Summary
London’s remaining 2026 exhibition calendar brings together major events across attractions, brand licensing, travel, entrepreneurship and construction. This guide covers five confirmed upcoming trade shows in London 2026, with official dates, venues, websites and practical information for exhibitors. The selected events are IAAPA Expo Europe, Brand Licensing Europe, World Travel Market London, The Business Show London and London Build Expo. Together, they attract international buyers, suppliers, investors, founders, contractors and industry decision-makers. Businesses can use these exhibitions to launch products, meet partners, enter the UK market and build stronger commercial connections before the end of the year through direct meetings.
London remains one of the world’s leading locations for exhibitions, conferences and international business events. Its major venues regularly welcome buyers, suppliers, entrepreneurs, industry associations and decision-makers from the United Kingdom and overseas.
The remaining Upcoming Trade Shows in London 2026 cover several fast-moving sectors, including leisure attractions, licensing, travel, entrepreneurship and construction. These events give exhibitors opportunities to present products, arrange meetings and build relationships with people who are actively looking for new services and business partners.
This guide focuses on five major Trade Shows in London 2026 taking place between September and November. Each listing includes the event date, venue, official website, overview and practical points for exhibitors.
Dates, opening hours and participation conditions can change. Always check the official event website before arranging travel, accommodation or exhibition services.
London Exhibition Calendar 2026
| Trade Show | Date | Venue | Industry |
|---|---|---|---|
| IAAPA Expo Europe | 21–25 September 2026 | ExCeL London | Attractions and leisure |
| Brand Licensing Europe | 6–8 October 2026 | ExCeL London | Brand licensing |
| World Travel Market London | 3–5 November 2026 | ExCeL London | Travel and tourism |
| The Business Show London | 11–12 November 2026 | ExCeL London | Business and entrepreneurship |
| London Build Expo | 25–26 November 2026 | ExCeL London | Construction and design |
1. IAAPA Expo Europe 2026
Date: 21–25 September 2026
Show Floor Dates: 22–24 September 2026
Venue: ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock
Website: IAAPA Expo Europe Official Website
IAAPA Expo Europe is one of the leading international trade fairs in London for the attractions, leisure and entertainment industries. It returns to London in 2026 with education sessions, networking activities and a large exhibition floor.
The event is designed for professionals involved in amusement parks, water parks, museums, visitor attractions, family entertainment centres, resorts, zoos and location-based entertainment.
The official event programme includes more than 60 educational activities and over 800 show-floor exhibitors. The exhibition will present technology, rides, ticketing systems, food and beverage solutions, safety equipment, entertainment products and guest-experience services.
Who Should Attend IAAPA Expo Europe?
The event is relevant for:
- Attraction owners and operators
- Theme park developers
- Architects and designers
- Ride manufacturers
- Ticketing technology providers
- Entertainment companies
- Safety and security suppliers
- Food and beverage businesses
- Hospitality professionals
- Investors and consultants
Main Event Highlights
Visitors can expect product demonstrations, educational sessions, networking events and opportunities to meet suppliers from different parts of the attractions industry.
The conference programme also covers areas such as artificial intelligence, guest experience, sustainability, safety, operations and entertainment technology.
Opportunities for Exhibitors
IAAPA Expo Europe is a strongly visual exhibition. Large equipment, interactive demonstrations and working technology can attract more attention than static promotional materials.
Exhibitors may need space for:
- Equipment demonstrations
- Product testing
- Digital screens
- Private discussions
- Technical storage
- Hospitality
- Lead collection
Because the exhibition floor is expected to be busy, clear branding and an open entrance can help visitors understand the offer without blocking the aisle.
2. Brand Licensing Europe 2026
Date: 6–8 October 2026
Venue: ExCeL London
Website: Brand Licensing Europe Official Website
Brand Licensing Europe is one of Europe’s leading licensing and brand-extension events. It connects brand owners, retailers, licensees, manufacturers and agencies looking for new commercial partnerships.
The event covers entertainment, gaming, publishing, sport, heritage, fashion, lifestyle, food and consumer products. Companies attend to discover brands available for licensing, discuss product collaborations and negotiate future agreements.
The 2026 edition will take place at ExCeL London from 6 to 8 October. The event brings together major brands and professionals responsible for licensing, retail and product development.
What Is Brand Licensing?
Brand licensing allows one company to use another company’s recognised name, character, image or intellectual property on approved products or services.
A retailer may want to introduce products connected with a film, game, sports club or popular character. Brand Licensing Europe creates a professional environment where these relationships can begin.
Who Attends the Event?
Typical attendees include:
- Brand owners
- Licensing agencies
- Retail buyers
- Product manufacturers
- Entertainment companies
- Game publishers
- Film and television studios
- Sports organisations
- Marketing agencies
- Consumer-product businesses
Why Exhibit at Brand Licensing Europe?
Exhibitors can present their intellectual property, upcoming releases and licensing opportunities to potential commercial partners.
A successful stand should make the brand easy to recognise. The visitor should quickly understand:
- Which properties are available
- Which markets they cover
- What products may be developed
- Which territories are open
- Who manages partnership discussions
Private meeting areas are valuable because commercial discussions may involve product plans, licensing terms and future launches.
Screens, product examples and character-based displays can also help visitors understand how a licence might work in a real retail environment.
3. World Travel Market London 2026
Date: 3–5 November 2026
Venue: ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock
Website: World Travel Market London Official Website
World Travel Market London is one of the most important travel trade shows in London. It connects tourism boards, hotels, airlines, travel technology providers, tour operators and destination-management companies with international buyers.
The 2026 event will take place from 3 to 5 November at ExCeL London. The organisers describe the show as a meeting place for the global travel industry, with exhibitors and suppliers representing more than 180 countries.
What Happens at WTM London?
The event includes:
- Destination showcases
- Travel-product launches
- Buyer meetings
- Tourism conferences
- Technology demonstrations
- Sustainability discussions
- Government and tourism-board presentations
- Media and networking events
The exhibition floor is divided into destinations, services and travel-industry sectors, helping visitors locate relevant suppliers and business partners.
Who Should Attend?
WTM London is relevant for:
- National tourism boards
- Regional tourism authorities
- Hotels and resorts
- Airlines
- Cruise companies
- Tour operators
- Travel agencies
- Travel technology companies
- Destination-management businesses
- Tourism investors
- Media organisations
Exhibition Opportunities
Travel exhibitions rely heavily on visual storytelling. Exhibitors often use destination photography, video, local design elements and hospitality to communicate the experience they are promoting.
The stand should still have a clear business purpose. A large visual display may attract visitors, but well-planned meeting spaces are needed to convert interest into real business conversations.
Exhibitors should consider:
- Scheduled buyer meetings
- Private discussion areas
- Screens for destination videos
- Brochure and map storage
- Charging points
- Refreshment space
- Lead scanning
- Staff access
Companies representing several destinations or partners may also need separate meeting tables and clear branding zones.
4. The Business Show London 2026
Date: 11–12 November 2026
Venue: ExCeL London
Website: The Business Show London Official Website
The Business Show London is one of the largest business events in London 2026 for entrepreneurs, startups and growing companies.
The show connects business owners with suppliers offering finance, marketing, technology, ecommerce, recruitment, legal support, training and international-expansion services.
The official event website lists 500 exhibitors, around 25,000 entrepreneurs and more than 200 seminars and masterclasses for the 2026 edition. The event will take place at ExCeL London on 11 and 12 November.
Who Is the Event For?
The Business Show is suitable for:
- Startup founders
- Small business owners
- Ecommerce companies
- Franchise businesses
- Consultants
- Marketing agencies
- Software providers
- Financial-service companies
- Recruitment firms
- Export specialists
- Professional advisers
Key Areas of the Show
Visitors can attend seminars, panel discussions, masterclasses and networking activities. The event also runs alongside other business exhibitions, giving attendees access to a wider range of suppliers and services.
Businesses attend to find practical support for:
- Starting a company
- Increasing sales
- Improving marketing
- Raising finance
- Hiring staff
- Entering new markets
- Automating operations
- Improving ecommerce
- Building partnerships
How Exhibitors Can Stand Out
The Business Show contains many companies offering professional services. Broad claims such as “we help businesses grow” may not be enough to attract qualified visitors.
Exhibitors should clearly state:
- The problem they solve
- The type of business they serve
- The result they provide
- How their service works
- What visitors should do next
Live assessments, short demonstrations and useful consultations can encourage visitors to stop and begin a conversation.
The stand should also include a simple lead-recording system. Staff need to note whether a visitor is looking for immediate support, comparing suppliers or planning a future project.
5. London Build Expo 2026
Date: 25–26 November 2026
Venue: ExCeL London
Website: London Build Expo Official Website
London Build Expo is a major construction and design exhibition for contractors, architects, developers, engineers, housebuilders, suppliers and public-sector organisations.
The 2026 event moves to ExCeL London and will run across a larger exhibition area. The official organiser expects more than 45,000 industry professionals, over 650 exhibitors and around 900 speakers across 17 stages.
Main Exhibition Sectors
London Build covers a wide range of construction topics, including:
- Architecture
- Building materials
- Digital construction
- Artificial intelligence
- Fire safety
- Sustainability
- Modern construction methods
- Housing
- Infrastructure
- Interior fit-out
- Health and safety
- Building services
The 2026 show will also be co-located with elementalLONDON, an event focused on energy, building performance and sustainability.
Who Attends London Build?
The audience includes:
- Main contractors
- Subcontractors
- Architects
- Engineers
- Property developers
- Housebuilders
- Local authorities
- Housing associations
- Consultants
- Specifiers
- Facilities professionals
- Product manufacturers
Why Exhibit at London Build?
Construction suppliers can meet professionals responsible for selecting products, systems and technical services.
The event is suitable for businesses providing:
- Building materials
- Machinery and tools
- Safety equipment
- Construction software
- Energy systems
- Doors and windows
- Interior products
- Modular structures
- Lighting
- Mechanical and electrical services
- Project-management solutions
Stand Planning for Construction Exhibitors
Construction products often require more than printed graphics. Visitors may want to inspect materials, test equipment or discuss technical specifications.
The stand may need:
- Product samples
- Working demonstrations
- Secure storage
- Technical displays
- Meeting areas
- Sample racks
- Strong lighting
- Clear health and safety controls
Heavy products and large structures should be planned early. Exhibitors must check venue access, loading schedules, floor-loading limits and installation requirements before production begins.
Why London Is a Leading Trade Show Destination
London provides access to international businesses, government organisations, investors, professional associations and consumers.
Its transport connections and established exhibition venues make it suitable for both specialist industry conferences and large international trade fairs.
The London exhibition calendar 2026 includes events for technology, travel, retail, construction, healthcare, entertainment and professional services. This variety allows businesses to select events that closely match their target audience.
ExCeL London is hosting all five events included in this guide. Its large exhibition halls, meeting facilities and transport links allow organisers to run conferences, product displays and networking programmes within the same venue.
How to Choose the Right London Trade Show
A large event is not always the right event. Businesses should choose a show based on the quality and relevance of its audience.
Before booking exhibition space, check:
- Who normally attends
- Whether it is B2B or open to the public
- Which competitors are exhibiting
- What visitor roles are represented
- Whether buyers attend
- The available stand locations
- Sponsorship options
- Total participation costs
- Venue restrictions
- Lead-generation opportunities
A highly focused exhibition may generate fewer visitors but more relevant conversations. A large public event may create strong brand awareness but fewer immediate B2B leads.
The right choice depends on the company’s goals, sales cycle and target market.
How Exhibitors Can Prepare for London Exhibitions
The Upcoming Exhibitions in London covered in this article serve different industries, but exhibitors should follow a clear preparation process.
Set Measurable Goals
Decide what success means before designing the stand.
Possible goals include:
- Collecting qualified leads
- Booking distributor meetings
- Launching a new product
- Finding investors
- Meeting existing clients
- Entering the UK market
- Building brand awareness
- Arranging demonstrations
Review the Exhibitor Manual
The event manual normally explains stand rules, technical services, delivery access, fire safety, installation times and venue deadlines.
Share this information with the stand contractor before approving the design.
Plan the Stand Around Visitor Needs
Visitors should be able to understand the offer without asking basic questions.
Use visible branding, simple messaging and a layout that allows people to enter comfortably.
Allow Space for Business Conversations
Events such as WTM London, Brand Licensing Europe and London Build involve detailed commercial discussions.
A meeting space may be more valuable than using the entire stand for decorative features.
Prepare Staff Properly
Stand staff should know:
- The main exhibition objective
- The company’s key message
- How to qualify visitors
- How to record leads
- Who handles technical questions
- How follow-up will work
Start Production Early
Large ExCeL London trade shows can create high demand for stand design, production, transport and installation services.
Early planning provides more time for design changes, technical approval, material sourcing and venue submissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top upcoming trade shows in London in 2026?
Five major upcoming events are IAAPA Expo Europe, Brand Licensing Europe, World Travel Market London, The Business Show London and London Build Expo.
Where will these London trade shows take place?
All five events included in this guide are scheduled to take place at ExCeL London.
What are the main industries covered?
The events cover leisure attractions, brand licensing, tourism, entrepreneurship, construction, architecture and professional business services.
Are these events open to the public?
Access conditions differ. Some events are limited to trade professionals, while others offer free registration or different visitor passes. Check the official event website before registering.
Which London trade show is best for travel companies?
World Travel Market London is designed for tourism boards, hotels, airlines, tour operators, travel technology businesses and international travel buyers.
Which event is best for startups and small businesses?
The Business Show London focuses on startups, entrepreneurs and growing companies looking for services, advice and business partnerships.
Which event is best for construction companies?
London Build Expo is aimed at contractors, architects, developers, engineers, housebuilders, suppliers and public-sector construction professionals.
How early should exhibitors plan their stand?
Planning should begin as early as possible. Larger custom stands, heavy products, audiovisual systems and complex technical submissions usually require more preparation time.
Conclusion
The remaining UK Trade Shows 2026 provide valuable opportunities for businesses looking to meet buyers, launch products, enter new markets and build professional relationships.
IAAPA Expo Europe serves the attractions industry, Brand Licensing Europe connects intellectual-property owners with commercial partners, WTM London supports global tourism, The Business Show helps growing companies and London Build brings the construction sector together.
After selecting the right event, businesses should begin planning the stand layout, messaging, technology and visitor journey. Working with experienced Exhibition Stand Contractors in London can help exhibitors create a practical, attractive and venue-compliant display that supports meetings, demonstrations and lead generation.
