After several weeks on the road with our iconic iNHouse Lounge, I’ve had plenty of time on trains to reflect - on people, politics, and the power of connections.
I’ve spent the past month travelling from Bournemouth to Birmingham, Liverpool to Manchester - early starts, late finishes (and far too many coffees). Today, I’m heading back to Birmingham for the Government’s Regional Investment Summit. While I’m craving a long-planned mini break at the end of the month, this conference season has reaffirmed something important in the meantime.
In an age increasingly defined by AI and automation, I’ve never been more convinced of the irreplaceable value of in-person experiences. Our iNHouse Lounge was as busy as ever this year - hosting over 80% of the Cabinet, leading newspaper editors, and political thinkers from across the spectrum. As we approach the Lounge’s 15th anniversary next year, it’s humbling to see what we’ve built: an event space and experience that others have sought to emulate. The magic, however, is simple - it’s the people, our great partners, must-attend events, and high-quality conversations that create the right mix.
But we can’t rest on our laurels; we are only as good as our last season. That’s why innovation remains essential. Our new live podcast format quickly became a standing-room-only fixture - proof that, even as technology evolves, people still crave human connection.
There’s something unique about these events: the buzz in the room, the shared laughter, and the real-time reactions - the feeling of being ‘in the moment’ that AI will never replicate. What truly brings everyone together - ministers, journalists, campaigners, and advisers alike - is conversation (oh, and awesome cocktails). Relationships built on trust, shared purpose, and the ability to look someone in the eye, land a handshake and agree - “Let’s work on this together.”
So, rather than feeling exhausted after conference season, I headed back to Westminster energised and invigorated. Inspired as we bring this same spirit to our own event space, just a stone’s throw from Parliament, so that this sense of connection continues all year round. Even while I’m away at the Regional Investment Summit, our event space remains active as my colleagues host a breakfast with Bill Esterson, Chair of the Energy Select Committee, and a joint event with the National Energy Systems Operator.
Post covid, many thought I was stupid to shell out for an event space at a time when hybrid working was all anyone talked about and companies were looking to cut desk space and not spend a penny more than necessary. I’m glad I had faith then, just like I do now. Live events will continue to play a central role in public affairs and communications - they are not fading away. In fact, I believe the appetite for authentic, human connection will only grow stronger over the next decade.
In politics - and in life - people matter. And no algorithm is going to change that.