Research highlights £11.7bn impact of UK exhibitions in 2025

The UK exhibitions sector generated a total economic output of £11.7 billion in 2025 and supported more than 127,000 jobs nationwide, new research from the Events Industry Alliance (EIA) has revealed. The findings underline the strategic role of trade and consumer exhibitions in the wider business events and visitor economy.

The EIA, which represents three core industry associations – the Association of Event Organisers (AEO), the Association of Event Venues (AEV) and the Event Supplier and Services Association (ESSA) – has released its latest economic impact assessment to quantify the value created by exhibitions across the UK.

Background and industry context

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The exhibitions market is a central pillar of the UK’s business events ecosystem, bringing together organisers, venues, suppliers, exhibitors and visitors across multiple sectors including manufacturing, retail, technology, healthcare and creative industries. Events such as trade shows, consumer fairs and industry expos act as platforms for product launches, supply chain meetings and professional networking.

In recent years, the sector has faced significant disruption, particularly through the COVID-19 pandemic, which halted physical events for extended periods and accelerated the adoption of digital and hybrid formats. Against that backdrop, updated economic data has become increasingly important for stakeholders seeking to make the case for continued investment in venues, infrastructure, skills and international marketing.

The new EIA research is intended to provide policymakers, local authorities, venue operators and event technology providers with an evidence base on the scale of the sector’s contribution. It highlights both direct activity within exhibitions and the wider impact on supply chains, visitor spending and associated services.

Key findings from the new research

At the headline level, the study concludes that UK exhibitions activity in 2025 supported £11.7 billion of total economic output. This figure reflects not only the revenues generated by events themselves, but also the broader economic ripple effects created through business travel, hospitality, logistics, stand build, technology services and related professional support.

Alongside the output figure, the research identifies more than 127,000 jobs across the UK that are either directly or indirectly linked to the exhibitions industry. These roles span a wide range of functions, from event management, operations and technical production to security, catering, transportation, marketing and digital services.

The EIA’s constituent associations represent the core segments of this ecosystem:

AEO members focus on planning, marketing and delivering exhibitions and trade shows.
AEV members provide the physical infrastructure in the form of exhibition and conference venues across the UK.
ESSA members supply services and solutions including stand design, build, logistics, technology, AV, and specialist event support.

By combining data and insight from across these communities, the research seeks to capture a holistic picture of the sector’s footprint and its linkages to the wider economy.

Industry impact and economic linkages

The economic contribution outlined in the report extends beyond core exhibition revenues. Business visitors typically drive additional spend on accommodation, food and beverage, local transport and retail, particularly in cities and regions that host major venues. Many shows also facilitate export deals, inward investment and supply chain partnerships that are not fully captured in on-site spending metrics.

For local and regional economies, exhibitions can act as catalysts for urban regeneration and infrastructure development, increasing the utilisation of hotels, transport networks and public spaces. The concentration of specialist skills in event production, technology integration and visitor experience design also supports a range of creative and technical roles.

The research reinforces the view that exhibitions operate as enabling platforms for multiple industries rather than as a standalone sector. Exhibitors use events to test new products, access buyers, gather market intelligence and engage with partners. Visitors leverage shows for professional development, procurement, benchmarking and networking. These activities can translate into long-term commercial outcomes beyond the duration of any single event.

Why this matters for event professionals and technology providers

For organisers and venue operators, the latest figures provide additional evidence to support strategic planning, particularly around investment in digital infrastructure, sustainability initiatives and international audience development. Demonstrating a clear economic return can be critical when seeking public sector support, securing planning permissions or justifying upgrades to event facilities.

For event technology suppliers, the scale of the £11.7 billion output highlights the size and complexity of the market they serve. Exhibitions increasingly depend on robust digital platforms, registration systems, data analytics, mobile apps, lead capture solutions and on-site connectivity. As organisers seek to enhance measurement and reporting, demand is growing for tools that can capture attendee behaviour, track exhibitor ROI and integrate with marketing and CRM systems.

The jobs impact identified in the research also underscores the importance of skills development, particularly in areas such as hybrid event delivery, content streaming, cyber security, AI-assisted matchmaking and sustainable production. Collaboration between organisers, venues, suppliers and technology partners will be essential to maintain service quality while managing cost pressures and evolving attendee expectations.

At a policy level, the data may inform future debates around business tourism strategy, trade promotion and regional economic planning. By quantifying employment and output, the exhibitions community is better positioned to engage with government on issues ranging from international competitiveness and visa policy to transport connectivity and urban planning.

Conclusion

The EIA’s latest research positions the UK exhibitions sector as a significant economic contributor, underpinning £11.7 billion in total output and supporting over 127,000 jobs in 2025. Beyond its direct financial impact, the sector continues to function as a critical marketplace and meeting point for industries across the economy.

For event professionals, the findings provide a timely reference point when articulating the value of exhibitions to stakeholders and clients. For technology providers, they confirm an ongoing opportunity to support a complex, data-rich environment in which live, digital and hybrid experiences converge.

As the business events landscape evolves, further evidence-based reporting on economic impact is likely to play a central role in shaping investment decisions and long-term strategy across the exhibitions ecosystem.