Supported by Event magazine, Next Big Thing is compered by the publication's editor Jeremy King and will feature up-and-coming entertainment acts competing for a contract with leading agency Sternberg Clarke.
To ensure that only the best acts make it through to the final, this year's event will host two qualifying rounds. The first will be held at the ISES summer party on 21 July at Forman's Fish Island. The second heat will take place at the Eventia summer party in August.
Kate Disley, group marketing manager for Event UK, said: "We are really excited about the heats, which we hope will provide a great talking point in the build-up to Event UK. Partnering with associations and their summer events was a natural progression for us because the competition is aimed at encouraging talent into the industry and offering event organisers added inspiration."
Last year's winner, The Red Bullets, have gone on to great success since their triumph. They have performed at a number of high-profile events, while last year's runners-up The Big Beat were also signed by Sternberg Clarke.