The UK is home to a diverse range of world-class exhibition venues, offering flexible spaces for events of all sizes and industries. From iconic cultural institutions to state-of-the-art centres, these venues provide advanced facilities, excellent transport links, and options suited to various events. With an emphasis on technology, accessibility, and sustainability, the UK remains a top destination for exhibitions and events on a global scale.
1.NEC Birmingham
Size: 182,000 sqm (indoor)
Key Offerings: 20 interconnecting halls, outdoor areas, flexible spaces for all event sizes
Notable Events: Crufts, The Motorhome and Caravan Show, UK Games Expo
Location: West Midlands, near Birmingham Airport
Website: NEC Birmingham
2. ExCeL London
Size: 100,000 sqm
Key Offerings: Two large exhibition halls, ICC with a 4,500-seat auditorium, AV and event management services
Notable Events: MCM Comic Con London, World Travel Market, The Baby Show
Location: Docklands, East London
Website: ExCeL London
3. P&J Live, Aberdeen
Size: 33,000 sqm
Key Offerings: Flexible halls, a 15,000-capacity arena, renewable energy-powered venue
Notable Events: Offshore Europe, BBC Good Food Show Scotland, The Scottish Home Show
Location: Aberdeen, Scotland
Website: P&J Live
4. Olympia London
Size: 45,000 sqm
Key Offerings: Grand Hall (19,325 sqm), Olympia National and West, undergoing redevelopment to add new facilities
Notable Events: Olympia Horse Show, The London Book Fair, Ideal Home Show
Location: West London
Website: Olympia London
5. Scottish Event Campus (SEC), Glasgow
Size: 22,355 sqm
Key Offerings: 5 interconnected halls, SEC Armadillo (3,000 seats), OVO Hydro (14,300-capacity arena)
Notable Events: COP26, MCM Comic Con Glasgow, BBC Good Food Show Scotland
Location: Glasgow, Scotland
Website: SEC
6. Ricoh Arena (Coventry Building Society Arena)
Size: 20,000 sqm
Key Offerings: 6,000 sqm exhibition hall, stadium for outdoor events, 32,609-seating capacity
Notable Events: Midlands Business Expo, International Tattoo Convention, Rugby Sevens (2022 Commonwealth Games)
Location: Coventry, West Midlands
Website: Coventry Building Society Arena
7. Harrogate Convention Centre
Size: 18,500 sqm
Key Offerings: 8 interconnected halls, 2,000-seat auditorium
Notable Events: Knitting & Stitching Show, Northern Homebuilding & Renovating Show, BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition (BTME)
Location: Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Website: Harrogate Convention Centre
8. Telford International Centre
Size: 15,000 sqm
Key Offerings: 3 large exhibition halls, a 1,500-seat auditorium, conference suites for up to 1,450 delegates
Notable Events: UK Games Expo, Caravan and Motorhome Show, Event Production Show
Location: Telford, Shropshire
Website: Telford International Centre
9. Manchester Central Convention Complex
Size: 23,000 sqm
Key Offerings: 10,500 sqm Central Hall, 1,800-seat auditorium, iconic architectural design
Notable Events: Conservative Party Conference, UKFast Expo, Manchester International Festival
Location: Manchester, North West England
Website: Manchester Central
10. EICC (Edinburgh International Conference Centre)
Size: 14,000 sqm
Key Offerings: Flexible exhibition and conference spaces, 2,000-seat plenary hall
Notable Events: TEDSummit, British Society of Rheumatology Conference, and various political summits
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
Website: EICC
These venues offer world-class infrastructure and services, making the UK a prime location for hosting exhibitions, conferences, and major trade shows.
