Exhibitions + Congress
Home / The UK Events Industry Sectors / Exhibitions + Congress
Sector at a Glance
1
Contributes circa £11 billion to the UK economy.
2
Supporting an estimated 180,000 businesses.
3
1100 UK exhibitions attracting circa 9 million visitors per year.
Sector Overview

Exhibitions + Congress

Trade exhibitions are aimed primarily at those working within a particular trade sector and its peripherals. Visitors to trade exhibitions are usually required to establish their trade credentials and buying power.

Trade exhibitions are quite diverse within their industry sector, with B2B services and equipment as the core focus, often in the IT/Telco sectors, alongside more specialist congress events which primarily support the healthcare and pharmaceuticals sectors.

Consumer shows (also referred to as public) are primarily organized to attract the consumer or general public and usually charge for admission. These are strongly orientated to the leisure, lifestyle, wedding and homeware sectors.

The business events sector contributes circa £11 billion to the UK economy. Trade and consumer exhibitions support an estimated 180,000 businesses. The main UK exhibition venues host 1100+ p.a. attracting circa 9 million visitors. Venues, organisers and suppliers including AV, exhibition design and construction companies all work together to deliver exhibitions.

Sector News
Screenshot 2026 09 23 12.52.46 1
GoDaddyStudioPage 0 26
Government rejects call for standalone business events strategy
The government has rejected a recommendation to develop a standalone national strategy for business events, instead confirming that the sector will be included in a wider Major Events Strategy due to be published by spring 2027.
Screenshot 2026 07 01 10.19.33
1 cit logo
The events industry has an entry-level contradiction
The events industry talks constantly about talent shortages. But there’s an uncomfortable contradiction sitting underneath many of those conversations: businesses want experienced junior talent, despite being increasingly reluctant to create the opportunities that develop that talent. Across the industry, employers continue to say they struggle to find candidates with the right skills, operational understanding and commercial awareness. Yet at the same time, many entry-level roles now ask for previous event experience even though candidates haven’t had a chance to properly enter the sector.
Screenshot 2026 06 30 18.46.30
1 cit logo
Businesses could gain £3,000 for employing young people
The UK government has launched the new Youth Jobs Grant to incentivise businesses to take on young people who are currently out of work, with a view to reducing the large number of those not in employment, education or training (NEET).
Hotel room Hospitality martyns law post
epn logo 1200x675 power of events
Hospitality has less than a year to prepare for Martyn’s Law, warns IoT specialist AddSecure
IoT specialist AddSecure is warning the hospitality sector to start preparing now for Martyn’s Law or risk serious legal consequences.
Exhibitions + Congress Sector Industry Events Calendar
November 26
4
The Events Summit (TES)
THE MEETING PLACE FOR EVENTS PROFESSIONALS  The Events Summit (TES) is the ultimate gathering for professionals in the events industry, offering a dynamic speaker programme, in-depth workshops, and unmatched networking opportunities. With multiple breaks designed for connection and collaboration, attendees can engage with industry leaders, exchange ideas, and forge valuable partnerships. The day culminates in the prestigious Gala Awards Dinner, celebrating excellence and achievement across music, culture, and major events. 
Screenshot 2026 04 08 16.14.57
November 26
6
Sustainable Events Show
The 6th annual Sustainable Events Show will take place on Friday 6 November 2026 at the Chicago Booth London Conference Centre in the heart of London’s Square Mile. This carbon-neutral exhibition connects event organisers and buyers with vetted eco-friendly suppliers. EVENT OVERVIEW & LAYOUT • Date: 6 November 2026 (8.30am – 4.00pm) • Location: Chicago Booth London Conference Centre, City of London EC1A 7BL • Format: One-day carbon-neutral event industry trade exhibition and seminar series • Exhibitor Layout: Arranged in an efficient, IKEA-inspired floor plan featuring 80 specialized eco-vendors ensuring you don’t miss anyone! KEY EXHIBITOR ZONES  Event Venues: Showcasing sustainability-verified and certified spaces Event Services: Featuring catering, sustainable furniture, and entertainment providers Event Technology: Highlighting hybrid/virtual solutions, lighting, sound, and digital registration Dedicated B Corp Zone: Highlighting accredited organizations leading in social and environmental responsibility PROGRAM FEATURES Seminar Theatre: This year’s theatre programme follows one journey through the day. […]
Sustainable Events large logo 2 1
November 26
19
Production Futures on Tour
Production Futures On Tour is a free event designed to help young people discover the wide range of career opportunities available across the production industries. Taking place on Thursday 19 November at Production Futures On Tour, the event brings together industry professionals, employers and experts from across live events, music, theatre, TV, broadcast and film. Attendees can take part in hands-on workshops and expert-led training, meet and network with people already working in the industry, and explore different career pathways, including roles they may not have previously considered. The event is open to newcomers, apprentices, freelancers and those looking to develop their skills or progress their careers, with a strong focus on making the production industry accessible and inclusive for everyone. Key themes include: Hands-on learning and training Networking with industry professionals Career development and progression Discovering behind-the-scenes roles Diversity and representation Inclusivity and access across the industry It’s an […]
Screenshot 2026 08 11 10.26.16
Business + Brand Experiences
UK EVENTS INDUSTRY
EXPLORE OTHER SECTORS
Outdoor Events + Festivals