICC Wales soon.
Event Spotlight: Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026
Hosting the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026 was a real milestone for ICC Wales and for the Welsh events and hospitality sector - delivering a substantial impact economically.
As one of the most respected gatherings in the global culinary calendar, the event brought together thousands of chefs, industry leaders and innovators to explore the future of food - from sustainability and emerging technology to evolving culinary trends.
It was also a fantastic opportunity to showcase Wales on a global stage. Delegates experienced not only ICC Wales, but also the region’s rich food heritage, outstanding local produce and, of course, our warm Welsh hospitality.
Events like this are what business events do best - bringing people together, sparking ideas and creating lasting impact - and we’re proud to have played a part in making it happen.
Awards & Recognition: Celebrating People and Progress
This quarter, we are proud to celebrate achievements across the ICC Wales team.
A special congratulations to Chloe Turner, our Association Sales Manager, who was awarded Rising Star Mentee of the Year at the Fast Forward 15 Awards in April - a well-deserved recognition of her contribution and continued growth within the industry, and something we’re incredibly proud to support.
We’re also delighted to have been shortlisted in multiple awards, including:
• M&IT Awards - Best Conference Centre
• Conference & Events Awards - Best Conference / Events Team – Venues and Best Conference / Event Venue (over 1,200 theatre style).
• Micebook Awards - Best UK Event Venue and Best ESG Initiative
• AEO Awards - Venue of the Year (> 20k sqm)
These nominations reflect the consistent effort of our team in delivering high-quality events, while continuing to evolve and innovate - particularly in areas such as accessibility and client experience.
Access All Areas: Driving Change Through Insight
Our commitment to accessibility continues to grow with the latest update to our Access All Areas: Closing the Accessibility Gap in Events research, published in April 2026.
Since launching in November 2025, the report has helped spark important conversations across the industry. This latest phase, developed in collaboration with The Business of Events and supported by Dr Shani Dhanda and the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events, brings a new and important perspective - placing event planners at the centre of the conversation.
The research explores:
• The real-world experiences of planners
• The barriers that still exist
• What inclusive event planning looks like in practice
The message is clear - while the intent is there, confidence and clarity still need to catch up. That’s where real change can happen.
At ICC Wales, we’re committed to helping drive that progress and supporting the industry in making accessibility part of the standard, not the exception.
Event Highlights: Advocacy, Insight & Industry Leadership
ABPCO Festival of Learning
Accessibility was firmly in the spotlight at the ABPCO Festival of Learning, where our Head of Sales, Amy Phillips, joined industry leaders for the panel “Access for Everyone.”
The session focused on practical ways to improve accessibility, with some clear takeaways:
• Accessibility should be considered from the start, not revisited later
• Clear, proactive communication makes a big difference to delegate experience
• Many impactful changes are simple and low cost, but require consistency
• Designing inclusively improves the experience for everyone
It was a valuable discussion that reinforced the importance of sharing knowledge, building confidence and embedding accessibility into everyday event planning.
Parliamentary Roundtable
Behind the scenes, we’ve also been continuing this conversation.
At the start of this month, we brought together key stakeholders from across the sector to begin shaping a clear blueprint of recommendations for accessible and inclusive events.
Chaired by Martin Rhodes MP, Chair of the APPG for Events and Labour MP for Glasgow North, the session examined the growing complexity of accessibility standards, accreditation schemes and guidance available across the industry and the confusion this can create for organisers and venues.
There’s more to come on this - so watch this space.
Small Meetings, Big Ideas
Alongside our large-scale events, we’re continuing our day delegate package for smaller groups of 10 - 25 people.
Ideal for training sessions, team building, private meetings and collaborative workshops, these packages are designed to be flexible, comfortable and easy to deliver.
With natural daylight, integrated technology and great catering, everything is in place to support productive and engaging sessions.
Our special DDR delegate day rate starts from just £45 +VAT that includes a mouthwatering sumptuous lunch from our creative Culinary Team – what’s not to love?
Added Value for Mid-Sized Events | 100 - 400 Delegates
For organisers planning something a little larger, we’ve introduced a dedicated package for events with 100 - 400 delegates - designed to bring flexibility, scale and impact together.
Whether it’s a conference, roadshow, awards event or team gathering, our spaces and team are set up to support events that need more than standard meeting space.
Events booked by 31 August 2026 for a 2026 event can choose one added benefit:
• Complimentary on-site parking for all delegates
• Arrival drink (one per delegate)
• Additional tea & coffee break (when booking a catering package or DDR)
• ICC Wales shuttle (16-seater) to local hotels (Shuttle transfers subject to availability.)
A simple way to add value and tailor the experience to your event.
Looking Ahead: Christmas at ICC Wales
Planning ahead for the festive season? ICC Wales will once again be transforming into a magical destination this Christmas with the return of our real ice rink and a fantastic Christmas show.
This year’s highlights include:
• Peter Pan - a spectacular festive show based on the nostalgic story of Peter Pan
• The Great Skate - experiences on real ice on our indoor rink
• Party events - bringing together great food, festive entertainment, and a lively atmosphere perfect for your team.
• Tailored corporate Christmas packages designed to bring teams together and celebrate in style - including exclusive skate hire, the opportunity to take over one of our themed party nights (for up to 800 guests), or the option to join an existing event, ideal for smaller teams or groups.
Whether you are planning a client event or a team celebration, our Christmas offerings provide a memorable way to end the year.
Join Us in 2026
We’ll be out and about throughout the year and would love to connect - whether you're planning your next event or just want to explore new ideas.
Where to Find Us:
• The Meetings Show - 24-25th June – Stand: B60 - join us to connect, collaborate and explore how ICC Wales can support your next event.
• CHS Manchester - 30th September – Stand: C60 - we’ll be in Manchester for the CHS show, connecting with event professionals and sharing how ICC Wales can support a wide range of event needs
Book time in with the team if you’d like to speak to us whilst attending one of those events.
Amy Phillips - Head of Sales
eventenquiries@iccwales.com
01633 410200