UK Events Industry Records Strong Growth in 2025
The UK’s events industry has reached a significant milestone in 2025, contributing an estimated £68.7 billion to the national economy and reinforcing its position as a major driver of business growth, innovation, and tourism. According to the latest Size and Scale Index for Exhibitions (SASIE) 2025 report published by the Events Industry Alliance (EIA), the exhibition sector continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and sustained expansion.
The tenth edition of the SASIE report, developed in collaboration with AEO, AEV, and ESSA, offers the most comprehensive analysis of the UK’s exhibitions and business events market, highlighting strong recovery and long-term growth despite economic challenges.
Record Number of UK Exhibitions Since 2015
The report reveals that 1,154 exhibitions and conferences with exhibition elements were held across the UK’s leading exhibition venues in 2025, marking the highest annual total since 2015. These events attracted an estimated 6.8 million visits, reflecting the growing importance of face-to-face business networking and industry collaboration.
Trade exhibitions accounted for approximately 42% of all events, while consumer exhibitions represented nearly one-third of the total, demonstrating balanced growth across multiple sectors.
Exhibitions Generate £11.5 Billion and Support 126,000 Jobs
The exhibition industry continues to make a substantial economic impact, generating approximately £11.5 billion in economic output while supporting around 126,000 jobs across the UK.
The findings reinforce the sector’s vital role in facilitating international trade, attracting investment, supporting supply chains, and showcasing British industries on the global stage.
Industry Leaders Welcome Positive SASIE 2025 Findings
Commenting on the report, Ian Taylor, Chief Operating Officer of NEC, AEV Chair and current EIA Chair, highlighted the sector’s continued momentum despite Brexit, inflationary pressures, and global economic uncertainty.
Taylor noted that the significant increase in exhibition numbers confirms sustained growth since 2022 and demonstrates the resilience of the UK’s business events industry.
He also pointed to the announcement that globally renowned esports events DreamHack and ESL One will take place in Birmingham in March 2026 as a strong endorsement of the UK’s position as a leading international destination for next-generation events.
Business Events Continue to Drive Innovation and Economic Growth
According to industry leaders, exhibitions remain essential platforms for promoting innovation across strategic sectors including advanced manufacturing, technology, life sciences, and emerging industries.
Rachel Parker, CEO of AEV, emphasized the importance of continuing to champion exhibitions as catalysts for local economic development, job creation, and the growth of high-value industries aligned with the UK’s Industrial Strategy.
SASIE Report Strengthens Confidence in UK Exhibition Industry
The SASIE report continues to serve as the benchmark for understanding the size, scale, and performance of the UK’s exhibition market. Its decade-long research provides valuable insights for policymakers, investors, organisers, and venue operators while strengthening the case for continued government recognition and industry support.
Industry leaders also acknowledged the ongoing contribution of AEV and AEO members whose data and participation make the annual report possible.
Outlook for the UK Events Sector
With exhibition numbers reaching their highest level in a decade and billions of pounds flowing into the national economy, the UK’s events industry is well-positioned for continued growth. The latest SASIE findings underline the sector’s resilience, international competitiveness, and critical role in driving business opportunities, innovation, and economic prosperity across the country.
