You can't beat a trade show.

If you're an exhibitor, you won't find a better place to promote yourself. Only at a trade show can you get your SKUs in front of thousands of influential eyeballs – and spark up fruitful conversations, right there and then.

Visitors can get even more bang for their buck. They can build business connections, discover innovative new products and soak up that inimitable trade show atmosphere. ("Free samples? Don't mind if I do.")

Interested in entering international markets? Even better. Unless a trade show has a particularly local flavour, you can bet it will present plenty of international business opportunities. Whether you're exporting to or from the UK, you could do far worse than attending a few British trade shows this year.

The trouble is that there are so many shows, it's hard to know which are worth a visit. To sift through them all, you'd need at least a free afternoon – and a supply of strong, hot coffee.

Not to worry. We've done the hard work for you. Here are six of the best UK trade shows in 2023, broken down by industry.

Best for the food and drink industry: IFE

Where?: ExCeL London.

When?: Monday 20 to Thursday 23 March.

The International Food & Drink Event (IFE) has been a staple of the culinary industry's calendar for over 40 years.

This year's event promises more opportunities than ever. More than 1,500 UK and international suppliers will attend, exhibiting all things food- and drink-related – from fresh produce to soft drinks to ready meals.

The best thing about IFE? It's a strictly industry-only event. This isn't one of those food shows where the public mill about looking for freebies – it's a serious, business-focused trade show that aims to connect suppliers and customers across regional and international borders.

(Don't worry. You'll still get to try plenty of freebies.)

You can enquire about exhibiting here or register for a free ticket here.

Best for the auto industry: Automechanika

Where?: The NEC, Birmingham.

When?: Tuesday 6 to Thursday 8 June.

While it might sound like a long-forgotten heavy metal band, Automechanika is the UK's leading trade show for automotive supply chain and aftermarket suppliers.

This year's event is big news. The show last hit our shores in 2019, so anticipation is through the roof.

In fact, the show is already expected to sell out – at least according to event organiser Messe Frankfurt. So if you're interested in attending, register for a ticket as soon as possible. (It's free.)

At the time of writing, applications are still open for exhibitors too. Good luck!

Best for the construction industry: Plantworx

Where?: East of England Arena & Events Centre, Peterborough.

When?: Tuesday 13 to Thursday 15 June.

OK. Maybe "best for the construction industry" is a little vague. You won't find hand tools at Plantworx, for instance. Or aggregates. Or bricks.

What you will find is the very best in big, burly pieces of machinery. Yes, Plantworx is the premier destination for construction professionals who are interested in plant equipment – diggers, dozers, dumpers and so on.

In 2023, 450 exhibitors are expected to attend, including leading global manufacturers like Caterpillar and John Deere. Want to join them? Register your interest as soon as you can.

Best for the home and gift industry: Autumn Fair

Where?: The NEC, Birmingham.

When?: Sunday 3 to Wednesday 6 September.

Autumn Fair is the Q3 cousin of Spring Fair – a well-known retail trade show that launched way back in 1950.

Both fairs focus on homewares, gifts and fashion. However, with Autumn Fair coming just before the Christmas rush, you can expect fewer all-year essentials and more glitzy giftables. It's no wonder the show describes itself as "the marketplace that gets you ready for the Golden Quarter".

Visiting or exhibiting from abroad? Good news: Autumn Fair has a truly international flavour. This year, it promises more than 600 exhibitors from 22 countries.

If you're the right kind of retailer and you want to make connections in the UK, make sure you jot this one down in your diary. At the time of writing, registrations are open for both visitors and exhibitors.

Best for the furniture industry: W Exhibition

Where?: The NEC, Birmingham.

When?: Sunday 24 to Wednesday 27 September.

Don't expect to pick up a new sofa or chaise longue at W Exhibition. This is strictly an event for joiners, furniture manufacturers, interior designers and the like. Real industry professionals who are there to do serious business.

What can you expect? More than 300 exhibitors and 10,000 visitors – 79% of whom have purchasing authority, according to the event website.

Of course, this means there'll be plenty of purchasing, networking and sales opportunities. But the benefits don't end there – attendees can also brush up on their industry knowledge with a brand-new learning programme.

Details are still being ironed out, but the organiser promises live demonstrations and seminars on topics like automation, health and safety and joinery techniques. Good stuff.

Exhibitors can register their interest here.

Best for the beauty industry: Olympia Beauty

Where?: Olympia London.

When?: Sunday 1 and Monday 2 October.

Now in its 19th year, Olympia Beauty has become a must-visit event for UK beauty retailers and professionals. If you want to corner the UK beauty market, this is the place to do it.

We're not sure of the scale of this year's event, but last year saw a whopping 225 exhibitors attend. And by all accounts, the show will be swimming with serious buyers – so bring plenty of product if you plan to exhibit.

Visitors can expect networking opportunities, live product demos and loads of opportunities to sample new-fangled beauty treatments. After all, it wouldn't be a beauty show if you didn't come out looking fresher than when you went in.

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