In little under 18-months the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre has become an established venue for the global events industry.

As well as a growing calendar of events, the venue has secured a number of multi-year contracts, launch shows, and geo-clones. A clear endorsement of the quality of facility and the on-site expertise which is earning the trust of event organisers. 

The home of pioneering spirit, the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre is located at the birthplace of British aviation and draws heavily on this association. Looking out onto the airfield where the first powered flight took place, and in easy reach of the UK’s aerospace, science and technology heartland, the venue is an inspiring place for organisations that have a focus on innovation and ingenuity. 

Michael Watton, Venue Director for the Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre says: “The venue has out-paced initial predictions which is a strong position to be in; we’re not complacent but our formula is working and we’re delighted to have become an established venue so quickly. 

“An aspect of our business we’re keen to highlight is the opportunity to partner on launch shows such as ITT Hub 2020, which takes place next May. Farnborough International has a wealth of experience in creating and delivering events; we’re also a very nimble organisation which means we’re in a position to take on opportunities with events that serve a growing demand.”

ITT Hub 2020 will be an annual event exploring innovation and technology for commercial transport – something the venue’s extensive indoor and outdoor space is ideally suited to accommodating.

This September, the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre hosts the inaugural Global Urban Air Summit: a landmark event during which speakers from organisations including Uber, Airbus and Boeing will share a platform with international regulators for the first time to address the operational reality of next-generation flight.

Continuing the aerospace theme, in November Vertical Flight Expo and Conference brings the world’s rotorcraft industry to Farnborough. Organiser Reed Exhibitions cite the airfield as a major draw for the show’s relocation.  

Looking ahead to the first quarter of 2020, QD Events host Go Explore! at the venue as part of a three year deal. A geo-clone of an existing event which takes place at the SEC in Glasgow, Go Explore! is to use all 20,000sqm of space inside the venue as well as surrounding outside space.

Speaking about the deal, Michael Watton says: “We’re delighted to be working with QD events, they’re successful and well-respected organisers who run a busy and popular show in Scotland. The fact they’ve chosen Farnborough International for the launch of Go Explore! underscores the attraction of our location for visitors and the value that our indoor and outdoor space provides”.

Farnborough International has also secured a three year deal with Future Publishing for their Homebuilding and Renovating Show which returns in January 2020 following a highly successful launch this year. Over the coming years, Future Publishing plan to develop and increase the show which is currently run on a 5,000sqm footprint.

In February, organisers ETES Ltd will host Southern Manufacturing at the venue for the third consecutive year. ETES have been clients of Farnborough International for ten years and were the first major event to take place when the venue opened in March 2018. Their show is one of the largest and best-attended annual events in the manufacturing sector.