An Insider’s Guide to UK Exhibition Venues for 2022

Set alongside Farnborough International Airport, with its views over the runway, this conference and exhibition centre is the perfect choice for those looking for event venues who wish to link aviation and engineering to their event. Located just 30 minutes from Heathrow airport, 50 minutes from Gatwick and with quick links into London; Farnborough International is easily accessible and a great alternative to a central London event space. Unlike many venues, the exhibition centre has free parking for up to 3500 visitors, all securely gated, a unique proposition within the South.

The ease of access makes it very easy for exhibitors to set up their exhibition stands, and for easy loading and unloading. The airport location is one of the biggest draws of this venue and offers several benefits. One is the stunning views, and the access to an outside area which provides the perfect spot for a post event drinks reception with views over the runway. Another is the fact that it is a working airport site, the security is high – so the venue can make an ideal choice for those who need a higher level of security service.

Some of the best exhibitions at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre in 2022:

Tecna UK Insider Tips:

The House chicken burger at the Aviator Hotel cannot be missed, and they are a safe pair of hands for vegetarians, or any GF requirements.

Did you know Tecna UK HQ is based down the road from Farnborough Exhibition Centre?  Feel free to pop in for a cup of tea & check out our new Showroom & facilities whenever you are on site.

Tecna UK go to restaurants:

We love Aviator’s brasserie restaurant within the hotel.  Alternatively try out out family owned Italian, Villa Bianca for the genuine taste of Italy, based nearby in Frimley.

Tecna UK Hotel Choice:

Check out the Aviator, Hampshire which is an independent, state of the art hotel in the perfect location next door to the venue.  Aviator opened in 2008 as one of the most striking design hotels in recent times.  The bedroom interiors are contemporary and comfortable with leather accented furniture, and bathrooms with black glass walls, granite vanity tops and chrome finishing. Sky Suites feature walk in wardrobes, generous bath tubs, Missoni blankets and space to lounge behind dark wood Venetian blinds. Guests can  access the fitness studio from their rooms using a guest only stairwell.   The lobby and atrium of the hotel offer One Eleven, the Brasserie and Sky Bar which overlook the private Farnborough airport.

NEC Birmingham Exhibition Venue

This means that, budget permitting, you can really get creative with your event idea. The NEC really is a destination venue, so if you are attending as an exhibitor, there’s plenty to see and do once your day is over.  From outlet shopping to choosing one of the twenty bars and restaurants or even having a flutter in the casino located within the NEC campus, there are some great mingling and networking opportunities to be had.

Some of the best exhibitions at NEC Birmingham Exhibition Venue in 2022

Before leaving the car park, look at where you have parked and where you need to go. Do you really need the shuttle bus, or is it quicker and easier to walk? Don’t forget to visit Resorts World Birmingham , for a wide selection of restaurants, bars and shops, cinema, Casino and Escape room.  There’s even the Bear Grylls adventure park if you have the kids in tow.

Tecna UK go to restaurants:

Head to Weatherspoons for sustenance, over a wine or a beer.  You can also use the pub for a quick meeting or network after show, or jump in a cab and go to Central Birmingham for wide array of food choices.

Tecna UK Hotel Choice:

The Crowne Plaza Hotel onsite, or Genting Hotel @ Resorts World just 5 minutes drive away.

ExCeL London Exhibition Venue

 Make sure you get there early. If you get some spare time you could climb the 02 nearby or travel by the Emirates air cable car , and get great views across the city. Consider booking a penthouse, or apartment with work mates if you are working a long show. You will get better value for money and a more relaxed, home from home end to the day.

Enjoy Spanish tapas with colleagues at Tapa Tapa , or head to Canary Wharf for masses of options & cuisines.

Tecna UK Hotel Choice:

Choose Moxy for pet friendly, dockside situated mid range hotel that’s close by the airport.  Aloft gives you a loft inspired boutique experience from the Marriott family, or upgrade completely with the Sunborn Yacht, offering absolute luxury and space to entertain clients post show.

Olympia London Exhibition Venue

Some of the best exhibitions at Olympia London Exhibition Venue in 2022

Tecna UK Insider Tip:

They say more business opportunities are realised post event ‘networking’, than in the exhibition venue and the two places to head at Olympia are the Hand & Flowers , the Fuller’s Pub and Hotel in Hammersmith  or The Beaconsfield nearby.

Tecna UK go to restaurants:

The perfect venue for a spot of dinner is The Bird in Hand , or the famous Piano Bar , on Kensington High Street, which also features great live music.

Tecna UK Hotel Choice:

K West Hotel & Spa, a Shepherd’s Bush hotel so cool that A listers frequently visit. Celeb spot & relax after a hard day on the show floor. Close by is shopping hotspot Westfield London, where you can pick up a few gifts or literally shop till you drop for yourself. Then recuperate in the spa and hit the bar.

Home to Premiership Rugby team Wasps, the stadium provides an exciting backdrop to any event, so it can be fun to soak in the sporting atmosphere within and around the venue. Hosting events from as few as seven delegates up to huge 7000, it’s a popular venue for organisations of all sizes and has a variety of halls and lounges available up to a collective 20,000sqm.

If you are attending the Coventry Building Society Arena, a trip into Coventry can be well worth a visit, it’s the City of Culture for 2021, and offers a plethora of places to while away your evening post event.

Tecna UK Insider Tip:

Take time out of work and drop into the Coventry Music Museum to find out more about 2-Tone and The Specials as well as other music legends connected to the city.

Visit NASHAA , a great Indian and Balti restaurant, just down the road so handy for venue and good quality fayre.  Alternatively The Greyhound is the ideal place if you want a traditional country pub, with hearty classics, a 10 min drive away right next to the canal. Alternatively head into central Coventry where you can get any food you fancy at a range of price points.

Tecna UK Hotel Choice:

You can’t go wrong with the Doubletree by Hilton – all you need, at a mid range price and right next door to the exhibition venue.

Need Expo support last minute or more advice?

Luckily for you, we can help you out with more than just info on UK exhibition popular venues – and from start to finish. Tecna UK offer similar advantages of custom build style options, with the ease & versatility of a modular display system.

Our full turnkey solution will ensure you end up with a premium display solution without the hassle!  Whether you need project management, design advice, site surveys, or installation, we cover it all end-to-end.

Don’t forget, if you only need your kit for a one-off event or for a short period, look at hiring it straight from our warehouse? It is a cost-saving alternative to purchasing and perhaps even greener!

Author

George Green

Sales Director, Tecna UK

George has been with Tecna for 6 years, with vast experience in offering the best return on investment for clients and their goals. He has a strong background in product design, particularly in sustainable design - and is heavily involved in the research and implementation of eco-conscious practices and services within the business.