Surrey Hills Power of Place 2025

Over 100 delegates and 28 showcase exhibitors gathered at Dorking Halls on 9 October for the inaugural Power of Place Conference, a landmark event celebrating sustainability, collaboration and innovation in business tourism across the Surrey Hills.

Organised by Surrey Hills Enterprises in partnership with Visit Mole Valley, the conference brought together event planners, venues, corporate buyers and experience providers from across the South East, with attendees travelling from as far as Swansea, Dover and Essex. The day featured lively discussions, local insights and a shared vision for positioning the Surrey Hills as the UK’s leading destination for sustainable business events.

Hosted by Ian Jones, the morning featured panels exploring sustainability, local sourcing and authentic hospitality, with insights from Ian McCulloch (Silent Pool Distillers), Kate Shaw (De Vere Horsley Towers), Morgan Arnell (Crumbs Brewing), Sarah Brown (Albury Vineyard), Michael Coughlin (Surrey Hills Enterprises) and Mike Jones (5D Net Zero), who will work with us to measure the carbon footprint of the event. Delegates also took part in a Design Thinking Challenge, contributing ideas that will form the basis of a forthcoming white paper.

From the friendly competition of the Surrey Hills Pub Quiz to pastries from Chalk Hills Bakery, the event captured the character of the Surrey Hills. The exhibition area featured 28 local exhibitors showcasing everything from boutique hotels and mountain biking experiences to forest bathing and artisan food — even a surprise visit from Brian the Bear, star of BBC’s Ghosts, filmed at West Horsley Place.

Maggie Howell, CEO of Surrey Hills Enterprises, said: “The Power of Place was about bringing people, purpose and place together — showcasing what makes the Surrey Hills truly special as a destination for sustainable business tourism. The energy and collaboration in the room were incredible, and we’re excited to build on the ideas and partnerships that have emerged.”