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.

Exhibitions + Congress Sector Industry Events Calendar
April 26
18-19
Hire Awards of Excellence
The Hire Awards of Excellence celebrate the amazing achievements of hire and supply companies across the UK’s plant, tool, equipment and event hire industry. Crucial recognition is also given to outstanding individuals who have consistently stood out from the crowd and achieved, as well as set some of the highest standards in the industry.
awards25 scaled
April 26
29-30
ABPCO Festival of Learning – Connect, Collaborate and Learn
The Festival of Learning brings the association events community together, creating a space to connect, collaborate, and challenge. It provides valuable opportunities for sharing knowledge, exploring new ideas, and strengthening relationships across the industry. Building on the success of last year’s record-breaking event, the 2026 Festival promises to be bigger and better than ever.
ABPCO LOGO 924kb Heather Lishman scaled
April 26
30
The Scottish Event Awards
The Scottish Event Awards celebrate the creativity, passion, and innovation shaping Scotland’s event landscape – and this is your opportunity to be a part of it. From large-scale festivals to association events, charity events, conferences, and sporting events, the awards celebrate the people and projects that make our industry truly world-class. We’re looking for the very best in the industry – those who push boundaries, elevate experiences, and go far beyond delivering standard events. Entries are assessed by a panel of the industry’s leading figures who have helped shape the sector through their influence and expertise, marking this one of the most prestigious awards to win for Scottish events.
b72511bb
Business + Brand Experiences
UK EVENTS INDUSTRY
EXPLORE OTHER SECTORS
Outdoor Events + Festivals