Stadium Experience Brings Industry Together at Elland Road in Leeds
Stadium Experience brought together more than 90 representatives from UK stadium venues for its latest Industry Meeting at Elland Road, home of Leeds United FC, on 22 September 2026.
The full-day event featured two dedicated programmes running alongside each other, bringing together professionals working across sales for events and hospitality, and retail and public catering management, with each group able to focus on the latest trends, challenges and opportunities affecting their area of the stadium business.
The meeting provided a valuable platform for stadium professionals to network, share experiences, take part in team discussions, and learn from leading experts across the wider meetings, events, technology and hospitality industries.
Sales Meeting
The day kicked off with a tailored sales masterclass delivered by Like A Boss Consulting, focused on helping sales teams maximise opportunities and strengthen their approach to winning business.
The Meetings Industry Association (MIA) provided market insight, exploring the latest developments and trends shaping the meetings and events sector.
Togather discussed the potential for stadia as destination venues, looking at how stadiums can attract audiences beyond traditional matchday activity.
Racing Snake Media gave an update on the implications of Martyn’s Law for venue photography, video content and venue tours, highlighting what stadiums need to consider as the legislation develops.
With AI continuing to change how customers search for and discover businesses, Formula delivered a session on “The AI Search Shift: Will AI Recommend Your Venue?”, examining how venues can respond to the rapidly changing search landscape.
Retail Meeting
Running alongside the Sales & Events programme, the Retail Meeting brought together stadium retail and public catering professionals for a dedicated programme focused on the changing fan experience and the latest developments in stadium retail.
Reborn RVM provided an update on Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) legislation, exploring what the changing regulatory landscape means for stadium operators and retail teams.
Global Payments looked at fan loyalty and the latest technology developments, exploring how technology and payment solutions can support the fan experience and help stadiums better understand and engage with their audiences.
Togather updated the delegates on fan zone operations, focusing on opportunities and practical considerations.
The day concluded with a joint networking lunch and a supplier expo, where delegates met with suppliers including; Bramble Foods, Cartwright & Butler, Clear Cool, Creventa, eGreen International, Racing Snake Media and Rational.
Debbie Rigney, Director at Stadium Experience, said: “Our Industry Meetings are all about bringing stadium professionals together to share ideas, learn from each other and stay ahead of the changes taking place across our industry.
“A huge thank you to Leeds United FC for hosting us, to all of our speakers and partners for sharing their expertise, and to our members for making these meetings such a valuable and collaborative part of the Stadium Experience calendar.”
Moira Ross, Conference & Events Sales Manager at Leeds United FC, commented: “It was a pleasure hosting the Stadium Experience Industry Meeting at Leeds United FC and welcoming fellow members to Elland Road.
“We hope you enjoyed our hospitality and had a fantastic day, and that the meeting provided a valuable opportunity to share ideas, knowledge and experiences with colleagues from across the industry.
A huge thank you to Debbie and everyone who attended and contributed to making the event such a success. We were delighted to be part of the Stadium Experience programme and look forward to welcoming you back to Leeds United again in the future.”
The Stadium Experience Industry Meetings form part of the association’s programme of regular networking and knowledge-sharing events, designed specifically to support professionals working across UK stadium venues. The next event will be held in Spring 2027.
About Stadium Experience
Founded in 2002, the not-for-profit association supports its stadium member venues through regular networking events, shared exhibition opportunities, collective engagement with event buyers and agencies, industry insights, the annual recognition celebration — The Stadium Events & Hospitality Awards — and more.
View more details on joining Stadium Experience.
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