Let’s face it: exhibiting at trade shows can be pricey. With exhibition stand designs and promotional materials taking up so much of your budget, it’s no wonder additional hidden costs induce so many headaches.
Still, that doesn’t mean exhibitions aren’t worth it. Taking part in a trade show isn’t just about showing up; it’s also about strategic investment, which requires smart planning and budget management. Costs can swing wildly depending on your location, choice of venue, and accommodation.
So, is there any British city that offers the best ROI potential for your business? Join us as we pull back the curtain on the cost of exhibiting in London and other UK’s major cities in this guide. We’ll break down everything from venue services to accommodation, and show you how to stretch your budget without compromising on impact. Whether you’re eyeing the massive ExCeL London, plotting your move at Birmingham’s NEC, or targeting regional events, we’ve got insider insights to help you make your mark.
Ready to boost your ROI at your future trade show appearances? Let’s dive in and decode the numbers!
Major Exhibition Cities And Venues In The UK
The UK exhibitions industry is dispersed broadly across the following major cities and venues:
- London: ExCeL London, London Olympia
- Birmingham: National Exhibition Centre (NEC)
- Manchester: Manchester Central Convention Centre
- Liverpool: Liverpool Exhibition Centre
- Glasgow: Scottish Event Campus (SEC)
London is often touted as a costly expensive destination for exhibitors given its central location, but how much more expensive is it really?
Venue Costs Comparison
Venue costs comprise some of the most comprehensive barriers to achieving your ROI at UK trade shows and exhibitions. Typically, these costs cover your exhibition stand space and show services like Wi-Fi and parking. As always, these vary by location, so which offers the best value for money?
WiFi
Once a key budgeting concern for exhibitors around the world, WiFi access is now a breeze across all major British exhibition spaces. From the SEC in Glasgow to the ExCeL in London, guests and exhibitors can access free WiFi on the go. Whether it’s to send a few emails, contact your team, or update your social media, these free connections are cost-effective and remarkably reliable.
That being said, if you require consistent internet speeds or higher bandwidth, all of the major venues offer wired connection options for prices ranging from £100 to £250
Parking
Motorists beware! Parking fees are one set of venue costs that vary from city to city around the country. The highest venue parking fees for guests and exhibitors can be found in London, where the ExCeL charges £25 per day per vehicle parked, while the London Olympia charges £11 for cars and £22 for vans for 1-2 hours of parking. Note that these charges can be compounded by the London Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) if the vehicle you are using to get to one of these venues is not compliant with the latest regulations.
Outside of London, parking costs involved in exhibiting are noticeably lower. Both the Manchester Central Convention Centre and the Liverpool Exhibition Centre charge less than £10 per vehicle for 1-2 hours of parking. Meanwhile, parking at the Scottish SEC is slightly more expensive at £12 for 1-2 hours excluding potential tariffs from the Glasgow Low Emissions Zone (LEZ).
Parking at the NEC in Birmingham varies significantly by event and location, so it’s best to check these in advance using their website.
Travel Costs Comparison
Transportation covers another set of costs that can vary slightly from city to city in the UK, which can make a huge dent in an exhibitor’s ROI if not budgeted for.
Bus Fares
Want to transport your team to a venue without paying excess parking and ULEZ fees? Fans of public transport rejoice; bus travel is a cost-effective transport solution that negates pricy venue parking fees. Most bus fares around the country are also similar in price, although differences become more noticeable when travelling in larger groups.
As of 2024, some of the cheapest bus travel fares can be found in Birmingham, where a single-day ticket will set you back a mere £4.80. Manchester is a little more expensive; a day ticket there costs £5 exactly. London, Glasgow, and Liverpool are the most expensive, with day tickets for the former costing £5.25 and the latter £5.50 each.
Accommodation Costs Comparison
Lastly, let’s look at what it can cost to stay at a hotel within walking distance of the UK’s top trade show venues. Once again, their prices are only slightly similar, with some noticeable variations between them.
Hotels
Ultimately, the most expensive major UK exhibition venue for nearby accommodation is the ExCeL London; a single guest can expect to pay a minimum of £80 for a four-star hotel close to the venue. The Olympia is cheaper, with the lowest expected prices for a similar hotel sitting around the £60 mark. Prices for similar hotels at the other major exhibition cities are closer to this figure too, with Manchester offering the most competitive options that seldom exceed £100 a night for one person.
Budgeting Tips
Here are some of our top tips on budgeting for your exhibition appearance in any UK city. Adhere to some of these points, and you’ll be sure to maintain a high return on investment!
Book Early
From your exhibition space to your accommodation and parking, previous years’ exhibitions show that booking early can help you save money. There are a range of options available on each venue’s website, so give them a gander well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Negotiate (Where Possible)
Here’s a little secret: if you’re a repeat exhibitor or an exhibitor with multiple stands, don’t be afraid to negotiate with event organisers for slightly better rates. This won’t always work out and you should refrain from being too pushy, but a little bit saved over a long period of time goes a long way to boosting your ROI.
Consider A Modular Exhibition Stand
A modular exhibition stand is an adaptable platform designed to help you save money at your exhibition events, without sacrificing quality or design. Unlike other exhibition stand types, a modular booth can be disassembled and reassembled later for use at other trade shows, thus saving you money and protecting the environment.
Optimise Your Stand Space
Not everyone has the budget for a gargantuan showpiece, but not having a larger space and stand shouldn’t put you off. Choosing an exhibition stand design that makes the most of your allocated exhibition space is a recipe for success.
London: More Expensive To Exhibit?
Overall, the numbers suggest exhibitors looking to attend a trade show in London can expect to spend a little more than at other major exhibition hubs in the UK. From slightly pricier accommodation to premium parking fees and hidden tax costs, exhibitors should budget wisely to make the most out of their exhibition investments in Britain’s lucrative capital city.
Isn’t it so much better to see all your costs upfront? That’s where we come in. As specialist exhibition stand builders, Booth Exhibits™ prides itself in keeping you informed of your costs upfront. We don’t do hidden fees, and would love to partner with you for trade show success across the country.
How much does it cost to exhibit at a trade show in the UK?
Costs vary widely depending on where and when you’re exhibiting; most exhibitors usually pay from £5,000 to £25,000.
How much does it cost to be an exhibitor?
Exhibitor fees vary by trade show, so it’s best to contact event organisers for this information.
How much does a trade show display cost?
Trade show displays vary in cost by type and size, with smaller popups going for several thousand pounds and larger custom showpieces going for beyond ten thousand pounds.
