Opening Celebration | Villa Park

Before the meetings. Before the marketplace. Before the early alarms and busy agendas.

TEAMS Europe ’26 kicks off with an Opening Celebration on Tuesday, 17 March, at Villa Park, home of Aston Villa Football Club.

It’s informal. It’s social. And it sets the tone for everything that follows.

A Stadium that needs no introduction

Few grounds in world football carry the weight of history quite like Villa Park.

Since 1874, it has been home to Aston Villa, one of England’s most storied clubs and a former European champion. Over the decades, the stadium has staged World Cup and European Championship football, more FA Cup semi-finals than any other venue, and some of the game’s most memorable nights.

But Villa Park is more than a list of events. It is a stadium defined by tradition, ambition and enduring excellence.

The Oak Room: Where heritage meets hospitality

The evening will unfold in The Oak Room, Aston Villa’s most prestigious hospitality space.

Positioned on the halfway line, it offers sweeping views across the pitch, placing you at the heart of the stadium. Modern luxury meets football heritage, creating a setting that feels both grand and intimate.

More than a networking reception

This isn’t just drinks in a stadium.

Through the evening, you’ll have the opportunity to step beyond the hospitality suite and into the fabric of the club itself.

*Hover over the image to know more.

Pitch Side Experience

A truly rare opportunity to walk pitch side on the hallowed turf of Aston Villa's legendary pitch and feel the excitement where the action happens.

How the evening unfolds

19:30: Welcome speeches begin, drinks are flowing, and bowl food is served as the room comes to life.

20:30 onwards: Tours and on-pitch experiences commence, giving guests the freedom to explore the stadium while continuing conversations throughout the evening.

*Coaches will transport all registered event organisers and confirmed exhibitors from The Belfry to Aston Villa and back, so you can simply arrive and enjoy the evening.

Attending the Opening Celebration

For event organisers: Built into the itinerary, meet destinations and suppliers in a natural setting before formal appointments begin, proven to make the following days more productive.

For exhibitors: An invaluable opportunity to introduce your venue, destination, or organisation early, build rapport and stand out before stepping into scheduled meetings.

Want to know more?

Head to their website to find out everything about Villa Park and its history since 1897.

VILLA PARK HISTORY

For event organisers

Alongside this iconic Opening Celebration at one of English football’s great venues, you’ll take part in two days of pre-scheduled 1-2-1 meetings with global destinations, hotels and venues, gain access to curated industry insights, meaningful connections and the chance to take part in the TEAMS Europe Cup Golf Tournament.

Ready to join the action? Register by 05 March to secure your spot.

REGISTER NOW

For suppliers

Showcase your business, connect with potential partners, gain valuable industry insights, explore new opportunities, and forge lasting connections - all while enjoying a luxurious stay at The Belfry Hotel & Resort.

Submit an enquiry as soon as possible as limited table-tops remaining!

SUBMIT EXHIBITOR ENQUIRY

TEAMS EUROPE '26 OPENING CELEBRATION