World-class venues, seamless logistics, and centuries of trade show expertise—that’s the British exhibition scene in a nutshell. From the bustling heart of London to the vibrant city of Birmingham, the United Kingdom offers some of Europe’s most sophisticated and well-equipped exhibition venues.
But even the most experienced exhibition managers can find themselves scratching their heads at the unique characteristics of these British powerhouses. And like a proper cup of English tea, there’s an art to getting things just right at these prestigious venues.
So let’s take a proper look at two of the nation’s finest venues, exploring both the basics and the not-so-common nuances.
Excel London: Where Maritime Heritage Meets Modern Exhibition Excellence
ExCel London can accommodate up to 68,750 visitors, making it ideal for large-scale international events.
The Royal Victoria Dock, where ExCeL London now stands, opened in 1855 as the first of the Royal Docks. It was a marvel of Victorian engineering, as it featured groundbreaking hydraulic machinery and was built to accommodate a new generation of steam ships. As such it was a crucial gateway for Britain’s maritime commerce during the height of the Empire, handling everything from tobacco and meat to grain and timber.
Today, Excel London stands as a testament to modern exhibition excellence. With an impressive 84,328 square meters of column-free space divided between North and South halls, the venue offers remarkable flexibility through its partitioned floor space and moveable walls. Plus, exhibitors can rig and truss from practically any point in the ceiling.
The facility can accommodate up to 68,750 visitors, making it ideal for large-scale international events. As such, it hosts up to 400 events each year, including everything from Infosecurity Europe and Business Travel Show Europe to The Watercolor Event and The Pub Show. Plus, given its central locale, you’ll be close to more than 153,000 hotel rooms and 8,000+ restaurants (including 65 that are Michelin starred).
Insider Insights
Here’s what the Excel London website doesn’t tell you.
- Installation and dismantle can be tricky. The facility uses a new booking system to schedule your unloading time at the docks. The schedule is still hit and miss due to the queues of vans with all different unloading times jockeying for the perfect spot. And, you could incur a fine for overstaying your unloading time slot. Plus, dismantle is generally every man, woman, and dog for themselves. If your exhibit is farthest from the loading doors, you could be there all night trying to teardown and move out on time. So do your best to schedule properly and to stay ahead of the install and dismantle mayhem.
- Public transport is the optimal choice. Public transportation to and from the venue is a breeze with the Elizabeth Line and DLR providing direct access. Plus, the London City Airport is practically next door. Point is, you and your staff should be able to use public transport as opposed to Ubers and cabs to travel to the venue.
- Parking is limited for vans and trucks. To avoid the hassles, plan for delivery drop-offs only, with the vehicle returning to its home base or another parking venue after delivery.
- Check the Business Services shop. Forget something critical back home? The onsite Business Services shop—Level 0, between N4/S4—is a lifesaver, stocking everything from safety equipment to duct tape.
NEC Birmingham: The Giant of the Midlands
“Big” is the best word to describe the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham. As the U.K.’s largest exhibition venue, it boasts 186,000 square meters of indoor floor space, more than 500 annual shows and events each year, 16,500 parking spaces, 18 halls, and 32 conference and meeting studios. Big name events hosted at the NEC Birmingham include: Spring Fair, Grand Designs Live, and the Caravan, Camping, and Motorhome Show.
As a self-contained private site with internal roads, the venue also offers the opportunity to host outdoor events. It’s also home to a 72-acre lake, complete with a beach and bike track. So while NEC Birmingham makes no promises about the weather, outdoor options include heavy equipment displays, massive product demos, networking events, festivals, concerts, and more.
Insider Insights
Here’s the inside scoop on NEC Birmingham.
- Parking is a pittance. Exhibitors and builders can park on site for free during installation and teardown. Plus, if you don’t want to hoof it, there’s a free shuttle between the car parks and the exhibition halls.
- You’ll want to bring your wagon. Or more specifically, bring your own trolly, pump truck, or porter to move heavy gear around, as the facility typically doesn’t rent them. You might be able to rent one through the show’s logistics provider, but it’s going to cost a pretty penny.
- Say “goodbye” to your stored goods. The facility doesn’t allow exhibitors to store anything on site. Thus, anything that’s not in your booth needs to be stored off site via the show’s logistics provider.
- Installation and dismantle can be annoying. The same issues that plague the Excel London rear their heads here as well. Be wary of the new booking system and potential fines for overstaying your unloading slot. And mind the free-for-all that awaits during dismantle.
- Take the train. The Birmingham International rail station is just a 5-minute walk from the venue, making access a breeze from anywhere in Birmingham and the greater United Kingdom.
- Help is just outside Hall 3. In a pickle? The expo supplies shop opposite of the Hall 3 loading area can help extract you from most sticky situations.
Looking to the Future: Olympia London
While we’re focused on current venues, it’s worth mentioning that Olympia Events, a historic venue that first opened its doors in 1886, is undergoing a magnificent transformation. Early 2026 will see the unveiling of a new central London conference center, seamlessly connected to its iconic exhibition spaces.
A Proper Partner Can Work Wonders
As you can see by the venue insights above, exhibiting in the U.K. might not be rocket science, but it still demands attention to detail and local knowledge. You can gain this insight via trial and error—and likely a few costly mistakes. Or, you can find a partner that knows the U.K. exhibition industry inside and out.
A comprehensive international partnership should deliver these essential elements:
- Local supplier connections
- Stand design that complies with U.K. regulations
- Navigation of customs requirements
- Cultural awareness guidance
- Logistics coordination
- On-site support
Whether you’re a first-time exhibitor or a seasoned international player, you need the perfect marriage of personal knowledge and on-point partnerships. After all, in the British exhibition landscape, it’s not just about making an appearance—it’s about making history.
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