Aligning with the event trends of 2025 and how the industry is changing, organisers are constantly on the lookout for venues that not only deliver a unique ambience but also support sustainable practices, cutting-edge technology, and seamless event management. Whether you’re hosting a major trade show, a high-profile conference, an engaging customer show, or an expansive exhibition, finding the right venue is crucial to your event’s success.
In this blog, we will walk you through some of the UK’s hidden gems. They offer the ideal combination of sustainability, advanced technology, and great onsite support, making them perfect for events that need to impress.
What are our criteria for these venues?
Before diving into our curated list, it’s essential to understand the common threads that tie these venues together:
- Venue Space & Flexibility: These venues offer expansive, adaptable spaces that can accommodate a variety of event formats, from large-scale exhibitions to high-profile conferences and trade shows.
- Sustainability: Each venue is committed to eco-friendly practices, from net-zero carbon to energy-efficient lighting, smart waste management and green procurement policies.
- Advanced Technology: With high-speed connectivity and cutting-edge audiovisual systems, these venues ensure your event runs smoothly in today’s digital world.
By carefully selecting venues that excel in these areas, you can create a truly memorable experience that resonates with attendees while promoting a responsible and forward-thinking image.
1. NEC Birmingham
Situated in the heart of Birmingham, the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) is one of the UK’s most recognised event spaces. NEC Birmingham hosts world-class trade shows and conferences, attracting millions of visitors each year. Its expansive facilities and modern design make it an ideal location for events that demand both scale and sophistication.
Why NEC Birmingham stands out
- Expansive and versatile spaces: Boasting 186,000 square meters of indoor space, NEC Birmingham offers unparalleled flexibility. Whether you’re hosting a major industry trade show or an international conference, the venue’s vast spaces can accommodate large audiences with ease.
- Sustainable innovations: As detailed in their 2025 Sustainability Policy Statement, NEC is committed to environmental protection initiatives such as carbon footprint reduction, energy-efficient equipment and technologies, zero waste and sustainable catering among others. As they intend to be a leader in ESG in the events industry, your events will be responsibly developed and managed.
- State-of-the-art technology: Since 2022, NEC has incorporated Cisco’s hardware and WaitTime’s AI software among others as part of its £7 million technology infrastructure investment. From using AI to manage crowds to providing 1800 Wi-Fi access points, their technology will help with venue utilisation, dwell time, itineraries and crowd densities.
2. ExCeL London
ExCeL London is another giant in the world of exhibitions and conventions. Located in East London, this venue has hosted some of the most high-profile trade shows and international conferences.
ExCeL London’s blend of modern architecture, expansive exhibition spaces, and advanced technological capabilities makes it a favourite among organisers who are looking for a venue that can handle a high volume of attendees while ensuring an engaging experience.
WHY ExCeL London stands out
- Impressive Scale and Flexibility: With 125,000 square meters of event space, containing three event halls, three conference suites and 17 meeting rooms, ExCeL London can easily host large-scale events. Its layout is designed to accommodate a diverse range of setups, from sprawling trade shows to intimate customer events.
- Commitment to sustainability: ExCeL London is one of the UK’s leading exhibition and conference centres not only because of their world-class facilities but also a commitment to sustainability. As detailed in their Sustainability Strategy, ExCeL London aims to achieve net zero by 2045, maintaining its carbon-neutral certification and minimising emissions across its operations. They have partnered with Bywaters to enhance waste management. They also prioritise resource efficiency through a structured environmental management system that assesses risks and opportunities for sustainability improvements.
- Advanced technological innovations: ExCeL London has embraced advanced technologies to enhance event experiences, such as introducing touchscreen ordering systems in collaboration with Costa Coffee to streamline in-venue services. Additionally, the venue has partnered with Preoday to offer exhibitors a mobile app for pre-ordering fresh, seasonal produce, ensuring timely delivery directly to their stands. They also collaborated with OnePlan to introduce the UK’s first conference centre VenueTwin, enabling event organisers to conduct virtual walkthroughs and plan event layouts more effectively.
3. Manchester Central
Manchester Central is a landmark venue that stands as a testament to the city’s dynamic and innovative spirit. As one of the largest event spaces in Manchester, it caters to a wide range of events, from large-scale exhibitions and trade shows to influential conferences and customer showcases.
Its rich history combined with modern upgrades makes Manchester Central a compelling choice for organisers seeking both character and capability.
Why Manchester Central stands out
- Diverse spaces: The venue categorises its space into three sizes — large, medium and small — which cater to every event need. It features 28 meeting rooms, with the largest space spanning approximately 10,000 square meters, suitable for various event configurations. Be it intimate meetings or large-scale exhibitions, Manchester Central has got you covered.
- Sustainability and efficiency: Manchester Central is deeply committed to sustainability, integrating environmental, social, and economic considerations into its operations. As one of the first major venues to commit to the Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge, the venue aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Collaborating with Play It Green, Manchester Central has established a Climate Positive Workforce by planting 13 trees monthly for each of its 125 employees, offsetting their carbon footprints. The venue also focuses on waste management and utility reduction, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
- Cutting-edge event technology: The venue offers dedicated internet solutions tailored for exhibitors with high connectivity demands, ensuring robust and reliable network performance. To enhance disaster recovery capabilities, Manchester Central has partnered with Veeam and the Pure Technology Group to implement solutions that significantly reduce system downtime, ensuring seamless operations during events.
4. SEC Glasgow
In the vibrant city of Glasgow, the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) stands out as Scotland’s leading venue for trade shows, conferences, and exhibitions. Known for its spacious interiors and comprehensive facilities, the SEC offers an ideal platform for events that aim to attract large audiences while delivering high-quality experiences.
Why SEC Glasgow stands out
- Vast and adaptable space: The SEC in Glasgow comprises three different venues: the SEC Centre with five interconnected exhibition halls totalling over 22,000 square meters, the SEC Armadillo accommodating up to 3,000 attendees, and the OVO Hydro, Scotland’s premier live entertainment venue with a capacity of 13,000, collectively enhancing Glasgow’s global prominence.
- Sustainable practices: Committed to reducing its environmental impact, the SEC has implemented several green initiatives including sourcing 100% renewable electricity, a Sustainable Food Strategy with 80% local sourcing, eliminating non-recyclable packaging, and introducing reusable cups to reduce single-use plastics. As the venue hosting COP26 in 2021, the SEC has contributed to reforesting the Caledonian Forest by planting 170,000 trees and is working towards the Greener Festival’s Greener Arena certification to further enhance its sustainability efforts.
- Advanced technical facilities: The SEC offers great facilities including computer-managed sound, lighting, and audiovisual systems utilising fibre optic technology for seamless presentations. It also provides robust data connectivity options, such as built-in data lines, video conferencing capabilities, and satellite link infrastructure, ensuring minimal disruption and flexibility for diverse event requirements.
5. Olympia London
Rounding out our selection is Olympia London—a venue that epitomises the fusion of historic significance and contemporary innovation.
Located in West London, Olympia has a long-standing reputation for hosting some of the city’s most prestigious trade shows, conferences, and exhibitions. Its expansive facilities and modern upgrades make it a top contender for large-scale events.
Why Olympia London stands out
- Spacious and iconic: Olympia London is renowned for its stunning Victorian architecture and expansive exhibition spaces. The Grand Hall, its largest space, spans 14,000 square meters and accommodates up to 7,000 guests, making it ideal for large exhibitions, fashion shows, and sporting events. The venue’s flexibility is further enhanced by additional spaces like the National Hall and Olympia West, catering to a variety of event sizes and styles. As part of a £3 billion redevelopment, Olympia London is evolving into a cultural district with new office spaces, restaurants, hotels, and entertainment facilities, aiming to attract 12 million visitors annually.
- Sustainability commitments: Olympia London demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability through initiatives such as achieving zero waste to landfill since 2011, with a recycling rate exceeding 98%. It is also one of the first venues in the UK to pledge to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and reduce emissions by 50% by 2030, aligning with global climate goals. Furthermore, Olympia London actively collaborates with local charities like Masbro Centre and Barons Court Project to enhance its environmental efforts and take an active role in their community.
- Cutting-edge technology: Olympia London is undergoing a £1.3 billion redevelopment to transform into a state-of-the-art cultural and event destination. A key feature of this upgrade is the implementation of a 5G multi-carrier wireless network infrastructure as part of the partnership with BAI Communications. This ensures seamless connectivity throughout the venue’s indoor and outdoor spaces. The venue has also partnered with Oxford Innovation Space and Media City Immersive Technologies Hub to incorporate immersive technologies, aiming to bridge physical and virtual experiences and further enhance the technological offerings of the venue.
Choosing the right venue is a critical step in delivering trade shows, conferences, customer shows, and exhibitions that leave a lasting impression.
Our role at Lüp Events as a leading ticketing and event solutions partner means that our deep experience and insight in the event space helps you plan and execute your event as smoothly as possible from ticket sales to final applause.
Our carefully curated selection of hidden gem venues across the UK demonstrates that you don’t have to rely on overhyped, high-cost spaces to create a successful event. With flexible space for diverse arrangements, great sustainability practices and cutting-edge technology, these venues provide the perfect setting for any large-scale event.
We are more committed than ever to supporting the events industry with thought leadership, innovative ticketing solutions, and expert insights. Whether you’re planning a major trade show, an industry conference, or an expansive exhibition, let our expertise help you create experiences that resonate and inspire.