As we have seen with the case of Liverpool, smaller cities in the UK can still punch above their weight and deliver some world-class exhibitions. With a district population surpassing half a million people, Manchester remains a serious contender for British business-to-business (B2B) trade events in the North of England.
In addition to its local significance, Manchester is equally well-known internationally. Two of the world’s largest and most successful football clubs call this city home: Manchester United and Manchester City. Their respective stadiums have been utilised for many trade shows in recent years, alongside the local bespoke venue Manchester Central. With venues like these, it’s no surprise Manchester retains such value on the annual trade show circuit.
To help you make the most of your visit to this incredible city, we’ve listed our top 15 trade show events in Manchester below.
Best exhibitions in Manchester 2024-2025
Exhibition events are a remarkable asset for marketing your company and building sales; keep your eyes open for a relevant opportunity if you’re a regional CEO, event planner, or marketing manager. Exhibiting at one of these shows in Manchester might be what your marketing strategy needs!
The Baby Show
When: 6-8 June 2025
Where: Manchester Central
Ticket cost: TBC
With four annual events hosted across London, Birmingham, and Manchester, it’s no secret that The Baby Show is growing as one of the top trade shows in the UK. A continued emphasis on pregnancy, baby, and parenting makes this show so dynamic; there are usually thousands of products on show from the country’s top baby brands. Additionally, exclusive show discounts and the chance to compare buggies and car seats should make this a winner for any new mum.
WOMEX
When: 23-27 October 2024
Where: Various
Ticket cost: £130 – £750
Better known as the Worldwide Music Expo, WOMEX will return in 2024 to celebrate thirty years of excellence catering to the global music industry. While not as massive as the comparable NAMM Show in the United States, WOMEX is still one of the larger exhibitions in Britain. More than 1,000 companies will attend the 2024 edition alongside just under 3,000 music trade professionals. From folk and ethnic to contemporary, all styles of music are welcome.
Caravan Motorhome & Holiday Show
When: 16-19 Jan 2025
Where: Manchester Central
Ticket cost: TBC
A new year means a new edition of the popular Caravan Motorhome & Holiday Show, and also a brand new floorplan for this holiday sector bonanza. New vans, motorhomes, tents, barbeques, and trailers are all the flavour of the day at this trade show; visitors will be able to try many of these out during select product demonstrations. So, if you’ve always been picky about the layout of your van, why not give the Caravan Motorhome & Holiday Show a try?
Annual Hospitality Conference
When: 30 September – 1 October 2024
Where: Manchester Central
Ticket cost: £390 – £1,450
Also known as the Annual Hotel Conference (AHC), this spectacular trade show is a major nexus in the North for anyone in the hospitality industry. Held annually for the past 20 years, the show will continue to cement its growth and authority in 2024. From hoteliers to bar, pub, and restaurant owners, the AHC offers unbeatable opportunities for trade visitors hoping to make a mark for themselves in this cutthroat industry.
Connected North
When: 23-24 April 2025
Where: Manchester Central
Ticket cost: £595
More than twenty years ago wireless internet was a rare and unknown commodity in homes around the country, though today it is seen as an essential one cannot live without. With technology always improving, it’s no wonder the Connected North trade show captures the hearts of so many digital infrastructure professionals each year. The show is organised by Total Telecom, who foster connections between sellers and buyers from the global telecoms industry.
North of England Dentistry Show
When: 8 March 2025
Where: Manchester Central
Ticket cost: TBC
Building upon a highly successful 2024 edition, the 2025 North of England Dentistry Show will return with a bang in 2025. All registered attendees will receive 8 hours of CPD accreditation and have access to brand-new dental product displays from leading brands. No matter whether you’re a young professional or a dental industry expert, this show has dedicated programmes for all attendees so that they feel welcome.
Professional Beauty North
When: 29-30 September 2024
Where: Manchester Central
Ticket cost: TBC
Makeup and nail competitions, glitter workshops, and a packed education programme all make Professional Beauty North one of the most unique trade fairs on the Manchester events calendar. This exciting affair returns once again to Manchester Central in 2024 and will feature an exclusive live product demonstration stage. Well over 11,000 beauty trade professionals are expected to attend, making it a marketer’s dream event.
Cyber Security Expo
When: 24 July 2024
Where: Manchester Central
Ticket cost: Free
The Cyber Security Expo is another popular show on our list with a truly national footprint, with three annual exhibitions held across London, Bristol, and Manchester. The show is designed entirely around clients and recruitment agencies who deal with cyber security and may be interested in hiring new specialists. Remember to register for your tickets online to gain entry with a photo ID, even though the event is free.
Healthcare Estates Conference & Exhibition
When: 8-9 October 2024
Where: Manchester Central
Ticket cost: Free (exhibition only)
Healthcare-related exhibitions remain a popular kind of trade show throughout the United Kingdom, and Manchester is no different. At the Healthcare Estates Conference & Exhibitions, professional healthcare engineers and estates management professionals can connect with their peers while learning about future industry trends and products. There are a variety of free-to-attend educational seminars too, ensuring everyone has the chance to brush up on their healthcare engineering knowledge.
Police Resettlement Expo
When: 24 July 2024
Where: Manchester Central
Ticket cost: Free
Co-located with the Cyber Security Expo and several other trade shows, the Police Resettlement Expo stands out with its emphasis on the recruitment of former police officers. Whether you’re the manager of a company seeking someone with policing skills or a former police officer with other skills to market, this trade show is for you. It’s the perfect chance to speak face-to-face with professionals and employers alike.
Property Developer Show
When: 4 September 2024
Where: Etihad Stadium
Ticket cost: Free
As the UK’s only property developer-focused exhibition, the Property Developer Show in Manchester is highly renowned and aims to remedy the national need for more housing. Held at the world-class Etihad Stadium, this trade show provides an outstanding experience for both visitors and exhibitors; it incorporates all aspects of housing from architecture designs to tech implementation. Exhibitors even get early access to a special VIP networking zone, making this event all the more valuable.
Accountex Summit Manchester
When: 17 September 2024
Where: Manchester Central
Ticket cost: Free
Imagine thousands of financial professionals networking and sharing their best ideas all under one common roof. This is exactly the main selling point that drives the Accountex Summit in Manchester, which is one of the country’s most successful finance trade shows. At least 120 finance and accountancy suppliers will be present to exhibit their products and services; they will be joined by 32 CPD-accredited seminars to learn from.
Education Estates
When: 15-16 October 2024
Where: Manchester Central
Ticket cost: Free (exhibition only)
For everything related to the learning environment, the Education Estates exhibition in Manchester has it all. From designers and suppliers to the educators themselves who drive our school forward, Education Estates is as comprehensive as it gets. The show comprises a conference held over seven themed stages alongside a main exhibition catering to new solutions for the education environment. It’s a must-attend for anyone in the education sector, and there are some top awards to be won as well.
CIPD Annual Conference & Exhibition
When: 6-7 November 2024
Where: Manchester Central
Ticket cost: TBC
Nicholas Hamilton, the half-brother of famous Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton, is but one of many acclaimed guest speakers set to attend 2024’s CIPD Annual Conference & Exhibition. More than 130 exhibitors and 5,000 trade attendees will also be present, in what promises to be another defining meeting for the Human Resources sector. The best part? There are over 50 different feature sessions to attend and they’re completely free!
PHEX North
When: 9-10 October 2024
Where: Old Trafford Stadium
Ticket cost: Free
The northern counterpart to PHEX South in London, PHEX North unites the UK’s plumbing and heating experts again on 9-10 October 2024. Featuring panel discussions and keynote addresses, attendees will be able to network and build their careers whilst sampling new products and technologies. Like a few other events on our list, 2024 marks a thirtieth anniversary for PHEX so its event this year shouldn’t be missed!
To end off…
Historical pedigree, reliable public transport, world-class event spaces, and a central location all combine to make Manchester one of Britain’s top exhibition event destinations. Whether your business is an established authority or a new upstart, Manchester offers exceptional marketing potential.
Years of experience in the exhibition stand design industry means we at Booth Exhibits™ are prepared to do whatever it takes to make your exhibition experience a fulfilling one. Send us a message or try out our online price calculator today – you won’t regret it!
