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At Allotts, we know how critical 2024 trade shows and exhibitions are to those of us in the B2B world. We’re all about championing marketing, sales and growth by helping you plan ahead to make the most of these opportunities. So remember, if you need support with your trade show marketing, we’re here to lend a hand.
Without further ado, here’s your sector-by-sector guide to the trade shows and exhibitions to look out for in 2024. We’ll cover the top trade shows to attend in:
But before we get to those crucial diary dates, here’s a reminder of why trade shows and exhibitions matter. And why they can make such a big difference to your business’ growth.
They give you a platform to market to your prospects and generate new leads/sales, so choose carefully which shows you’re going to attend to access your ideal prospects.
The saying that people buy from people is so true. And so networking face-to-face is crucial for growing your business and raising brand awareness. Plus, once you meet face-to-face, you’re no longer someone at the end of the phone or a name tucked away in a spam folder.
Attending a trade show or exhibition is one of the best ways for you to stay ahead of your competition, especially during a downturn. Trade shows are often used as testing grounds for new products, processes and ideas. You can test your innovations, but also survey what your competitors are doing now and in the future.
Every business knows that to keep customers you must continue to invest in that relationship and work to keep that business. After all, it costs more to find new customers than keep your existing ones, and no one wants to lose business. Plus, it gives you a chance to upsell in person to people who have already bought into your brand.
When: 15-19 April
Where: NEC, Birmingham, UK
Sectors: Engineering services, metrology technology
A must for those involved in manufacturing machinery, MACH is the UK’s largest metal forming exhibition, covering an array of metalworking and manufacturing technologies. The 2024 show will include an extended IT for manufacturing zone as well as a 3D printing zone, with other zones covering metrology through rapid manufacturing to welding and beyond.
When: 22-26 April
Where: Hannover Exhibition Grounds, Germany
Sectors: Cross-sector manufacturing stakeholders including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, digital industries and the energy sector
The world’s biggest industrial trade show, typically hosting around 4,000 exhibitors from across a broad spectrum of manufacturing trades, there is something for everybody. The show also hosts the unique ‘Your Future’ recruitment initiative, bringing together employers, students and apprenticeship opportunities from across the sector.
Find out more about Hannover Messe here
When: 21-22 February
Where: NEC, Birmingham, UK
Sectors: Packaging including design
Packaging Innovations/EMPACK is a premier UK event for packaging professionals which covers all aspects of the packaging supply chain. It is held annually, and brings together hundreds of specifiers, buyers and suppliers. Visitors are equipped with knowledge on the latest new materials, formats, smart packaging technology and the expertise needed to create the future of their brand’s packaging.
Find out more about Packaging Innovations/EMPACK here
When: 24-26 September
Where: NEC, Birmingham, UK
Sectors: Processing and packaging machinery
The PPMA Show is the UK’s largest event for processing and packaging machinery, robots and industrial vision. Sectors include:
The show invites visitors to network, source new ideas and solutions and meet potential new suppliers, influencers and technical experts. It’s expected to attract around 8,000 visitors, more than 2,500 brands and over 400 exhibitors.
Find out more about PPMA Show 2024 here
When: 24-25 January
Where: Paris Expo, Paris, France
Sectors: Pharmaceuticals, packaging
Combining drug packaging and drug delivery under one roof, Pharmapack hosts exhibitors spanning both sectors. It’s one not to be missed for anyone working in the drug packaging industry – some of the biggest names in the wider pharmacy supply chain can be found at this annual event. The 2024 show will be covering among other things, the themes of sustainability, large volume drug delivery and sports in pharma.
Learn more about Pharmapack here
When: 9-12 October
Where: Munich, Germany
Sectors: Pharmaceuticals
Expopharm is one of the biggest pharma shows in Europe, drawing thousands of delegates and exhibitors from across the world. As well as being host to hundreds of industry-leading exhibitors, the show includes an extensive programme of future-oriented presentations from the front. Some topics covered include:
Find out more about Expopharm here
When: 5-6 June
Where: NEC, Birmingham, UK
Sectors: Manufacturing, maintenance engineering
The event of the year for the UK’s maintenance engineering community, Maintec welcomes thousands of professionals from the buildings, supply chain and industrial maintenance sectors. Industries represented cover a wide spectrum such as:
In recent times, Maintec has become part of a whole week of manufacturing and engineering exhibitions and is now co-located with several related shows. This brings big opportunities for networking and lead gen for everyone involved in the wider sector.
When: 30-31 October
Where: NEC, Birmingham, UK
Sectors: OEMs, engineering including medical, manufacturing, supply chain
Advanced Engineering is a wide-ranging trade fair for the entire OEM, engineering, manufacturing and supply chain sectors with a focus on innovation, future-proofing and technologies for supply chain continuity. Top brands showcase the technology of the future. Visitors can also benefit from the show’s hugely successful AE Connect portal. This is an online business matchmaking system that allows visitors and exhibitors to research attendees, connect and book meetings.
Learn more about Advanced Engineering here
When: 14-15 February
Where: CBS Arena, Coventry, UK
Sectors: Tools, plant and equipment hire
The Executive Hire Show is the hire industry’s number one event for the UK and Ireland. It brings together hirers and suppliers involved in the tool, plant and equipment hire trade. The show hosts representatives from trade bodies and hire firms large and small, and is particularly known as an important resource for independently-owned entrepreneurial hire outlets.
Read more about the Executive Hire Show here
When: 7-9 May – ExCel Centre, London and
1-3 October, NEC, Birmingham, UK
Sectors: Construction for the built environment
The UK’s largest event for companies focussed on the built environment. The UKCW hosts two yearly events, welcoming approximately 45,000 trade visitors in total. Organisations represented at the show typically include major contractors, house builders, developers, local authorities and many more from the sector.
To find out more about the 2024 show visit the UKCW here
When: 30 January-1 February
Where: Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, USA
Sectors: Primary and secondary meat and poultry processing, feed production
The International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE) showcases the latest technology, equipment, supplies and services used in the production and processing of eggs, meat and poultry from farm to fork, as well as those involved in animal feed manufacturing. IPPE hosts thousands of international visitors every year, including:
When: 19-23 February
Where: Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE
Sectors: Food and beverage
Arguably the world’s biggest trade fair for the food and beverage industry, Gulfood welcomes around 60,000 visitors from across the globe every year, and hosts thousands of exhibitors across 20 exhibition halls. The halls are arranged by sector and cover:
When: 19-20 March
Where: NEC, Birmingham, UK
Sectors: Logistics
An unmissable showcase of the latest and best in intralogistics, this exhibition is for companies covering the full range of logistics activities including, warehousing, automation, packaging and software. Here you’ll find more than 150 exhibitors, 1,400 visitors, 20 conference sessions on innovation and live demonstrations. IntraLogisteX will be packed with everything you need to improve productivity, safety, space utilisation and profitability.
Discover more about IntraLogisteX here
When: 11-13 June
Where: NEC, Birmingham, UK
Sectors: Freight, transport, logistics and supply chain
Multimodal is firmly established as Western Europe’s premier freight transport, logistics and supply chain management event. Multimodal represents every logistics sector, including sea, road, rail, air and inland waterways under one roof. It also includes businesses in the key verticals of manufacturing, retail, agribusiness, chemical, pharmaceuticals, construction, real estate, recycling, paper/print and perishables.
Find out more about Multimodal here
Think we missed a key trade show for your industry? Send us a message and we’ll update our guide!
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