UK's NEC Birmingham Celebrates Exhibitions Industry Growth
The National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham, alongside other prominent venues in the UK, is rejoicing over the robust growth, resilience, and innovation witnessed in the exhibitions industry. According to the latest research conducted in collaboration with the Birmingham NEC and other key venues across the UK, the Events Industry Alliance released a comprehensive report evaluating the size and scale index of the UK's exhibitions sector.
Promising Growth Post-Brexit, Post-Pandemic:
The 2023 research findings validate the promising trajectory of the industry post-Brexit and amidst the lingering effects of the pandemic. Remarkably, 6.92 million visits were recorded at the UK's primary exhibition venues in 2023, signifying a resilient bounce back.
Key Venue Statistics:
The report reveals that four primary venues, namely NEC Birmingham, ExCeL, Olympia, and SEC, played host to 38 percent of all exhibitions in 2023. Notably, they predominantly accommodated trade exhibitions, accounting for 49 percent of the total. Moreover, these venues were notable for hosting larger-scale exhibitions, with a significant portion accommodating between 151 and over 300 exhibiting companies.
Insight from Industry Leaders:
Ian Taylor, the managing director for exhibitions at the NEC Group, expressed optimism about the industry's trajectory, emphasizing its pivotal role as a driver of economic activity. He highlighted the growing demand for face-to-face exhibitions across both trade and consumer markets, underscoring the industry's vitality to the UK economy.
Continued Expansion and Innovation:
The scale of the exhibition sector continues to expand, with notable increases in the number of exhibiting companies per event, marking a 16 percent rise. Additionally, a striking 51 percent of exhibitions held at primary venues exceeded 8,000 square meters in size, reflecting the sector's growth and adaptability.
Flagship Events Driving Success:
The Security Event, Europe's largest security event, exemplifies the success story of exhibitions at the NEC. Over its four editions, the event has witnessed remarkable growth, doubling in size and attracting over 1,000 exhibitors. Similarly, Crufts, an iconic event showcasing canine prowess, has been hosted at the NEC since 1991. In 2023, it welcomed a staggering 155,000 attendees, marking a significant increase from the previous year.
