The recent SASIE Report provided the exhibitions industry with a wealth of data. Phil Soar’s column for EN delved into some of the key statistics, offering a detailed analysis of the trends and reasons behind the direction these numbers have taken. In this analysis of the SASIE Report, we’ve identified the most frequently represented industries at exhibitions, compiling a list of the top sectors in the exhibition landscape.

Top 10 industries at exhibitions for 2024 (% of shows each industry represents):

  1. Leisure – 18.7%: The most common show seen at exhibitions is the leisure industry. Admittedly a broad term for an industry but this represents hobbies, sports, recreation, crafts and more. Stand out leisure shows include the London Book Fair and the Autumn Fair.
  2. Medicine/Healthcare – 13.3%: Medicine and healthcare sectors take second place as the most prominent industry at exhibitions. Popular shows include The Allergy and Free From show and the Professional Beauty Show.
  3. Education/Careers – 7.6%: Another stand out sector is education. The industry attracted huge shows like BETT (albeit education technology so could fall under two industries). Yet, still a stand out show of the year attracting thousands and some top speakers.
  4. Computers/Electronics/Telecommunications – 6.5%: Certainly a sector on the rise. With AI and tech becoming ever more prominent across all industries, including the event space, shows like Big Data LDN and the Tech Show have seen growth in recent years showing how relevance in an industry can reflect on the popularity of shows.
  5. Aerospace/Automobile/Defence – 6.0%: Some of the most visually impressive show are seen at aerospace, automobile and defence shows. Exhibitions like DSEI show off huge equipment with shows like LAMMA (agriculture show but many automobiles on display) showcasing the latest agriculture vehicles.
  6. Lifestyle – 5.7%: Another fairly broad industry. Lifestyle encompasses fashion, homeware, wedding shows and more. A prominent show is Scoop, on of the UK’s top fashion events. The Ideal Home Show and The Clean and Tidy Show (now Home, Life and You) are also major shows in the lifestyle sector.
  7. B2B Services/Conferences – 5.2%: This reflects the rise of Confex events. Combining conferences and exhibitions have proved a successful format in recent years with many B2B services on display. International Confex is a shining light on this format with a myriad of services and products offered for event professionals alongside talks on the latest issues in the events industry.
  8. Building and Construction – 4.9%: A popular sector bringing those together in the construction industry. No doubt, UK Construction Week is the standout event for this industry attracting thousands for events in London, and later on in the year in Birmingham.
  9. Catering/Food and Drink – 4.4%: Certainly a popular industry. Montgomery’s International Food & Drink Event (IFE) has been running for decades and is always an exciting date in the calendar. Northern Restaurant & Bar is also a popular show, based in Manchester.
  10. Manufacturing/Engineering/Science – 4.2%: Another sector which often showcases impressive innovations and products. There is MENE, an ever growing show for the Northeast’s manufacturing industry. Parkex and Infosecurity are also notable shows in this sector.

Overall leisure leads the way for exhibitions in the UK, although it does encompass many ‘sub’ sectors. No doubt computer and technology shows will only see a rise in the years to come. And who doesn’t like a food and drink exhibition, always exciting shows – likely here to stay.