Exhibitions + Congress
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Sector at a Glance
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Contributes circa £11 billion to the UK economy.
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Supporting an estimated 180,000 businesses.
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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
Event Tech Live 2024 welcomes back Matt Coyne of Waves Connects as the Main Stage Host
This November, Event Tech Live 2024 welcomes back Matt Coyne of Waves Connects as the Main Stage Host—a role he’s no stranger to, having been part of the event for over a decade. Known for his engaging questions and knack for making big ideas accessible, Matt brings an enthusiasm that has become a mainstay of the ETL experience.
First Sight Media secures tenth year as partner for Event Tech Live and Event Sustainability Live
AMP Events, organisers of Event Tech Live (ETL) and Event Sustainability Live (ESL), has renewed its partnership with First Sight Media for the tenth year in succession; First Sight Media will provide enhanced filming and streaming services at the two 2024 shows, which are co-located at ExCeL London, 20 – 21 November 2024.
Event Tech Live announces continued partnership with event tech experts Entegy
Event Tech Live (ETL), the leading event for cutting-edge technology in the events industry, is thrilled to announce the continuation of its successful partnership with Entegy. Entegy will once again serve as the Official Registration Partner for both Event Tech Live and Event Sustainability Live.
Registration Now Open for Event Tech Live and Event Sustainability Live 2024
Event Industry News is pleased to announce that registration is now officially open for two of the industry’s most anticipated events: Event Tech Live and Event Sustainability Live. Both events will take place at the London ExCeL on the 20th and 21st of November 2024, offering unparalleled opportunities for professionals in the events sector to engage with the latest innovations, trends, and sustainability practices.
Latest Sector Research
Sector Events Calendar
November 24
20-21
Event Tech Live
Event Tech Live is the No. 1 globally recognised event bringing event professionals, thought leaders, leading event tech companies and startups together. Event Professionals can register to attend for FREE and access to the latest industry education from industry thought leaders across multiple stages and formats. Event Tech Live features a hosted buyer programme and an exhibition featuring the latest in event technology, software, and innovations from around the world. The event provides the resources, tools and networking opportunities you need to take advantage of technology to create the best events.
November 24
20-21
Event Sustainability Live
Event Sustainability Live (ESL) London is a two-day Exhibition and Conference bringing together event professionals, thought-leaders and sustainability experts. The event takes place on 20th & 21st November at ExCeL, London. The show is free to attend, delegates can explore the latest trends, innovations and products from companies and venues providing eco-conscious solutions helping to create sustainable events. Meet with fellow event professionals from all over the globe who are passionate about event sustainability, share ideas & create new and exciting partnerships.
November 24
27
Production Futures ON TOUR
Production Futures ON TOUR is a production industry careers fair. Find opportunities to learn, train, network and develop careers in production across all aspects of live events, film, music, festivals, touring, brand activation, theatre, TV, broadcast and AV. We are an industry funded FREE event for all ages and to help the first 5 years of your career connecting you to work, training, courses, networking and jobs.
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Research

The event industry’s reliance on data to help it plan for the future, increase its resilience, manage risk and justify investment decisions, is growing year on year.

The engagement and access that The Power of Events (UK) has across all 7 sectors of the industry, enables data gathering and in-depth research projects to be delivered confidently and consistently. This will be primarily facilitated through the new insight app to be launched on 28th Sep 2023.

By bringing the industry and university partners together, research projects will be designed to deliver real benefits to the industry in terms of trend analysis, insights and performance improvements.

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