The UK is a world leader in the events industry, with exhibitions, trade fairs, and conferences contributing £9.4 billion to the UK economy annually. A recent Bellwether Report from the IPA suggests that trade shows are continuing to grow in value, with more marketing managers investing their budget into in-person marketing!

However, over the summer period, business events slow to a halt, so what happens to our UK exhibition halls? Let’s dive in and check out the upcoming events you won’t want to miss!

Olympia, London

Olympia is located on the west side of London. The venue has been open since 1886, and boasts over 130 years of experience hosting great events!

London Film & Comic Con

The London Film & Comic Con is returning to Olympia, London from the 5th of July until the 7th of July, 2024.

This event will feature beloved TV and film stars, photo sessions, panel discussions, autograph opportunities, and numerous stalls brimming with TV and film memorabilia to explore!

The list of stars attending this year feels endless, with great names such as Rupert Grint, David Boreanaz and Denise Richards set to attend!

Unlike some of the events at Olympia, this show is not free to attend, so make sure you get your tickets soon. Prices range from £18 to £60.

ExCel, London

ExCel is right in the heart of London, just ten minutes from Canary Wharf! Some of Europe’s most famous shows are held in this great venue.

The FRIENDS Experience: The One in London

This is a must-attend experience for lovers of the famous American sitcom, starting on the 12th of August 2024!

The FRIENDS Experience enables fans to immerse themselves in beloved sets. Dance in front of the fountain, peep through the iconic purple door at Rachel and Monica’s apartment, play foosball at Joey and Chandler’s, and take a selfie on the orange couch in Central Perk. Fans can even read the 18-page letter from Ross to Rachel (front and back!)

Tickets for this experience are competitive so be on the lookout. General admission starts at £10 for children and £20 for adults and VIP starts at £65. Tickets can be purchased here.

NEC, Birmingham

The National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham is the largest event space in the UK and hosts some of the country’s most popular shows. While business events may slow down in the summer, the NEC will be bustling with a variety of educational and entertaining activities, making it a great destination for a day trip!

Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience

From the 1st of August until the 1st of September 2024, visitors can enjoy Beyond Van Gogh!

The exhibition seamlessly combines more than 200 paintings by the post-impressionist icon with advanced technology and a specially selected soundtrack. The experience walks the visitors through the artist’s dreams, thoughts, words, and life.

Paquin Entertainment Group are excited to share Beyond Van Gogh with Birmingham, especially as the experience has been so well-received in the US.

Tickets can be purchased on the door but they are subject to availability. Or, they can be purchased here.

Titanic Exhibition: Birmingham

Also, at the NEC this summer is the Titanic Exhibition. Visitors can experience the Titanic like never before. Trace its journey from the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast through its voyage and sinking.

Visitors can discover items from the Titanic, such as playing cards and a handkerchief from first-class passenger Elsie Bowerman, or Titanic Stoker William James’ pocket watch. Items from the wreck site, like a piece of the Titanic’s hull, can also be viewed.

An audio and text guide will be available for free telling the Titanic’s tale. This runs on a mobile phone so all you need is headphones.

Tickets for the experience can be purchased here.

Conclusion

The summer season may experience a decrease in business events, but numerous other exciting activities are happening in UK exhibition halls.

Whether you’re a fan of film and comic cons, art exhibitions, or immersive experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

As we look ahead, the post-summer period promises a bustling calendar of business events! Quadrant2Design, a UK-based exhibition stand design and build contractor, has a jam-packed calendar after August. The company supplies brilliant modular, reusable and reconfigurable stands, with visually impressive large-format graphics for events all across Europe.

Shows like Lunch!, The Emergency Services Show and Autumn Fair will be leading the quarter-three exhibition calendar, so keep an eye out if you’re interested in attending.