Exhibition Trade Show Tips

Behind The Scenes at LCPS

As the dust settles on another incredible London Christmas Party Show, we caught up with the Show team for a behind-the-scenes debrief. Izzy, Dani, Alex, Lee, Harry and Anna share their exhibition trade show tips on how they create and run the event, reveal key trends from this year’s show, and discuss key learnings from the 11th edition of the show.

What do you consider when picking a venue?

Selecting the right venue is arguably one of the most challenging aspects of planning the Show. Our top priority is ensuring there’s ample space for all our wonderful exhibitors, along with breakout rooms for workshops, seminars, our Yahire Hub working space and our Wellness Lounge!

We also seek venues that strike the right balance between being big enough and giving us that boutique/bespoke feel that most of our host venues have. We look for something boutique that avoids being overly corporate, which lets the Show’s fun and vibrant personality shine through, this can prove a really challenge as these venues tend to be for lower capacities.

Visitor flow is also key; we want the layout to feel natural and intuitive, making it easy for attendees to move through the event – this can be super tricky to get right and takes a lot of trial and error! And of course, location is crucial. We always aim for a central spot that allows busy event bookers to easily pop in between meetings.

How do you keep the team aligned during the run-up to the show?

In the lead-up to the Show, staying aligned as a team is essential. We rely on a shared to-do list to keep tasks visible and organised and we have regular catch-ups to ensure everyone is on the same page. Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do in the Show team, whether it’s operations, exhibitor management, marketing, or sales, we work closely together every step of the way!

Do you have any tips to stay energised during long days on site?

Show days can be long, so staying energised is a must. Snacks are our best friend – in our on-site office, there’s always a table dedicated to snacks and water. We also love a coffee, so make sure to do a regular pit-stop to a local coffee shop! We try to take advantage of the Wellness Lounge when we can to reset and recharge with Be In Your Element. Teamwork is everything – we rely on each other and often tag-team responsibilities to make sure no one burns out. It’s all about balance, support, and a few well-timed energy boosts!

Can you describe a typical day during the show from your perspective?

Show days start early for us! The first task is sending out joining instructions to visitors so they know exactly where to go and what to expect. Then, we do a walk-through with the team to ensure everything looks fabulous and is ready for doors to open. Once the Show begins, it’s all about checking in with our exhibitors to make sure they have everything they need, coordinating workshops and seminars, and ensuring all the moving parts run smoothly. After that initial rush, we finally get a chance to take a step back, soak it all in, and enjoy watching the Show come to life.

Did you spot any changes in the types of suppliers exhibiting compared to previous years?

This year, we noticed a bit of a shift in the types of venue and suppliers exhibiting at the Show. There was a fantastic influx of new exhibitors alongside our loyal, long-standing partners who return year after year. One exciting trend was the rise of immersive venues and experience-based suppliers. From the mind-bending Twist Museum and digital art haven Frameless to interactive brands like Quiz Room, Humbug, Mamma Mia! The Party, The Perfume Studio and Streethunt Games, there was a clear focus on fun, memorable experiences. It was great to see how these exhibitors brought energy and creativity to the floor, giving attendees plenty to explore and be inspired by!

Did you spot any interesting trends across the exhibitors this year?

One of the standout trends across this year’s exhibitors was the rise in interactive, physical games. From grabber machines to arcade games and spin-the-wheel setups, these playful additions brought a real buzz to the floor. They weren’t just fun, they created moments of engagement that drew crowds and sparked conversations. Another noticeable shift was the increase in digital display use. A large number of exhibitors opted for TV screens on their stands, using them to showcase slick showreels, event footage, and branded content. It was a brilliant way for them to bring their services to life and capture attention in a dynamic, visual way.

London Christmas Party Show Creative Stand Design

Which stand or exhibitor really stood out to you this year, and why?

One stand that really stood out this year was Clays. They went all out with a stunning bespoke A stand that immediately caught everyone’s eye. From the terracotta-painted side walls and golden shimmer arched panels to the striking boutique wallpaper on the back wall, every detail was thoughtfully designed and beautifully executed. Their branding was on point – the stand felt completely unique to them and perfectly captured their style and energy. On top of that, their trendy merch giveaways were a massive hit with visitors. What made it even more exciting was the launch of their brand-new Soho venue, which added a fresh buzz and gave people something new to discover and talk about.

Networking at the London Christmas Party Show

What part of the event are you proudest of?

Aside from the huge achievement of pulling off a successful Show in a brand-new venue, where we were the very first event to take place in the newly refurbished space, which brought a mix of excitement and nerves! The moment I am most proud of every year is when our exhibitors begin arriving and we get to watch their faces light up as their stand creations come to life! After all the planning and preparation, seeing their excitement and pride in what they’ve built makes all the hard work feel truly worthwhile!

What’s your favourite moment from the show?

My favourite moment has to be when we first open the doors on Tuesday evening and the queue of visitors begins to flow in. There’s this amazing festive buzz in the air as people step into Christmas in July, you can feel the excitement building. It’s always a little surreal (and quite funny) seeing Santa Claus and a few elves wandering around in the middle of summer and that mix of joy and amused confusion from our guests makes it all the more special. It’s the perfect kickoff and a reminder of how magical and unique this event really is.

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