Events

Event Horizons: Creating Lasting Value from Major Event Tourism

Wednesday 29 July 2026
08:30 - 09:30
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Join Ian Williams, who leads Tourism and Events Development Wales at the Welsh Government, and Professor Calvin Jones, who has 30 years' experience assessing the economic and environmental impact of sporting and cultural events. They will discuss how we can maximise tourism and the wider cultural and economic benefits of hosting events, managing environmental impacts appropriately and demonstrating good value for public money in Wales.

The next decade presents an opportunity for Wales. Big events can grab headlines and visitors for a few days, but their true value lies in what they leave behind. As Wales hosts a new generation of international events (e.g. EnduroGP 2026, Tour de France Wales 2027, UEFA Men's Football 2028) how do we translate global attention into long-term tourism growth, stronger communities and a more resilient visitor economy?

Join Ian Williams, who leads Tourism and Events Development Wales at the Welsh Government and Professor Calvin Jones, who has 30 years' experience assessing the economic and environmental impact of sporting and cultural events, to explore how we can maximise the wider economic, tourism and cultural benefits of hosting events, while properly managing environmental impacts. and shows good value for the Welsh public pound.

They might talk about being in bands too.