Finding the Perfect Venue for a Trade Show
Trade shows, also known as trade fairs, expos, or exhibitions, are like bustling city squares where you’ll find colourful booths, people chatting excitedly, and everyone with something to show off. If you’re planning a trade show in the UK and looking for a unique place that’s sure to create a buzz around your event, Giggster has you covered. From sleek modern halls and bright office spaces in Norwich to New York-style loft venues and Victorian buildings in Central London, we have something to fit every style, budget, and preference.
The right first impression not only lasts but can also make or break your attendees’ overall experience. Even if everything is top-notch, if the venue is dingy or outdated, it can put people off and make the entire event feel less professional. But that’s not something to worry about with Giggster. Browse our incredible selection of exhibition venues on the Giggster app today and secure a spot that helps ensure a successful and memorable event.
Why Choose Giggster for Trade Shows
If you’re on the hunt for an exhibition space that’s as unique as your brand, you’ve come to the right place. Giggster connects you with a huge variety of one-of-a-kind locations like STUDIO — Two Connected Rooms | Full Pro Lighting that will help your business events stand out from the crowd.
-
Step outside your conference room and rent a studio in a castle in the British capital. You can choose from various coloured backgrounds, and there are huge vintage windows to let the natural light in and give the place a bright and sophisticated feel.
-
Exhibitors will be more inspired to think outside the box with their booth designs and attendees motivated to attend any corporate event held in a spacious Victorian house near the river. If they need a break, they can chill in the lounge area to relax and escape the crowd.
-
Make them feel at home away from home when you host an exhibition in a beautiful open-plan house on the outskirts of London. Set it up the way you want and create an inviting event space in the large garden outdoors.
-
If you prefer the traditional exhibition venues, we also feature modern conference rooms, community halls, and offices you can rent across the UK for meetings, trade shows, parties, and all sorts of events.
Plan an Amazing Trade Show Starting at Just £11/hour
Exceptional Variety & Quality: From multipurpose rooms and modern studios to massive conference centres and townhouses in Central London, Giggster has the perfect spots suitable for your brand or event. Whatever vibe you’re going for, we have 10000 inspiring spaces for all budgets and styles.
Hassle-Free Booking: Browse listings, check out photos, compare prices, and even read reviews from others who have used the venue—do all these in one place. Book in just minutes on the Giggster app and pay as little as £11/hour.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: Things change, and you might want to postpone or adjust your schedule. We’ll let you cancel for free within 24 hours of confirmation so you can be flexible with your plans, provided the booking was made at least 48 hours before the trade show.
Platform Protections: If something unexpected comes up or there are damages to the property, you’ll have peace of mind because you know you have the coverage you need with Giggster’s optional protection packages.
What Kind of Venue Can I Rent for a Trade Show?
Whether it’s a small gathering or a grand affair for a large crowd, there’s a venue out there that’s right for your event. Trade shows can happen at any type of venue, but if you need inspiration, here are some ideas worth checking out.
-
Conference and Exhibition Centres – Purposely Built for You. For major exhibitions and large events, you can rely on exhibition centres and conference facilities since they have all the bells and whistles. They are certified pros at handling crowds, and you can ensure the logistics are smooth.
-
Hotels – Where Elegance and Comfort Meet. With conference suites or large ballrooms, hotels are great for more intimate trade shows. They often have restaurants and even bars, so attendees can network and mingle right there. And they don’t have to worry about accommodation because they can simply book a room for a comfortable stay.
-
Museums and Art Galleries – Flexible Spaces. Exhibitors will love showcasing their products with amazing art pieces and historical artefacts around them. Aside from being stunning backdrops for events, they also make wonderful conversation starters.
-
Outdoor Spaces – Open Air, Open Minds. Sunshine, fresh air, scenic views, and a relaxed atmosphere—what’s not to love about an outdoor space? Versatile spaces like parks, fields, or even parking lots in the UK provide lots of room for exhibition stands and creative booths.
-
Warehouses – Your Blank Canvas Space. Are you looking for something raw, edgy, unique, and totally customisable? You can’t go wrong with industrial trade show venues like warehouses. You might have to bring in everything—lighting, heating, tables, chairs—you name it, but it’s worth it.
Top Features to Look for in a Trade Show Venue
The right exhibition venue is hard to find if you don’t know what you’re looking for or where to start your search. List your non-negotiables—it’s a great way to start, and we’ve also come up with a few factors that your chosen exhibition venue must have.
Can everyone fit and breathe? Don’t just guess how much room you need. Remember all the exhibitors, their booths, and the attendees—not only should they fit, but there must also be room for them to walk around and mingle comfortably.
Pay attention to the essentials. These include the outlets, extension cords, Wi-Fi, loading docks, and many other elements that can make or break the attendees’ and exhibitors’ experiences. Also, ensure there are enough restrooms; you won’t want long lines for the loo.
Is it easy to get to? What’s the point of having a massive trade show in an elegant location when it’s hard to reach, and it would take multiple train travels and buses to get there? If you want more people to attend, it should be easy to reach whatever mode of transportation they use.
Organising a Trade Show
Have you ever wondered what makes a trade show work? There's more to it than just setting up a booth and calling it a day. Whether it’s successful or not depends on a lot of factors, so keep reading to become familiar with some of them.
What Do You Want to Achieve – Before you take the first step, determine what the exhibition is for. Do you want to launch a product, promote brand awareness, or gain new customers? Whatever it may be, your goal will guide your other decisions.
Pick a Date – The date for your event should work for your industry and attendees and not clash with other major events in the city. Also, identify a time that’s most convenient for everyone.
The Right Location Matters – Where the trade show takes place can make all the difference. When people walk in, you want them to feel excited and look forward to what you have to offer. Exhibition centres are fine and they get the job done, but if you're aiming for something truly memorable, a unique venue creates an instant wow factor.
Get the Word Out – How can people attend the exhibition if no one knows about it? Start promoting the trade show and do it early and often. There are numerous marketing techniques you can use, from the good old-fashioned word-of-mouth to email marketing and using social media.
Trade Show Expenses to Plan For
So, you've been to a few excellent trade shows and memorable expos, and are now ready to organise one? Unexpected costs can pop up and throw everything off. So, let's talk about money matters before you get started, so your trade show is a success without breaking the bank
Have you booked a place for the trade show?
Venue rental is one of the biggest expenses you’ll make, so think of ways to save money without jeopardising quality. Size and location matter—a large Victorian mansion in central London will cost way more than a studio on the edge of the town.
Do you need a booth?
You need a booth if you have products or services to show off, but it shouldn’t just be any old, boring stand that people ignore and forget. You want the booth to look professional yet inviting, and to create one that appeals to many means you must spend more on labour fees, materials, and designs—all these aren't cheap.
Do you have a team?
To pull off a successful trade show on your own is possible, but incredibly difficult and a bad idea. You must create a team and be prepared to spend on their services.
Plan an Exceptional Trade Show with Giggster
Are you ready to take your trade show to the next level? Find the perfect venue on Giggster! Browse our listings, compare prices, and book your ideal space in the UK and beyond in minutes. Start your search on the Giggster app today and lock in your ideal date before someone else does.
