Latest Entries...

Earls Court, London, 4th-7th February and NEC, Birmingham, 5th-7th March

Presented by The Times newspaper, Destinations proudly proclaims itself ‘the essential event for travel inspiration’. Now in its 16th year, there are few events on the show circuit that can be said to have such a wide-reaching appeal as this one: quite simply, Destinations attracts anyone with a passion for travel, and will offer ideas, tips and expert advice to suit every taste and budget.

The show is split into world areas for easy navigation, with a special area dedicated specifically to adventure travel, and hundreds of companies will be exhibiting at both the London and Birmingham legs of the event, which makes it a great alternative to travel agencies or the internet for getting travel tips. Many of the companies in attendance will offer exclusive show discounts and special packages, so it’s also the perfect place to book your next trip – be it vacation or voyage.

To keep things lively, the World Entertainment Stage is set to include showcases of Brazilian Capoeria, Colombian and classical Indian dance, whilst in the Meet the Expert Theatres high-profile explorers, adventurers, travel writers and photographers will take the floor to regale visitors with tales of their own adventures and expeditions. Topping the bill in London will be the likes of Countryfile presenter Julia Bradbury, whilst speakers in Birmingham will include Mark Carwardine and Simon Reeve, as well as self-proclaimed ‘gastronaut’ Stefan Gates.

Advance tickets are £8 for Birmingham or £10 for London (plus booking fee), but there is also a ‘Late Night’ option available for London, which allows you to access the show on Thursday 4th February after 5pm for just £5. Kids under 12 can attend either show free. To book your place, visit www.destinationsshow.com

28th February – 4th March 2010, ExCel, London

2010’s Hotelympia will be launching on Sunday 28th February, and will run until Thursday 4th March. Taking place at ExCel London, the event aims to bring together a huge range of key players from the hospitality industry, and will act as host to suppliers from areas ranging from food and drink to interiors, tableware and technology.

Exhibitors are set to include an enormously diverse variety of companies, such as Catering Equipment Ltd, Glen Dimplex Professional Appliances, Heinz Foodservices – and even Purbeck Ice Cream – though with almost 1,000 exhibitors taking up stands, there is bound to be something for everyone, no matter which area of the catering and hospitality industry they are involved in.

A large portion of the event this year will focus on sustainability: as well as hosting sustainability seminars on the Main Stage, there will be an entire area of the exhibition solely dedicated to offering sustainability solutions, ideas and tips. This area aims to provide visitors with a chance to learn ways in which to make their business greener, in particular by improving their operation in areas such as waste management and recycling, and water conservation, recovery and management. There will also be an ‘Innovation Pod’, which will offer additional inspiration regarding eco-friendly furniture and energy-efficient products. Professional speakers will be on hand to further expound on the topic, and exhibitors with a particularly environmentally friendly bent will be demonstrating their products and serving up their knowledge within the seminar section of the sustainability area.

Over 40,000 people are expected to attend Hotelympia over the five-day period, and tickets can be obtained free of charge when registered for in advance (otherwise there is a £30 entrance fee, payable on the door). Visit www.hotelympia.com to register for your ticket.

19th-21st February, ExCel, London; 21st-23rd May, NEC, Birmingham; 22nd-24th October, Earl’s Court, London

Boasting ‘unbeatable shopping, expert advice and great entertainment’, The Baby Show has gone from strength to strength since its launch in 2002, with visitor numbers topping out at over 76,000 last year.

The first Baby Show will be held at London’s ExCel arena, and will run from the 19th-21st February, with subsequent events held at the Birmingham NEC from 21st-23rd May, and London’s Earl’s Court on 22nd-24th October. With big names such as Pampers, Tommee Tippee, Maclaren and Fisher Price prominent among the more than 600 companies that take part in the event, product launches and demonstrations are a focal point. But the event is also a great forum for smaller baby-related start-ups, with plenty of floor space given to new companies and ‘mumpreneurs’.

For the baby who has everything, the Boutique Baby area, which will be incorporated into the ExCel and Earl’s Court shows, is a must-visit part of the event. Housing niche products and high-end accessories, it is ideal for the particularly discerning baby and the mum with money.

Celebrities and big-name baby industry experts will also be in abundance at the events: ExCel will see Dr Miriam Stoppard imparting valuable advice on such topics as bedtime routines and peaceful nights, and Tess Daly will be stopping by on 19th February. Annabel Karmel will also be in attendance at the ExCel event on all three days, and will be speaking about nutrition during pregnancy, as well as dispelling some of the myths surrounding feeding of babies and toddlers.

The specifics of the NEC and Earls Court events have yet to be announced, so you may want to visit www.thebabyshow.co.uk closer to these shows for further information.

Here is a sneak peak at just some of the UK events that 2010 will have to offer…
Getting the year off to a flying start is the rather testosterone-laden PistonHeads (www.pistonheadsshow.com), which will feature performance cars from Alphas to Vipers, as well as plenty of other attractions including a dedicated Stuff Zone, showcasing gadgets, gizmos and gear by the gallon.
Veering off in a completely different direction, the first leg of The Baby Show (www.thebabyshow.co.uk) will begin in February at ExCel London, with subsequent events at Birmingham NEC in May and Earl’s Court, London, in October.

March will be a busy month on the events circuit, with such UK staples as Foodex (www.foodex.co.uk – previously known as ‘Foodex Meatex’), the Hotel and Catering Show (www.hotel-expo.co.uk) and The Ideal Home Show (www.idealhomeshow.co.uk) – not to mention the infamous CRUFTS (www.crufts.org.uk) dog show – to name but a few.

The April slot of the 2010 events calendar will contain some shows of a more serious bent, including the Counter Terror Expo 2010 (www.counterterrorexpo.com) and Defence IT (www.shephard.co.uk/events/48/defence-it-2010), whilst the London International Wine Fair (www.londonwinefair.com) in May and the International Fine Art Fair (www.olympiaartsinternational.com) in June will see out the Spring in style.

Maintaining the air of sophistication, the Harrogate Home and Gift Show (www.homeandgift.co.uk) runs during July, and is a favourite summer event (particularly since it comes complete with Pimm’s tent!). Harrogate will also play host to August’s Lingerie and Swimwear Exhibition (www.lingerie-show.com), as well as the Great Northern Quilt and Needlecraft Show (www.grosvenorexhibitions.co.uk), which is due to take place in September.

The Restaurant Show 2010 (www.therestaurantshow2010.co.uk), to be held at Earl’s Court, London, in October, will be a big one for the UK’s restaurateurs, whilst Cake International (www.ichf.co.uk) and Toy Collectors Fair (www.bpfairs.com/fairs.php?fair=25) will brighten up Birmingham’s NEC in November and December.

8th-17th January 2010, ExCel, London

Now in its 56th year, the Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show is rapidly reaching veteran status in the show world, and in fact is currently one of the top five consumer events in the UK. Kicking off with a preview day on the 8th January, the event will run for ten days, and is set to be packed bow to stern with events, exhibitors, experts and enthusiasts.

Of course, boats of all proportions will be on display at the show (with a dedicated area, outside in the marina, exhibiting those vessels too large to fit through the doors), as will accessories, clothing and equipment. The show will also host a photographic exhibition showcasing work by renowned sailing photographer Robert Wilson, and in addition there will be opportunities to speak to multitudes of professionals about all things boat.

For the kids, there will be a Design a Sail competition; plus, the Try a Dive tank allows youngsters to sample diving in a safe and instructive environment (whilst the of-age crowd sample a Guinness or two at the Black and White Bar!).

The North Hall’s Show Stage promises ‘non-stop entertainment’, with expert speakers, safety presentations and a unique preview of the 2012 Olympic sailing venues. And if you feel the need to take a short respite from boats and sailing advice, the Show Stage will also feature a high energy ‘dance explosion’ (called Rock the Boat, so presumably boating remains a prominent theme), which will take place three times each day.

Advance tickets for the London International Boat Show start from £13 (with two day tickets for just £21), and kids can get in free with a paying adult. Visit www.londonboatshow.com for more information.

26 November – 06 December, NEC, Birmingham

The UK certainly has its fair share of motorcycle shows, but this one is kitted out with its own arsenal of particularly unique features, not to mention the presence of some of the biggest names in the industry, so it’s no wonder the International Motorcycle and Scooter Show at the NEC gets the pulse of two-wheeling petrolheads everywhere racing.

Demonstrations are an integral part of this event, and this year the offerings will incorporate everything you’d expect from the UK’s most salient motorcycle show, including the fast, the furious and the downright dangerous. The Ken Fox Troupe’s Wall of Death showcases amazing riding skills and control; visitors can watch from the top of the eighteen-foot high cylindrical wall as the Troupe perform death-defying stunts and incredible feats of speed and agility.

Meanwhile, in the Off Road Zone, the British Supercross Championship team will put on a daily display; but the main attraction here will no doubt be the British Supercross Championship itself, rounds one and two of which will be held on Saturday 28th November and Saturday 5th December respectively.
Hundreds of exhibitors will also be in attendance, offering everything from accessories to components, not to mention bikes of all shapes and sizes, with industry giants including Husky, Spyder, Kawasaki and KTM all set to unveil new models at the event.

Of course, the eponymous motorcycles are the stars of this show, but for those who like to dabble in the four-wheeled alternative there will also be a Go-Karting track available, complete with a miniature version for the show’s younger attendees.

In addition to a cinema and a stage for live music performances, the event will be capped off by the Arai Entertainment Zone, which will host interviews and celebrity appearances, and offer games and competitions by the helmetful.

To book your tickets, visit www.motorcycleshow.co.uk

4th-9th December 2009, NEC, Birmingham

The Clothes Show Live is a calendar highlight for fashionistas. Naturally, style and glamour are the watchwords for this six-day extravaganza, and the agenda for this year’s event surely won’t disappoint.

Along with such staples as designer boutiques, high-street brands and a raft of hair and beauty products for study and sample, this year’s show will be inundated with members of the Hollyoaks cast, which will no doubt be a huge draw for the event’s teen attendees. Not that the Hollyoaks crowd are the only celebrities set to attend; these days no fashion event is complete without an appearance from the ubiquitous Gok Wan, so it is only fitting that he should be on-hand throughout the Sunday to offer style advice to those within earshot.

The show’s 6,500-seat Fashion Theatre will feature a Christmas-themed fashion showcase, which boasts such trendy treats as goody give-aways, over 270 festive outfits and ‘hot male models’. In addition, make-up and hair demonstrations will be taking place throughout the event, and new boy band ViCE will be launching their debut single Bounce, offering Clothes Show attendees a chance to be among the first to hear it.

And if it all gets a bit much, you can take a quick break by immersing yourself in the rather less frantic atmosphere of the Wellbeing Zone, which will include exhibitors such as The International Federation of Aromatherapists. Pampering spa treatments ranging from manicures and facials to rieki and shiatsu will be on offer here, and if you wish to go beyond the skin-deep this is the place to do it, with experts available to provide advice on nutrition and fitness.

The Clothes Show Live will be held at the Birmingham NEC. Tickets are on sale now and start from £25, so visit www.clothesshowlive.com to order yours.

The BBC Good Food Shows, which kicked off at the SECC in Glasgow on 30th October, are a favourite with the UK public and a particular highlight on the UK events calendar.

The 2009 shows in Glasgow, London and Birmingham have a primarily Christmas focus, with ideas and tips that are sure to give you a hearty dose of festive spirit in time for December 25th.

MasterChef Live, which is to be held at London’s Olympia on 13th-15th November, will offer tasting sessions and masterclasses, as well as a cook-off between past MasterChefs, which will be hosted by John Torode and Gregg Wallace.

Birmingham’s November show reads like a who’s-who of cookery royalty, with top celebrity chefs such as Jamie Oliver, James Martin, The Hairy Bikers and Gordon Ramsey each holding live demonstrations in the NEC’s Supertheatre. Also on offer here is the ‘Market Kitchen’, which will hold ‘educational and entertaining’ seasonal cooking demonstrations.

Both the London and Birmingham events will also incorporate a Producers’ Village, which will allow attendees to sample local and seasonal food, and will play host to hundreds of exhibitors from around the world showcasing an enormous range of top-quality food and beverages.

We don’t want to get too ahead of ourselves, so we’ll save the Summer Good Food Show, also to be held at Birmingham’s NEC, for a future blog – although if you can’t wait that long you can always visit the Good Food Show website for advance information!

For more information on all shows, and to book tickets for the 2009 shows, visit http://www.bbcgoodfoodshow.com/

The show dates and locations are:

• 30th October – 1st November 2009, SECC, Glasgow
• 13th – 15th November 2009, Olympia, London (MasterChef Live)
• 25th – 29th November 2009, NEC, Birmingham
• 16th – 20th June 2010, NEC, Birmingham (Summer Good Food Show)

The London Running Show on the 28th – 29th November 2009 at Olympia in London aims to pack the maximum amount of information possible into its two days, and is designed to appeal to runners of every experience and fitness level.

For newbies, or those who want to hone their regime and their lifestyle to improve their running, there are seminars and workshops dealing with everything from training and nutrition, to tips on running safely and avoiding injury. The show operates on a fairly informal basis, with seminars running on a first come, first served basis – so no need to worry about booking seminar places in advance.

The more seasoned of the show’s attendees will find that the event has plenty to offer them too: the sports and injury clinic, which will incorporate physiotherapy, run analysis, massage and core stability training, will offer free assessments – ideal for runners of all levels. In addition, a wide range of companies will be showcasing their products and services, and many vendors will be offering special promotions exclusive to the show. Services available will include shoe fitting, fitness testing and gait analysis; there will also be nutrition and health food products to sample.

Top running magazine Runner’s World will be in residence at stand B16. The stand will be a key attraction at the show, with nutrition advice from the likes of Kim Pearson, Annelise Benzie, and Tara McKearney; free training plans and fact sheets with useful advice and information; and free physio consultations and treatments. Visitors to the stand will also have the chance to meet GB track and field athlete Jo Pavey, which is sure to provide inspiration and motivation to all running enthusiasts.

Tickets cost £9 in advance, so whether you are a serious competitor or prefer to run for fun, visit www.runningshow.co.uk to book your place.

9th – 12th November 2009, ExCel, London

Spanning four days, World Travel Market is a must-do trade event for the global travel industry. Taking place at the ExCel conference centre, located in the heart of London’s Royal Docks, the 2009 event is fast approaching, and will run from the 9th to the 12th November.

Now in its 30th year, 2008’s World Travel Market saw record numbers of attendees, with almost 50,000 industry professionals turning out to network, negotiate and find out about the latest industry trends, forecasts and developments. The show’s slogan – ‘Around the World in 4 Days’ – effectively captures the dynamic and information-packed spirit of the event: with conferences and seminars, tailored student education programmes, and of course a wealth of exhibitors and industry professionals in attendance, World Travel Market brings together buyers and sellers from around the world, with just about every imaginable sector of the industry – from air travel to technology companies – being represented.

New for 2009, the event will be holding ‘Advice Clinics’, whereby attendees will have the chance to discuss business concerns and gain free advice from industry professionals. A special party is also being held on the Wednesday evening to mark the event’s 30-year anniversary. In addition, once registered, visitors and exhibitors can take advantage of a free pre-event service called ‘WTM Get Connected’, which allows attendees to find and contact each other before the show itself, with the aim of making networking easier and more efficient.

Main standholders this year will include Alamo Rent a Car & National Car Rental, European Tour Operators Association and Welcome to Yorkshire, to name but a few, and the exhibiting partners are set to number in their thousands.

To find out more about World Travel Market and to book your place, just go to www.wtmlondon.com