We love business exhibitions at Taxoo. We go to as many as we can!
Why we love business exhibitions?
Business exhibitions, also known as trade shows or expos, are events where businesses from a particular industry gather to showcase their products, services, and innovations to potential customers, partners, and industry professionals. These exhibitions can provide a platform for companies to promote their brand, generate leads, network with other businesses, and stay updated on industry trends.
Business exhibitions still play a huge role in the marketing and sales mix and can be a fun day out for employees and much needed ‘active rest’!
You can read our guide to successful exhibitions here:
>>> Leveraging Exhibitions for Business Growth (A Deep Dive!)
Here’s a list of notable business exhibitions in the UK in 2024.
Business Exhibitions in 2024
International Franchise Show – ExCeL London, 12-13 April 2024
The International Franchise Show, taking place on 12-13 April 2024 at ExCeL London, is the UK’s largest exhibition dedicated to franchising. This pivotal event provides an unparalleled opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business owners to explore a vast array of franchise opportunities worldwide. Attendees can expect to gain free access to over 250 exhibitors, participate in 60 seminars, and benefit from 1-2-1 personal advice sessions. The show is designed to cover all aspects of franchising, offering interactive features, expert guidance, and a wealth of information on the latest trends and opportunities within the franchising world. Whether you’re looking to start your own business or expand an existing one through franchising, this show is a must-visit to discover the potential for growth and success in various sectors.
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SME XPO – ExCeL London, 23-24 April 2024
The SME XPO is scheduled for 23-24 April 2024 at ExCeL London. This business exhibition is crafted as a premier networking exhibition and conference, orchestrated by the Evening Standard, specifically designed to support the UK’s scaleup community. The SME XPO offers a rich program to inspire and educate business leaders and owners across a spectrum of critical areas, including strategy, investment, scaling-up, sustainability, and more. The exhibition provides a free-to-attend platform for attendees to engage with a diverse array of exhibitors, listen to influential speakers, and participate in workshops and seminars tailored to address the challenges and opportunities faced by SMEs today. It’s an essential event for those looking to drive business growth, explore innovations, and network with peers and industry leaders within the UK’s vibrant business ecosystem.
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lovelocalexpo – Burnley, 24 April 2024
The lovelocalexpo, set for 24 April 2024 at Impact Conferencing in Burnley, BB12 6QP, is an annual exhibition that brings together businesses from all sectors across Lancashire and the wider North-West region. This event fosters networking and facilitates meetings between new clients, suppliers, and collaborators. It offers an excellent opportunity for attendees to meet various exhibitors, access expert seminars, and gain insights into business support, funding, grants, scaling, and growth. The lovelocalexpo aims to support local businesses by providing a platform to showcase their products and services, stimulating economic development within the region. Free to visit, this expo is a valuable event for anyone looking to expand their business network, discover new opportunities, or seek professional advice on various aspects of business operations.
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North East Expo – Newcastle upon Tyne, 25 April 2024
The North East Expo is a prominent event tailored for small and medium-sized businesses across the Tyneside, Wearside, and Northumberland areas. Scheduled to take place on 25 April 2024 at High Gosforth Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, it provides a unique platform for businesses to network, exhibit, and discover new services and products. This expo is free for delegates, offering them the opportunity to meet and network with over 150 exhibitors and attend various seminars designed to cover more than 16 different business-related topics. The North East Expo focuses on connecting businesses within the region, helping them to explore new opportunities, share insights, and gain valuable knowledge to support their growth and development.
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National Convenience Show – NEC, Birmingham, 29-30 April 2024
The National Convenience Show is the premier event for the UK’s convenience retail sector, offering a comprehensive platform for suppliers, wholesalers, and retailers to come together. Scheduled for 29-30 April 2024 at the NEC in Birmingham, this show enables attendees to explore, sample, and source convenience store-specific products and services. It’s ideal for discovering the latest trends and innovations to drive sales and improve business operations. The event is co-located with four other shows: the Food & Drink Expo, Farm Shop & Deli Show, The Forecourt Show, and The Restaurant Show, providing even greater value and insights across a broader range of related industries. Attendees can expect to find new products, gain access to industry insights, and network with peers, making it an invaluable opportunity for anyone in the convenience retailing sector.
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Anglia Business Exhibition – Ipswich, 8 May 2024
The Anglia Business Exhibition is scheduled for 8 May 2024 at Trinity Park, Ipswich. This event stands as a pivotal gathering for the business community in the Anglia region, offering a comprehensive platform for businesses of all sizes to showcase their products and services, network with other companies, and explore new opportunities. It’s known for attracting a diverse audience, including entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals looking to expand their networks, gain insights into the latest industry trends, and discover new tools and services to enhance their operations. The exhibition emphasises the importance of local and regional economic growth, providing an excellent opportunity for businesses to connect, learn, and collaborate within the vibrant Anglia business ecosystem.
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Electronic Component Show – Oxford, 19 September 2024
The Electronic Component Show, scheduled for 19 September 2024 at the Kassam Stadium in Oxford, is highly rated within the electrical and electronic manufacturing sector. This event offers a unique opportunity for professionals in the industry to explore the latest innovations, technologies, and components in the field. Attendees can expect to engage with various exhibitors showcasing new products, solutions, and services that are shaping the future of electronic manufacturing. The show is designed to cater to engineers, designers, buyers, and specifiers. It provides them with a platform to meet suppliers, discuss requirements, and discover new technologies to drive their projects and businesses forward. It’s an essential event for those looking to stay abreast of electronic component advancements.
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Multimodal – NEC, Birmingham, 11-13 June 2024
Multimodal, taking place from 11-13 June 2024 at the NEC in Birmingham (the home of business exhibitions !), is recognised as a leading event for the UK logistics, transport, and supply chain sectors. This exhibition aims to bring together professionals from various logistics and supply chain management facets, offering them a platform to explore the latest products, innovations, and services that can help enhance their operations and strategies. Attendees can expect a comprehensive showcase from exhibitors, encompassing freight transport, logistics services, and supply chain management solutions. In addition to the exhibition, Multimodal provides:
- A valuable educational component.
- Featuring seminars and workshops led by industry experts.
- Discussing current challenges and trends.
- Future opportunities within the logistics and supply chain industry.
This event is crucial for professionals looking to network, learn about advancements in their field, and discover new ways to optimise their supply chain and transportation processes.
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London Wine Fair – Olympia London, 20-22 May 2024
The London Wine Fair, taking place from 20-22 May 2024 at Olympia London, is the UK’s premier drink industry event, attracting over 10,000 professionals. It’s an inspirational gathering that features an extensive array of wines from around the globe, offering attendees the chance to taste and engage in abundant networking opportunities. This progressive fair is designed to showcase outstanding wines, spark conversations, foster collaborations, and provide a dynamic platform for the drinks trade. Whether you’re a wine buyer, importer, sommelier, restaurateur, or simply a wine enthusiast, the London Wine Fair presents an unmissable opportunity to explore the rich diversity of the wine world, making it a key event in the drinks industry calendar.
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WTM – World Travel Market – ExCeL London, 7 November 2024
The World Travel Market (WTM) London, set for 5-7 November 2024 at ExCeL London, is the world’s most influential travel and tourism event. For over four decades, WTM has served as a pivotal platform where industry professionals worldwide gather to build relationships, discuss plans, and uncover new opportunities. This event is renowned for facilitating meaningful interactions among ministers, business leaders, and travel teams, aiming to shape the future of travel and tourism. WTM London is an essential meeting point for the global travel trade, offering an extensive forum for networking, negotiating, and conducting business. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and market trends, WTM London provides invaluable insights and opportunities for all attendees, making it a must-attend event for anyone involved in the travel and tourism industry.
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Restaurant & Bar Tech Live – ExCeL London, 15-16 October 2024
The Hospitality Tech Expo, formerly known as Restaurant & Bar Tech Live, is set to take place on 15-16 October 2024 at ExCeL London. It’s positioned as Europe’s largest exhibition focusing on the emerging technology transforming the restaurant and bar industry. This event is an annual trade show catering to the hotel and catering industry, organised by Fortem Food and Drink Ltd. It provides a comprehensive platform for showcasing various innovative technologies and solutions tailored to enhance restaurant and bar operational efficiency and customer experience. Attendees can look forward to exploring the latest in digital menus, POS systems, mobile ordering, and other cutting-edge technologies designed to streamline operations and boost profitability. With its focus on innovation, the Hospitality Tech Expo is an essential event for professionals looking to stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving landscape of the hospitality sector.
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eCommerce Expo – ExCeL London, 18-19 September 2024
The eCommerce Expo, taking place on 18-19 September 2024 at ExCeL London, is the UK’s largest event dedicated to all aspects of eCommerce. It is the ultimate destination for B2C and B2B businesses operating online in the UK. This event is co-located with Technology for Marketing and is supported by the UK eCommerce Association IMRG. It’s designed to connect over 12,000 eCommerce professionals with more than 300 technology providers and industry speakers. Attendees can explore all facets of eCommerce, from customer acquisition to logistics and operations. The expo offers two days filled with innovative content sessions, insights, and inspiration, making it a must-attend for industry professionals looking to stay ahead in the fast-evolving online retail space.
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London Tech Week – London, 10-14 June 2024
London Tech Week, occurring from 10th to 14th June 2024 is heralded as a global celebration of technology, uniting the most innovative thinkers and the talent of tomorrow in a week-long festival. The 2024 edition will be hosted in its new home at Olympia London, promising an unrivalled showcase of technological advancements, immersive experiences, and content. This event is a pivotal gathering for over 45,000 participants, including innovators, investors, tech leaders, and visionaries from various sectors, offering over 350 speakers. London Tech Week’s agenda is rich and diverse, addressing significant themes such as the growth of the UK’s tech ecosystem, inspiring sustainable future advancements, and embracing digital transformation across industries. It provides a unique platform for thought-provoking conversations, networking, and exploring new tech solutions, making it a must-attend for anyone involved in the global tech community.
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Autumn Fair – NEC, 1-4 September 2024
The Autumn Fair, held at the NEC in Birmingham from 1st to 4th September 2024, is a renowned trade show that serves as a vital platform for retailers and exhibitors across various sectors. This event is a hub for discovering new products, trends, and innovations across categories such as home and gift, fashion, beauty, and more. With thousands of exhibitors showcasing their latest offerings, attendees can source new products, build relationships with suppliers, and stay ahead of market trends. The Autumn Fair is known for its comprehensive seminar program, offering valuable insights into industry developments, consumer behaviour, and retail strategies. It’s an essential event for retailers seeking to diversify their product range, stay competitive, and drive business growth. Whether you’re a small independent retailer or a large-scale chain, the Autumn Fair provides a valuable platform for networking, learning, and sourcing products to meet the evolving needs of consumers.
Read more here >>
Summary
All of these wonderful business exhibitions cover a range of industries and interests, from technology and innovation to franchising, e-commerce, and hospitality, providing numerous opportunities for small businesses to learn, network, and grow.
Visit the event’s official website or contact the organisers directly for more specific details on each event.
Author
Graham is the CEO of Taxoo.
He is a Serial Start-up Entrepreneur, Investor and Multiple Business Owner. He has vast experience in Marketing, Business Management and UK Foreign Investment. He has multiple qualifications in both Law, Post Grad Marketing and is a Chartered Marketer and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing.
He is also the CEO of Lawble, Xpats.io, HR Hype and Rokman Media.
