Imagine a city renowned for its rich history, cultural diversity, and economic prowess. Imagine dozens of upmarket trade shows dedicated to everything from books and new tech to construction gear, recycling, and even veterinary science. Imagine all this in one of the financial capitals of the world. Where else could you be but London, one of the very top exhibition event host cities in the UK?
Whether your company is British-born or a more regional player, London boasts a colourful and exciting selection of important business-to-business (B2B) trade events that can be crucial to business marketing success. Every year, London’s exhibition calendar is packed with world-class events that cater to a wide array of sectors. With so much choice, you can be confident that there’s an exhibition in London designed to meet your marketing needs and exceed your expectations.
In this blog article, we’ll explore our top exhibition event picks in London that you cannot afford to miss! These events not only offer immense business opportunities right in the heart of the UK but also reflect the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of global trade and innovation.
Best exhibitions in London 2024-2025
Although rarer in the past, regular annual exhibitions of larger sizes are now common in the UK. This is true now more than ever since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, and our list below incorporates some of the most renowned London exhibitions that display continued growth and value post-pandemic.
Important: Please note that the ICE Show, one of London’s largest long-running trade events, has moved to Barcelona in Spain as of 2024.
London Tech Week
When: 10-14 June 2024
Where: Olympia London
Visitor age limit: 16 with a guardian
The first event on our list is a big one. As the UK’s counterweight to the CES event in America, London Tech Week is Britain’s flagship tech event that celebrates the best of the global tech community. This annual exhibition takes place around June and covers various tech domains like AI, cybersecurity, and fintech. The latter is very important, given London’s status as a major finance hub in the world.
International Confex
When: 26-27 February 2025
Where: ExCeL London
Visitor age limit: TBC
Imagine an exhibition event about the exhibition event professionals themselves. This is exactly the point of the annual International Confex Show in London. Attendees can expect several hundred exhibitors and plenty of educational sessions; it also offers unparalleled networking opportunities for event planners, marketers, and suppliers. It’s a must-attend show for anyone looking to elevate their event planning and execution to the next level.
The Business Show
When: 13-14 November 2024
Where: ExCeL London
Visitor age limit: TBC
A biannual event, The Business Show is the UK’s largest business exhibition for entrepreneurs and small-medium enterprises (SMEs). A wide variety of seminar discussions are held, which makes this trade show highly valuable to any small business owners wanting to get a grasp on some entrepreneurial tips and tricks. Additionally, the 2024 edition marks the 50th iteration of the event and will feature an opportunity for an SME to win a £50,000 package of business resources!
London Book Fair
When: 11-13 March 2025
Where: Olympia London
Visitor age limit: 18+
Over 1,000 exhibitors and 30,000 visitors were present over three days at the 2024 edition of this famous publishing trade fair in London. Publishers, literary agents, authors, and industry professionals from around the globe will be in attendance, and industry attendees will be able to explore new titles while networking with others in the global literary market.
World Travel Market (WTM) London
When: 5-7 November 2024
Where: ExCeL London
Visitor age limit: 16+
Featuring some of the world’s most important tour operators, hoteliers, and destination managers, WTM London is one of the top travel sector trade shows in the world. A whopping 5,000 or so exhibitors will be present at the next edition in November 2024; they will be joined by several official national tourism ministry delegations from exotic holiday destinations like the Dominican Republic and Bulgaria.
Retail Technology Show
When: 2-3 April 2025
Where: ExCeL London
Visitor age limit: TBC
Another tech exhibition that highlights London’s commitment to the sector is the Retail Technology Show. With a specific focus on new technology implementation in the retail industry, this show promises exciting live demonstrations of new products designed to keep businesses ahead in the competitive retail landscape. From AI to digital payments, this one-stop retail tech show has it all covered.
London Design Festival
When: 14-22 September 2024
Where: Various
Visitor age limit: TBC
Some events need more than just one venue. Hosted simultaneously at various locations throughout the UK’s capital, the London Design Festival focuses expressly on designers from all walks of life. Whether it be architecture or fashion, almost every design-related discipline will have something on show. It’s also an apt occasion to identify some of the best design leaders of the year, who usually receive medals at each event.
Infosecurity Europe
When: 3-5 June 2025
Where: ExCeL London
Visitor age limit: 16+
With more and more people coming online for the first time every day, there remains a growing need for cybersecurity products to protect internet users from harm. Infosecurity Europe caters directly to this need and is one of the leading trade fairs for the European portion of the industry. In addition to the main exhibition, the show also features a comprehensive conference program where attendees can learn about the trajectory of the cybersecurity market.
London Build Expo
When: 20-21 November 2024
Where: Olympia London
Visitor age limit: None (children to be accompanied by an adult)
The first London construction on our list, the London Build Expo is one of the UK’s main construction and built environment shows. This dynamic event features several hundred exhibitors showcasing the products, services, and innovations in construction. Attendees can participate in interactive workshops, gain insights from industry leaders through CPD-accredited sessions, and network with thousands of construction professionals.
London Packaging Week
When: 11-12 September 2024
Where: ExCeL London
Visitor age limit: TBC
London Packaging Week is London’s premier event for packaging companies and professionals. The show consists of four feature events for different kinds of packaging, namely Packaging Première, PCD, PLD, and Food and Consumer Pack. The latter caters to food, beverage, and consumer goods packaging whilst PCD and PLD cater to cosmetics and drinks packaging, respectively. Packaging Première, meanwhile, is dedicated exclusively to the packaging of luxury goods.
London International Shipping Week
When: 15-19 September 2025
Where: Various
Visitor age limit: TBC
A more recent phenomenon, the 2025 edition of the London International Shipping Week exhibition will be the seventh event since its foundation. Just like the London Design Festival, this maritime-focused trade show will take place across a few different venues in London. It will give attendees the chance to gain valuable insights into shipping industry trends, regulatory updates, and innovative technologies.
Brand Licensing Europe
When: 24-26 September 2024
Where: ExCeL London
Visitor age limit: 16+
If you’re in the business of licensing and brand extension, then this major event will need no introduction. Brand Licensing Europe is an annual London trade show that brings together brand owners, licensors, and licensees from various industries. Together they explore some of the latest industry trends and brand licensing opportunities, all under one roof!
BETT Show London
When: 22-24 January 2025
Where: ExCeL London
Visitor age limit: TBC
More than 30,000 people attended the 2024 edition of London’s leading global event for education technology. At the BETT show, everyone from educators to innovators and tech enthusiasts congregate to showcase cutting-edge tech solutions to learning hurdles. There will also be bucketloads of interactive workshops, prizes, and inspirational keynote talks regarding the advancement of education through technology.
UK Construction Week London
When: 6-8 May 2025
Where: ExCeL London
Visitor age limit: TBC
Not to be confused with its twin event held up in Birmingham, the London edition of the UK Construction Week event will again unite professionals from Britain’s construction industry in 2025. Architects, contractors, suppliers, and engineers will all be present at this massive construction bonanza; it also features CPD-accredited seminars, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities.
Cloud Expo Europe
When: 12-13 March 2025
Where: ExCeL London
Visitor age limit: 18+
Joining an already impressive list of technology-focused exhibition events in London is Cloud Expo Europe, which attracts thousands of IT professionals each year. Together, they market products and address issues relating to cloud technology and digital transformation. The attendee conference program is both comprehensive and captivating; and it will feature important guest speakers like Tikiri Wanduragala, who is theSenior Consultant of Infrastructure Systems at Lenovo EMEA.
Accountex London
When: 14-15 May 2025
Where: ExCeL London
Visitor age limit: 18+
A CPD-accredited education program, more than 200 top finance-tech companies, and engaging feature events are all one free ticket away with Accountex London. The event is designed specifically for accounting and finance professionals, who will be able to boost their careers with 16 free CPD points just by attending. It’s sustainable too, with one tree planted for every event attendee.
The Franchise Show
When: 11-12 April 2025
Where: ExCeL London
Visitor age limit: TBA
The Franchise Show held annually at ExCeL London, is the UK’s largest event for potential franchisees and franchisors. Top exhibitors include the likes of McDonald’s and Subway, and attendees can participate in expert-led seminars to gain insights from successful franchisors. They can also attend several workshops on funding, legal advice, and business planning.
DSEI London
When: 9-12 September 2025
Where: ExCeL London
Visitor age limit: 18+
DSEI, which stands for Defense and Security Equipment International, is a leading global defence and security event. DSEI brings together military personnel, government officials, and industry experts to London to showcase the latest advancements in defence technology and security solutions. It is essential for anyone committed to maintaining and advancing security capabilities worldwide, including government defence employees.
PHEX London
When: 11-12 September 2024
Where: Olympia London
Visitor age limit: 18+
Imagine a world-class event where manufacturers and suppliers can meet with installers and contractors all under one roof. This is the basic premise of PHEX, also known as the Plumbing and Heating Show. It’s one of the older events on the exhibition calendar and will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2024 while remaining committed to driving the industry forward.
International Security Expo
When: 24-25 September 2024
Where: Olympia London
Visitor age limit: 18+
Whereas DSEI covers broad defence and military sectors, London’s International Security Expo zeroes in on security solutions for critical infrastructure, cyber threats, and public safety. Several hundred exhibitors will be present for the 2024 show, where they will showcase some of the latest security technologies and services relating to global security and counter-terrorism.
Recycling Expo
When: 15-16 October 2024
Where: ExCeL London
Visitor age limit: TBC
One of several new sustainability-focused exhibitions in London, the Recycling Expo drives the latest advancements in UK recycling and waste management. Featuring over 200 exhibitors, the expo showcases cutting-edge technologies and solutions aimed at reducing waste while promoting circular economy practices. Attendees often enjoy a selection of informative seminars, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities.
eCommerce Expo
When: 18-19 September 2024
Where: ExCeL London
Visitor age limit: 16+
Both digital marketers and online logistics can rejoice knowing that the UK’s biggest online sales trade fair will return once again in September 2024. More than 300 eCommerce solution providers will be present to demonstrate their optimisation of the online sales process. It’s co-located with the Technology for Marketing Show, which focuses on Marketing and AI. Both exhibitions will be accessible through a single ticket, ensuring there is something for everybody.
London Vet Show
When: 14-15 November 2024
Where: ExCeL London
Visitor age limit: 18+ (except newborns and toddlers in prams)
Did you know that more than £5.3 billion was spent on veterinary care services in the UK in 2022? With such a growing market, it is no surprise thousands of veterinary professionals come together at the annual London Vet Show exhibition. Featuring over 450 exhibitors, including top sponsors like Royal Canin, Zoetis, and Hill’s Pet Nutrition, the event showcases some of the latest products and innovations in veterinary medicine.
Reset Connect
When: 24-25 June 2025
Where: ExCeL London
Visitor age limit: 18+
Hosted as part of the London Climate Action Week, Reset Connect is another sustainability-centric trade show focused on helping businesses reach their sustainability targets. Major show sponsors include the likes of Siemens, Schneider Electric, and EY, highlighting the show’s commitment to finding cutting-edge solutions for sustainable business practices.
Professional Beauty London
When: March 3-4 2025
Where: ExCeL London
Visitor age limit: 14+
Last but certainly not least is Professional Beauty London, the UK’s largest beauty and spa trade show. From brand-new products to treatments and other innovations in the beauty industry, it’s a dynamic and exciting show for UK beauty professionals to exhibit and keep ahead of industry trends. The 2024 edition also featured the show’s new professional beauty make-up competition, with competitors being judged by an expert panel led by Lan Nguyen-Grealis.
Last thoughts
No matter your interests or line of work, London has a world-class trade show for everyone. Still, taking the leap of faith to put your company out there amongst global industry leaders in London can be daunting.
At Booth Exhibits™, we’d love to help! With years of experience in the British exhibitions and events industry, we believe we have what it takes to make your time in London both worthwhile and hassle-free. You can get in touch with us here.
What exhibitions are currently on in London?
Some important London exhibitions for the latter half of 2024 include WTM London (5-7 November), the London Design Festival (14-22 September), and the Recycling Expo (15-16 October).
What’s on at the V and A in 2024?
Part of the London Design Festival will be held at the V and A South Kensington on 14 September 2024.
What exhibitions are coming to the V&A?
The London Design Festival will appear once again at the V&A South Kensington from 14 September 2024 and will feature some of the best design leaders of the year.
