The icebreaker is on Wednesday 2nd September 2026 and is exclusively sponsored by GES
The important info
In order to attend the icebreaker, you must have also purchased a ticket for the AEO Conference 2026.
Doors will open at 7 pm, and the icebreaker will end at 11 pm.
The fun stuff
The icebreaker will take part at Vox Conference Venue, NEC Birmingham
Food and drinks will be included in the ticket price.
This is an informal networking event, with a casual dress code.
New for 2026: First timers' meet-up
Join us from 6:30 pm in the Vox foyer.
Before the icebreaker gets underway, you are invited to join fellow first-timers, meet the AEO team and Board, make new connections and enjoy a warm welcome before the conference begins.
The AEO Conference is an important forum because it brings together change makers in the event industry, I'm also looking forward to networking with some great people as well.
Raphael Sofoluke
Founder & CEO, UK Black Business Show
The AEO Conference has always been a really important forum, it talks about some of the kind of key topics and trends and certainly as I've sort of developed throughout my career it's always topics around mergers and acquisitions or where the industry is going or the pivot to digital it's always given us really good talking points and things to think about.
Duncan Reid
CEO & Co-Founder, Reset Connect
The conference was a fantastic experience, truly living up to its theme 'Motivate. Innovate. Create.' The speakers were highly engaging and entertaining, offering invaluable insights into key industry topics. Well done, Team AEO!