Top 10 Upcoming Exhibitions in London, UK, 2026

November 16, 2025

Summary

London’s 2026 exhibition calendar brings together professionals from entertainment technology, packaging, attractions, ecommerce, security, beauty, licensing, travel, entrepreneurship and construction. This updated guide lists ten confirmed trade exhibitions taking place after July 2026, with official dates, venues and event websites. Each section explains the audience, commercial purpose and exhibiting opportunity, helping businesses choose events that match their products and buyer profiles. Most shows are hosted at ExCeL London or Olympia London, two major venues serving international exhibitors. Companies planning to participate should confirm organiser deadlines, stand regulations, logistics and registration details before making travel or production commitments for their teams.

London continues to attract international trade events covering technology, consumer products, hospitality, tourism, security, retail and the built environment. For exhibitors, these events offer opportunities to introduce products, meet buyers, demonstrate services and build relationships within clearly defined industries.

This guide focuses on confirmed Upcoming Exhibitions in London 2026 scheduled after July. Unlike a general visitor-attraction list, it is written for companies, suppliers, manufacturers and professionals researching commercial exhibitions in the UK capital.

London Exhibition Calendar 2026

Exhibition	Date	Venue	Industry
PLASA Show	6–8 September 2026	Olympia London	Entertainment technology
London Packaging Week	16–17 September 2026	ExCeL London	Packaging and design
IAAPA Expo Europe	21–25 September 2026	ExCeL London	Attractions and leisure
eCommerce Expo	23–24 September 2026	ExCeL London	Ecommerce and digital retail
International Security Expo	29–30 September 2026	Olympia London	Security and resilience
Salon International	4–5 October 2026	ExCeL London	Professional hairdressing
Brand Licensing Europe	6–8 October 2026	ExCeL London	Licensing and consumer products
World Travel Market London	3–5 November 2026	ExCeL London	Travel and tourism
The Business Show London	11–12 November 2026	ExCeL London	SMEs and entrepreneurship
London Build Expo	25–26 November 2026	ExCeL London	Construction and architecture

1. PLASA Show 2026

Date: 6–8 September 2026
Venue: Olympia London, Hammersmith Road, London
Website: Visit the Official PLASA Show Website

PLASA Show is a specialist exhibition for live entertainment and event technology. It connects manufacturers, distributors, production companies, designers, engineers and venue professionals working with lighting, audio, staging, rigging and audiovisual systems.

The 2026 edition will run for three days at Olympia London. Its audience includes professionals responsible for concerts, theatres, festivals, broadcast productions, corporate events and entertainment venues.

Exhibiting Opportunity

Products at PLASA often need to be experienced rather than explained through printed material. Exhibitors can therefore benefit from controlled demonstrations, audio listening areas, lighting installations and equipment displays.

The stand should also provide enough room for technical conversations because visitors may want to discuss specifications, installation requirements, compatibility, safety and after-sales support.

2. London Packaging Week 2026

Date: 16–17 September 2026
Venue: Halls S2 and S3, ExCeL London
Website: Visit the Official London Packaging Week Website

London Packaging Week is a two-day marketplace for packaging suppliers, designers, brand owners and product-development teams. The event covers luxury packaging, beauty and personal care, premium drinks, food and fast-moving consumer goods.

The organiser has confirmed that the 2026 exhibition will be held in Halls S2 and S3 at ExCeL London on 16 and 17 September.

Who Can Exhibit?

The show is suitable for businesses providing:

Bottles and containers
Labels
Cartons
Flexible packaging
Sustainable materials
Printing
Closures and caps
Decorative finishes
Packaging machinery
Design services
Recyclable solutions
Prototyping

Exhibitor Planning

Packaging is a visually competitive sector. Rather than displaying every product in the same way, exhibitors can organise their stands by application, such as cosmetics, drinks, luxury goods or food.

Physical samples should remain easy to handle, while technical information about materials, recycling, production quantities and customisation can be provided through digital screens or sample books.

Exhibitors using space-only stands must also review the organiser’s health and safety, risk-assessment and grid-plan requirements before arriving at the venue.

3. IAAPA Expo Europe 2026

Date: 21–25 September 2026
Show Floor: 22–24 September 2026
Venue: ExCeL London
Website: Visit the Official IAAPA Expo Europe Website

IAAPA Expo Europe is a major trade event for the attractions and leisure industry. It serves amusement parks, water parks, family entertainment centres, museums, resorts, zoos, aquariums and visitor attractions.

The complete programme will run from 21 to 25 September, while the exhibition floor will open from 22 to 24 September. IAAPA has announced more than 800 exhibitors, over 60 educational events and a 21,000-square-metre show floor for the London edition.

Products and Services Presented

Rides and attractions
Arcade systems
Water-play equipment
Ticketing technology
Virtual reality
Foodservice equipment
Safety systems
Theming and design
Guest-management software
Retail products
Queue-management solutions
Attraction consultancy

Stand Design Considerations

Many IAAPA exhibitors display products that move, light up, make sound or require visitor participation. The booth layout must keep demonstrations visible without creating unsafe queues or blocking neighbouring stands.

Large displays may also require early coordination for freight access, electricity, rigging, installation and safety checks. ExCeL’s vehicle-management system must be used for scheduled build-up and breakdown access.

4. eCommerce Expo 2026

Date: 23–24 September 2026
Venue: ExCeL London
Website: Visit the Official eCommerce Expo Website

eCommerce Expo brings online retailers, digital-commerce teams, technology providers and marketing specialists together to explore solutions for selling and serving customers online.

The 2026 event is confirmed for 23 and 24 September at ExCeL London. It is co-located with Technology for Marketing, allowing attendees to explore both ecommerce operations and customer-acquisition solutions.

Main Areas of Interest

Ecommerce platforms
Payment technology
Customer experience
Digital marketing
Artificial intelligence
Personalisation
Marketplace management
Conversion optimisation
Fulfilment
Data analytics
Cybersecurity
Customer-support software

How Technology Exhibitors Can Stand Out

Software brands often create stands with large screens but fail to demonstrate how their systems solve operational problems.

A stronger approach is to build the booth around a short customer journey. Visitors could see how the platform manages product discovery, checkout, payment, fulfilment and post-purchase communication.

Exhibitors should also offer pre-booked demonstrations and separate short introductory conversations from longer technical meetings.

5. International Security Expo 2026

Date: 29–30 September 2026
Venue: Grand Hall, Olympia London
Website: Visit the Official International Security Expo Website

International Security Expo is a professional event for security, public safety, resilience and risk-management organisations. It brings technology suppliers together with representatives from government, infrastructure, transport, emergency services and the private sector.

The exhibition will take place in Olympia London’s Grand Hall on 29 and 30 September 2026. It will be held alongside International Cyber Expo.

Exhibition Sectors

Access control
Perimeter security
Surveillance
Screening equipment
Counter-drone systems
Communications
Emergency response
Cybersecurity
Protective equipment
Biometric technology
Critical infrastructure
Risk-management services

Appropriate Stand Approach

Security buyers need more than promotional statements. Exhibitors should provide evidence of system performance, installation options, compliance, integration and operational reliability.

Sensitive demonstrations should be controlled carefully. Private meeting areas may also be useful for conversations involving site requirements, government contracts or protected infrastructure.

Clear categorisation is important because visitors may be looking for a specific solution rather than browsing general products.

6. Salon International 2026

Date: 4–5 October 2026
Venue: ExCeL London
Website: Visit the Official Salon International Website

Salon International is a professional hairdressing exhibition for salon owners, stylists, barbers, colourists, educators and product brands.

The 2026 show will be held at ExCeL London on 4 and 5 October. Its programme combines product sourcing with live demonstrations, education and creative performances.

Suitable Exhibitors

Professional hair products
Colouring systems
Styling equipment
Salon furniture
Barbering products
Scissors and tools
Hair extensions
Booking software
Training providers
Salon-management services
Retail products
Beauty technology

Making Product Demonstrations Effective

Live demonstrations are particularly valuable at hairdressing exhibitions because visitors want to observe application, speed, technique and final results.

The stand should provide clear sightlines around demonstration areas. Screens can be used to show close-up views when the audience becomes too large to stand near the model.

Brands should also plan product storage, washing facilities, waste removal, electrical services and a realistic schedule for educators or ambassadors appearing on the stand.

7. Brand Licensing Europe 2026

Date: 6–8 October 2026
Venue: ExCeL London
Website: Visit the Official Brand Licensing Europe Website

Brand Licensing Europe connects brand owners, retailers, manufacturers, agents and licensees seeking partnerships around characters, entertainment, sport, art, heritage, fashion and consumer brands.

The organiser has confirmed that the event will return to ExCeL London from 6 to 8 October 2026.

Who Attends?

Brand owners
Licensing agents
Retailers
Product manufacturers
Entertainment companies
Sports organisations
Publishers
Toy companies
Fashion businesses
Marketing agencies
Game developers
Consumer-product suppliers

Exhibitor Strategy

Licensing stands need to communicate brand identity immediately. Visitors should be able to recognise the properties represented before entering the booth.

Meeting space is especially important because much of the commercial value comes from discussing territories, product categories, approvals, exclusivity and licensing terms.

Companies representing several properties can divide the stand into clear brand zones while maintaining one consistent reception and meeting area.

8. World Travel Market London 2026

Date: 3–5 November 2026
Venue: ExCeL London
Website: Visit the Official World Travel Market London Website

World Travel Market London is an international business event for travel and tourism. It attracts tourism boards, destinations, hotels, airlines, tour operators, travel-technology providers and destination-management companies.

The next WTM London will be held from 3 to 5 November 2026 at ExCeL London. The organiser describes the event as a meeting platform for the international leisure-travel community and lists thousands of participating buyers.

Main Exhibition Areas

National tourism boards
Regional destinations
Hotels and resorts
Airlines
Cruise companies
Travel agencies
Tour operators
Travel technology
Transport providers
Business travel
Sustainable tourism
Destination services

Planning a Destination Stand

Tourism booths must do more than display attractive photographs. Trade visitors need information about capacity, itineraries, connectivity, partnerships, seasonality and commercial opportunities.

National or regional pavilions can create a shared identity while assigning individual meeting points to participating hotels, operators and local tourism businesses.

Hospitality, presentations and cultural elements can increase engagement, but they should not take away space required for scheduled buyer meetings.

9. The Business Show London 2026

Date: 11–12 November 2026
Venue: ExCeL London
Website: Visit the Official Business Show London Website

The Business Show London is designed for entrepreneurs, startups, small businesses and growing companies looking for suppliers, advice, partnerships and business-development services.

The organiser has confirmed its return to ExCeL London on 11 and 12 November 2026. The event is expected to bring together SMEs, startups, established brands, speakers and business-service providers.

Suitable Products and Services

Business finance
Accounting
Marketing
Software
Legal services
Recruitment
Franchising
Office solutions
Ecommerce
Payment systems
Business consultancy
International expansion

Exhibitor Communication

Visitors may come from different industries and company sizes, so unclear messaging can make a business-service stand difficult to understand.

The main heading should explain the problem solved, not simply state the company name. Supporting graphics can then show who the service is for and what result it provides.

Exhibitors can also offer short consultations, platform demonstrations or business assessments that give visitors a practical reason to enter the stand.

10. London Build Expo 2026

Date: 25–26 November 2026
Venue: ExCeL London
Website: Visit the Official London Build Expo Website

London Build Expo is a construction and built-environment exhibition for contractors, architects, engineers, developers, consultants, local authorities and building-product suppliers.

The 2026 edition will move to ExCeL London and take place on 25 and 26 November. Organisers are planning an expanded event across multiple halls with hundreds of exhibitors and a programme covering housing, architecture, infrastructure, sustainability, digital construction and safety.

Booth Planning for Construction Brands

Construction exhibitors may need to display heavy products, wall systems, tools, machinery or full-scale samples.

The stand design should be coordinated with the weight, height, freight and installation requirements of the products. Demonstration zones must remain separate from meeting areas and visitor circulation.

Material suppliers can use cutaway samples, comparison panels and installation details to help architects, contractors and specifiers understand how the product performs in real projects.

How to Choose the Right London Exhibition

Businesses should not select an event based only on its overall popularity. The quality and relevance of attendees matter more than a large but unsuitable audience.

Before booking, exhibitors should consider:

Whether visitors influence purchasing decisions
Which job roles normally attend
Whether the event covers the correct industry
How many competitors are exhibiting
Whether demonstrations are allowed
Available stand sizes and locations
Sponsorship opportunities
Lead-generation potential
Travel and freight costs
Post-event sales process

PLASA Show is relevant to entertainment technology, while London Packaging Week serves packaging professionals. IAAPA focuses on visitor attractions, and eCommerce Expo targets online retail.

International Security Expo serves security buyers, Salon International addresses hairdressing professionals, and Brand Licensing Europe is designed for licensing partnerships.

WTM London is suitable for travel businesses, The Business Show serves SMEs and service providers, while London Build connects companies across construction and the built environment.

Main Exhibition Venues in London

ExCeL London

ExCeL London hosts most of the major events included in this guide. It is located in the Royal Docks and is served by Custom House and Prince Regent stations.

Exhibitors should confirm which entrance serves their allocated hall because the venue extends across a large site. Freight slots, parking, utilities, internet, cleaning and other stand services may need to be booked separately through the venue or organiser.

Olympia London

Olympia London is located on Hammersmith Road in West London. PLASA Show and International Security Expo are among the major Olympia London Trade Shows scheduled for autumn 2026.

Exhibitors should check the specific hall named by the organiser because Olympia includes several event spaces with different access and installation arrangements.

Exhibition Stand Planning Checklist

Confirm Stand Type

Determine whether the booking includes a shell-scheme package or space-only floor area. Space-only stands generally require technical drawings, risk assessments and organiser approval.

Review Height Restrictions

Do not begin production until the permitted construction height has been confirmed. Hanging signs, enclosed ceilings and multi-level structures may require separate approval.

Order Venue Services Early

Common requirements include:

Electricity
Internet
Rigging
Water
Compressed air
Cleaning
Waste removal
Furniture
Audio-visual equipment
Storage

Late orders can reduce availability and increase costs.

Plan Freight and Installation

Check the official build-up schedule before arranging vehicles, couriers or installation teams. Large venues may operate timed loading slots and vehicle-marshalling systems.

Design Around Visitor Behaviour

A stand should support the actions visitors are expected to take. This may involve watching a demonstration, testing a product, attending a meeting, collecting samples or speaking with a technical specialist.

Prepare Lead Qualification

Badge scans alone do not show whether a visitor is commercially relevant. The sales team should record the visitor’s role, company, buying need, project timing and required follow-up.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the major upcoming exhibitions in London in 2026?

Major events scheduled after July include PLASA Show, London Packaging Week, IAAPA Expo Europe, eCommerce Expo, International Security Expo, Salon International, Brand Licensing Europe, World Travel Market London, The Business Show and London Build Expo.

Where are most London trade shows held?

Many large exhibitions take place at ExCeL London in the Royal Docks. Olympia London in West London also hosts established specialist events.

Which London exhibition is best for technology companies?

The most relevant event depends on the technology. eCommerce Expo suits retail technology, PLASA serves entertainment systems, IAAPA covers attractions technology, and International Security Expo focuses on security solutions.

Which exhibition is suitable for tourism businesses?

World Travel Market London is the most directly relevant event for destinations, hotels, airlines, operators and travel-technology providers.

Which show should construction companies attend?

London Build Expo is designed for the construction, architecture, engineering, property and infrastructure sectors.

Are London trade exhibitions open to everyone?

Some shows are restricted to verified industry professionals, while others offer broader registration. Visitors should check entry requirements on the official event website before travelling.

How early should an exhibition stand be planned?

Planning should ideally begin several months before the event. Complex structures, international freight, product demonstrations, rigging and custom manufacturing require additional lead time.

Can food or drinks be served from an exhibition stand?

This depends on organiser and venue regulations. Exhibitors may need approval for sampling, catering, alcohol, preparation equipment, storage and hygiene procedures.

Conclusion

The London Exhibition Calendar 2026 offers valuable commercial opportunities across entertainment, packaging, leisure, ecommerce, security, beauty, licensing, tourism, business services and construction.

Companies should choose events based on buyer relevance, prepare their sales strategy before arriving and ensure their stand supports demonstrations, meetings and lead qualification.

Working with experienced Trade Show booth builders in London can help exhibitors manage design, production, venue regulations, installation and dismantling while creating a professional environment that represents the brand clearly on a competitive show floor.

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