The UK’s capital has long been the go-to for flagship B2B exhibitions, but venues outside London are turning heads, offering scale, accessibility, and serious investment in facilities. Here are six top contenders proving that London no longer holds a monopoly on major shows.
- Manchester Central
With over 23,000m² of space and direct links to national rail and airport hubs, Manchester Central attracts everything from medical congresses to trade expos. Big brands love its city-centre location and strong hospitality ecosystem.
- Exhibition Centre Liverpool
Part of the ACC Liverpool campus, this purpose-built exhibition hall has 8,100m² of pillar-free space and hosted everything from Comic Con to the Labour Party Conference. The waterfront setting is an added bonus.
- P&J Live, Aberdeen
Scotland’s largest event complex has seen an uptick in energy, health, and innovation shows. With 48,000m² of flexible space and proximity to offshore industries, it’s uniquely positioned to attract B2B organisers looking to tap into new sectors.
- Farnborough International
Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre is a purpose-built venue located in Hampshire, just outside London, offering an impressive 20,000sqm of flexible indoor space and over 100,000sqm of secure outdoor space.
Farnborough is particularly well-suited to sectors like aerospace, automotive, defence, and tech, and is home to the globally renowned Farnborough International Airshow. With 3,500 free parking spaces, excellent transport links, and its own production studios, it offers a seamless, scalable environment for organisers delivering high-impact business events.
- Harrogate Convention Centre
Currently undergoing a major £47m transformation, Harrogate is investing in the future. Its central location and heritage appeal have long made it a favourite for association events and mid-sized trade fairs.
- The NEC, Birmingham
While it’s a well-known player, The NEC is increasingly acting as a ‘London alternative’ for cost-conscious organisers. With 186,000m² of covered space and unrivalled transport access, it remains a serious heavyweight.
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