London is the vibrant heart of the UK economy, but as largest wider metropolitan area in Europe, it can be a daunting destination even for seasoned business-to-business (B2B) exhibitors. It’s also city where history and modern innovation converge, offering some of the world’s most prestigious venues events for businesses to showcase their brands.
For international marketing managers, CEOs, and event planners, choosing the right exhibition event can be the difference between a mediocre business showcase and a spectacular one. While all London trade shows take place in the same city, their venues can differ significantly which will influence your exhibition performance. No two venues in London are the same, so exhibitors must familiarise themselves with each venue’s location, transport access, and features.
In this article, we explore the three leading trade show exhibition centres in London. Each venue offers unique opportunities to elevate your brand presence, streamline your experience, and—true to Booth Exhibits’ ethos—simplify the complexities of exhibition success.
ExCeL London
Address: 1 Western Gateway, London E16 1XL, UK
Founded: 2000
Exhibit space: 100,000 square metres
Major trade shows: UK Construction Week, Solar and Storage Live, BETT Show, Retail Technology Show, WTM London, The Business Show, International Confex
Accommodation: Travelodge London Excel, Aloft London Excel, Courtyard London City Airport, DoubleTree By Hilton London Excel, Holiday Inn Express London Excel
Features
London’s newest large exhibition space is one of the most impressive anywhere. With over 100,000 square metres of exhibition space, the award-winning ExCeL London is the host of the country’s largest business events. From UK Construction Week to WTM London, multiple industry-defining exhibitions leverage this venue’s size and logistical benefits to create successful annual events.
History
Constructed near East London’s historic docks in 2000, ExCeL London was designed by Moxley Architects to meet the needs of the Association of Exhibition Organisers (AEO). The venue was originally smaller than it stands today, and is being expanded gradually with a multi-phase expansion plan.
In 2008, ExCeL was acquired by the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) before hosting the London G20 summit the following year. Less than five years later, the venue hosted a few events from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. As of 2024, it has since been awarded the title of “England’s Best Convention Centre” on four consecutive occasions by the World MICE Awards.
Attending
The ExCeL London is highly accessible by the London Underground transit system, although it also offers around 2000 parking bays for motor vehicles and motorbikes. Those looking to take the underground should travel on the Elizabeth Line, while the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) caters to above-ground transit to the exhibition venue.
Cyclists are also considered as part of ExCeL’s transportation scheme and sustainability drive; there are free-to-use cycle racks near the venue’s west entrance.
London Olympia
Address: Hammersmith Rd, London W14 8UX, UK
Founded: 1886
Exhibit space: 41,000 square metres
Major trade shows: London Jewellery Show, London Tech Week, Ideal Home Show, London Build Expo, PHEX London, International Security Expo
Accommodation: Hilton London Olympia, Premier Inn London Kensington (Olympia), NOX Kensington, London Visitor’s Hotel
Features
With around 41,000 square metres of exhibit space on offer, the West London-located Olympia Events is the second-largest exhibition venue in the city. It hosts both small and large-scale events.
As far as London exhibition venues go, this particular venue is also one of the most flexible in the country. Certainly, the Olympia features varied spaces to accommodate different event formats, from large exhibition halls to smaller meeting rooms. This makes it a trendy choice for British event organisers and planners, who value being able to tailor a venue to their event needs.
History
Despite being overtaken by the ExCeL in terms of sheer size, Olympia London remains a longstanding and popular exhibition centre in London. Founded as the National Agricultural Hall in 1886, it consisted of only two exhibition halls before more were added before 1930. In 1908, Olympia hosted the first-ever Ideal Home Show, one of the world’s oldest trade shows and a staple of the annual exhibitions circuit. More exhibition events soon followed including the British Electronic Computer Exhibition, the world’s first computer exhibition held at the Olympia in 1958.
With its 140th anniversary quickly approaching, the London Olympia was rebranded as Olympia Events in 2024. This new change comes two years after events management company ASM Global was appointed to manage the venue.
Attending
Located slightly closer to the city centre than the ExCeL London, the Olympia is famous for its seamless ease of access. In fact, it is particularly well-oriented for access via public transport. Visitors are encouraged to use the London Underground, which connects directly to the venue at the adjacent Kensington (Olympia) station.
Never traversed the London underground before? Check out our handy navigational guide for exhibitors.
London Business Design Centre
Address: 52 Upper St, London N1 0QH, UK
Founded: 1862 (as the Agricultural Hall, later the Business Design Centre in 1986)
Exhibit space: 6,000 square metres
Major trade shows: London Textile Show, Adventure Travel Show, London Art Fair, Surface Design Show, Jax London, IHR Live
Accommodation: Hilton London Angel Islington, Premier Inn London Angel Islington, Citadines Apart’hotel Islington London
Features
A smaller events venue, the London Business Design Centre is an award-winning hub for modern exhibitions and conferences. Its timeless glasshouse roof design, robust sustainability drive, and rich history all make it an attractive destination for smaller exhibition organisers in London.
History
As one of the oldest UK exhibition venues still currently in use, the London Business Design Centre is rich in history. Don’t let the modern design upgrades fool you, this exhibition centre was built back in 1862! Then known as the Agricultural Hall, it hosted a wide variety of trade and exhibition events before falling into disrepair after the Second World War. In 1980, new owners arrived and saved the centre from demolition. Restoration was completed in 1986, resulting in the modern venue we know today.
Attending
With its convenient location in north-central London, the London Business Design Centre is one of the most accessible venues in the country. It can be reached by bus, overground train, underground train, bicycle, car, and on foot. Motorists will be pleased to learn the centre is located outside London’s congestion charge zone.
Exhibition centres London: partners for business growth
Choosing the right trade show exhibition centre in London can be a pivotal factor in the success of your event. Each venue, from the flexible London Olympia to the massive ExCeL London, offers distinct advantages that cater to different event sizes and styles. By understanding the unique capabilities of these locations, event organizers can make informed decisions that enhance brand visibility and streamline the logistics of their shows.
At Booth Exhibits™, we’re here to help simplify that process. Whether you’re hosting a massive international expo or a more intimate gathering, our London exhibition stand builder team is ready to support you with tailored exhibition stand solutions, ensuring your next event is seamless and impactful. London’s world-class venues are waiting—are you set to take the stage?