UK exhibition calendar and trade shows

No. Many trade shows admit trade visitors only, consumer shows sell public tickets and some run both. Each show page gives the audience the organiser describes and, where the organiser publishes one, a Visit or register button that opens its own registration page. A conference pass may not include the exhibition, or the other way round.

Compare the audience line on each show page with the people you sell to. World Travel Market London, for example, lists travel industry professionals, while Spring Fair lists retail buyers and wholesale suppliers. Ask the organiser whether its visitor figures count visits or unique visitors, and which edition they describe; a phrase such as “industry leaders” does not tell you how many decision-makers will attend.

Every show page gives the date we last checked it against the organiser’s own website, and new editions are added as organisers announce them. Dates that have not been published are left blank rather than guessed. Venues and timetables can change, so confirm with the organiser before you book a stand or non-refundable travel.

Open the show pages side by side and compare the audience, organiser, venue and dates. Shows in one sector can serve very different visitors: a travel and tourism exhibition such as World Travel Market London is for travel industry professionals, while The Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show is aimed at touring and camping consumers. Product launches and innovation showcases are a reason to visit, not evidence that a show will bring you leads.

Upcoming exhibitions for 2027 are already on the calendar, including Bett UK at Excel London in January, Spring Fair at the NEC in February and International Confex at Excel London in March. Spring Fair is a trade fair for retail buyers and wholesale suppliers, where visitors compare products and services from many exhibitors. Choose a month in the When filter, or open the full calendar, to see every show confirmed so far.

If a conference runs alongside an exhibition, check whether one pass covers both, and confirm which hall the show uses rather than relying on the venue name. Before reserving a hotel in London or travelling to another city, check opening hours, last admission and any advance-registration requirement. Visitors and stand staff often need different passes and arrival times.

Excel London, the NEC Birmingham, Olympia London and the SEC in Glasgow host shows throughout the year, as do regional venues such as Harrogate Convention Centre and Manchester Central. Each venue page lists its upcoming shows and how exhibitor deliveries are booked, with a link to the venue’s own exhibitor information. Check access times, travel and accessibility details there before arranging transport or accommodation.

Our exhibitor guides take it in order: choosing your first UK trade show, building an exhibition budget, shell scheme or space only, briefing a stand builder, planning stand delivery and installation and following up exhibition leads. The budget and delivery guides include the UK venue order deadlines and surcharges that change the numbers.

Your objectives, the audience and the conversations the stand needs to support; the floor plan, stand dimensions and height limits; the organiser’s deadlines; and any meeting area, product demonstration or sample storage. Send every builder the same brief so the quotes compare like for like, whether they call the work stand design or booth design. Our guide to briefing a stand builder sets out the full list.

Most exhibitors need some of these: stand design and build, displays and graphics, furniture hire, AV and connectivity, and freight and installation. The supplier directory lists companies in each, with the services they publish, where they are based and a link to their website. Check your exhibitor manual for services the venue or organiser supplies itself, such as power.

Filter the calendar by month, city and industry, then open each show page and note its dates, venue and audience. Where the organiser publishes them, the Visit or register and Exhibit or enquire buttons go straight to its pages for tickets and stand space. Keep the shows that fit, then use the guides to budget for the one you choose.