After a traditionally quiet period over Christmas and New Year, the UK exhibitions industry is moving quickly back into gear this January, with a strong programme of trade shows taking place across London and other key venues.
The return begins with the Adventure Travel Show, taking place on 10–11 January 2026 at the Business Design Centre in London. The event brings together adventure tour operators, destinations and travel brands and is often one of the first major exhibitions to open its doors after the festive break.
Immediately after, the EAG Expo runs at Excel London from 13–15 January 2026. This specialist show focuses on entertainment, attractions, gaming, immersive experiences and related technologies, drawing professionals from leisure and amusement sectors.
Mid‑January sees fashion and retail sourcing take centre stage with Source Fashion, running from 14–16 January 2026 at Olympia. The show provides buyers and brands with an early opportunity to explore new suppliers, sustainable materials and global sourcing options as purchasing plans for the year take shape.
A bit later in January, the Toy Fair takes over Olympia from 20–22 January 2026. As the UK’s largest dedicated toy, game and hobby trade exhibition, it brings together manufacturers, retailers and industry innovators ahead of the season’s product launches and retail planning.
Following that, BETT UK returns to Excel London from 21–23 January 2026. As one of the largest edtech exhibitions in the UK, BETT attracts international exhibitors, educators and policymakers, making it a key fixture in the January exhibition calendar and a strong indicator of early‑year confidence in live events.
Rounding out the month, the Festival of Genomics & Biodata takes place on 28–29 January 2026 at Excel London. The event highlights the continued growth of specialist and innovation‑led exhibitions, bringing together professionals from life sciences, healthcare and data‑driven research sectors.
For venues and organisers, January’s schedule represents more than just a return to normal operations. Strong attendance and exhibitor engagement during the first month of the year are widely viewed as a positive sign for the wider exhibition industry as it moves into an increasingly busy first quarter.
With businesses refreshed after the holiday period and eager to reconnect face to face, January’s line‑up confirms that the UK exhibition sector is firmly back in motion.
