The UK public sector is opening its doors to leading event and conference management suppliers through the Event Management & Delivery Framework 1 (EMF1). Procured by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), this high-value framework agreement sets out an ambitious £300 million including VAT spend for up to six years. With a comprehensive lot structure designed to cover everything from national public-facing occasions to tailored assurance support, EMF1 offers opportunities for both specialist providers and end-to-end event management firms.
If you are considering bidding for the EMF1 framework agreement, contact Thornton & Lowe. We can quickly review whether this opportunity matches your offering, saving you valuable time and effort.
Framework Scope & Benefits for Suppliers
EMF1 is designed to deliver a range of event types for public sector agendas, split across five distinct lots:
- Lot 1: National Public-Facing Events
- Lot 2: Medium to Large Indoor Events
- Lot 3: Presence at Third-Party Events
- Lot 4: Small Events
- Lot 5: Event Assurance Services
This lot structure not only gives suppliers the flexibility to bid for their areas of expertise but also enables multi-specialist and consortium bids. Whether your strengths lie in delivering flagship events, managing complex indoor gatherings, supporting client presence at third-party shows, or providing assurance and advisory services, EMF1's structure is designed to accommodate and showcase different capabilities.
The six-year term makes this framework especially valuable, ensuring pipeline stability and relationship-building with the DCMS and participating government authorities. The high ceiling of £300 million broadens access to both established leaders and innovative disruptors within the conference and event management sector.
Bidding Considerations: What Makes EMF1 Unique
Suppliers looking to participate should carefully assess the breadth and ambition of this procurement. With the DCMS as the authority, the framework has national visibility and may support both high-profile cultural events and a spectrum of internal government activity. This wide remit means suppliers must:
- Select the right lots: Leverage the flexibility to play to your core strengths rather than stretching resources thinly across unsuitable lots.
- Demonstrate experience at scale: Given the national and high-impact nature of many of these events, evidence of successful delivery at scale and in complex, secure settings will be key.
- Prepare for partnership: Event delivery under a large public sector framework often involves fast-changing requirements and multiple stakeholders. Ability to collaborate, communicate and adapt will set top suppliers apart.
- Keep abreast of DCMS priorities: As a cultural, media and sport-driven authority, DCMS events may require sensitivity to public engagement, diversity, accessibility, and media handling.
Given the size, scope, and single-customer focus (with exciting national reach), it is crucial to deeply review the tender documents available at the official notice and avoid assumptions about buyer needs or evaluation criteria.
Quick facts
- Framework name: Event Management & Delivery Framework 1 (EMF1)
- Authority: Department for Culture, Media and Sport
- Total value: £300M including VAT
- Term: Up to 6 years
- Lot structure: 5 lots spanning all scales and types of events
Key dates
- Submission deadline: 22 May 2026
- Framework term: 6 years from contract start
Next Steps for Event Management Suppliers
The EMF1 framework is one of the largest and most strategically significant conference and live event opportunities in the public sector calendar. It offers not only multi-year pipeline security but also the chance to shape high-profile national events. To maximise your chance of selection:
- Review each lot’s scope to play to your strengths
- Prepare comprehensive, relevant case studies on previous event delivery
- Show readiness to collaborate with public sector stakeholders
- Ensure evidence of quality, compliance, and assurance, especially if bidding for Lot 5
If you want expert insight on this framework's requirements and a rapid assessment of your chances, contact Thornton & Lowe today. Our dedicated bid support helps leading event management businesses secure positions on landmark public sector frameworks like EMF1.
