Trade fairs in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom pairs a large services economy with an industrial base that still builds machinery, vehicles and materials. Its trade fair calendar reflects that mix, with travel, finance, engineering and construction shows.

Four nations make up the country, but business events concentrate in England, where the large exhibition centers and the main transport links sit. London is the financial and professional services capital and is served by Heathrow, Gatwick and several other airports. The Midlands, around Birmingham, grew on metalworking and engineering. The page for England covers the shows held there.

London hosts the shows tied to services and trade. WTM London gathers the travel and tourism industry at ExCeL London, a large fairground in the Docklands, while The Business Show London addresses small businesses and founders. Builders and designers attend London Build, and the veterinary profession meets at the London Vet Show. Olympia London and the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre also host events, and the whole city sits on the page for London.

Birmingham, at the center of the country by rail and motorway, is the base of the NEC, a fairground that stages engineering, metals and land-based shows. Advanced Engineering brings manufacturers and their suppliers together, UK Metals Expo covers the metals supply chain, and SALTEX serves grounds management. Consumer events also use the hall space, such as the Christmas-themed Festive Good Food Show. The page for Birmingham lists the rest.

Several industries organize their year around these two cities. Builders and architects follow the construction and architecture shows, manufacturers the industry and manufacturing calendar, and the many fairs for finance and management sit under business and finance. Most large shows run once a year, a few follow a two-year rhythm.