Home - Cit Festival Of Forums

The C&IT Festival of Forums returned for its second year, this time taking place in York between the 3 - 5 July 2023.

The event was an action packed three days of content, meetings and site visits showing our attendees the very best the city has to offer.

Our agenda was crammed full of industry professionals and round table sessions discussing the hottest industry topics, ensuring that all attendees leave knowing how to improve on the amazing work they already do.

York: 3 - 5 July, 2023

This year Festival of Forums is coming to York, a city where ancient walls surround incredible local businesses, attractions, accommodation and eateries, with exciting events every day and inspiring festivals every month of the year!🎉

Just under 2-hours from London, York will provide a stunning backdrop for 3 days of entertainment, connecting with peers and keeping up with the latest industry trends.

From the stunning York Minster, and the charming Shambles, to the delicious local cuisine and vibrant nightlife, you'll be captivated by the character of this wonderfully historic city.

So join us in York for the C&IT Festival of Forums, and experience all that this amazing city has to offer!

The Grand, York

As York's only five-star hotel, this is the place to come for the royal treatment, perfectly placed in the middle of the city but just out of reach of the busy Shambles and Minster crowds. The Grand can boast about being a winner of Hotel of the Year at The Catey awards, the hotel prides itself on impeccable service and always going the extra mile for their guests.

Malmaison York

This converted landmark insurance building is perfect for those with a policy on stylish bedrooms, delicious dining and sassy cocktails. Located on the corner of Rougier Street in the heart of the city, Malmaison York is situated within a few minutes walk from all the major attractions, and you'll be able to experience the extraordinary in this majestic city with stunning views from York's only rooftop bar, Sora.

Who can apply?

Event planners

Event managers

Conference organisers

Incentive travel organisers

Suppliers to the events industry, such as hotels, venues, and destination management companies

What's included?

2-night stay in York

3-days of entertainment

Content sessions led by expert speakers

Round table sessions discussing key industry topics

Key-note speaker sessions

A personalised in-app schedule detailed with bespoke 1-2-1 meetings

CONNECT WITH YOUR PEERS

Meet with 150+ senior MICE planners from across the sectors

THE LATEST TRENDS

Hear from industry pioneers in our insightful content sessions, key notes and panel discussions. With a focus on current industry trends, our key topics are curated to equip you for the year ahead

BESPOKE MEETINGS

Elevate your business by utilising our bespoke 1-2-1 appointment service with leading suppliers who are matched to your business needs

ELEVATE YOUR BRAND

Share best practice with your peers and gain insights from like minded individuals to enhance your next offering.

SAVE TIME & COSTS

With everything you need to know about the MICE industry, pre-arranged 1-1 meetings, exciting inclusive entertainment, all in one place, you won't need to attend any other forum!

"Festival of Forums is our biggest event of the year and is for the entire MICE community. Whether you're in-house or agency, plan conferences or incentives, there will be education and inspiration for you.

This summer we will be taking over the beautiful and historic city of York, providing plenty of experiences and opportunities for you to network with your peers, clients and suppliers. If you've been to our events before, this will be the best one yet. If this is your first time attending - buckle up!"

Calum Di Lieto, Editor, C&IT

General Enquiries

E: [email protected]

Rob Aldhouse

Partnership Enquiries

E: [email protected]

P: 020 8267 4755

Becky Harmer

Former Global Brand Experience & Events Senior Manager, Snap Inc.

Michaela Pleskova

Marketing Manager, Google

Lee Smithurst

Executive Producer & Head Of Show, Eurovision Song Contest 2023

Emily Furlow

Senior Producer, Audience

Andrew Perrott

Managing Director, Chorus

Neil Connolly

Creative Director, Immersive Everywhere

Anthony Kelly

Board Member and Director of Marketing, SITE GB

Pádraic Gilligan

Chief Marketing Officer, SITE GB

Louise Tratt

British Neuroscience Association, Head of Meetings and Events

Megan Bird

Senior Events Manager, Events and Member Experience Europe & Africa, Herbalife

Calum Di Lieto

Editor, C&IT

Rebecca Lardeur

Climate Strategist, ISLA

Glenn Gaunt

Special Events Manager, The Princes Trust

Liam Moriarty

Creative Director, TBA

Zak Roby

Director Client Engagement EMEA, Spiro

Meera Somji

Co-Founder, Clusivity

Jason Thomson

Speakup Get Results

Zara Young

Employee Branding & Communications Manager, EMEA, Encore

Hannah Kelly

BCD Meetings and Events, VP Meetings Management

Harry Farr

Event Manager, American Express Meetings and Events

Marc Hazelden

Strategy & Innovation Director, Top Banana

Georgia Cross

Senior Marketing Manager, Cheerful Twenty First

Meg Strahle

Sustainability Manager, The Bulb

Ranee Turner

Director, Global Head of Event Marketing, BlackRock

Stacey Close

Events & Communities Marketing Manager, EMEA, DISCO

Georgia Ward

Managing Director & Lead Consultant, Revive

Jonny King

Senior Project Manager, First Event