PAUL BLACK
Project: Beyond Theory: Operationalising the BE Impactful approach in Britain’s event ecosystem
Category: Trailblazer Award

Paul Black has built his career across a wide span of the business events sector, in agency, city, destination and national roles. He is motivated by a belief that conferences, trade shows and corporate events can achieve far more than visitor spend alone – shaping places, connecting knowledge and leaving lasting benefit for the communities that host them. 

Until May 2026, he held a dual role as Head of Business Events for VisitBritain and VisitEngland. 

For VisitBritain, Paul directed strategic programmes delivered in partnership with the devolved nations, including the Business Events Growth Programme and association-sector conference initiatives. He also developed the award-winning Shape the Future of Events learning programme, delivered with destinations across Britain to build understanding of how events create and evidence wider impact. 

For VisitEngland, he led the international promotional strategy for England, delivering targeted trade activity and marketing to open new business opportunities for destinations across the country. This included creating the MeetEngland Impact Network, which elevates city sector and academic experts to help secure new international conferences for England. 

Paul came to national work from the city and agency sides of the sector: leading UK and citywide business events for London & Partners, representing New York across Europe as European Director of Sales and Marketing for NYC & Company, and heading the business events department at Hills Balfour MMGY, working with a portfolio of international destination clients.