About UK Games Expo
UK Games Expo has grown from its first edition in 2007 into the largest hobby games event in the UK. It is run by UK Games Expo Ltd and fills several halls at the NEC in Birmingham, with additional space at the neighbouring Hilton Birmingham Metropole.
Board games, card games, roleplaying games, miniatures and wargames are all represented. Exhibitors range from major international publishers to independent designers and accessory makers, and many use the weekend to launch titles, run demonstrations and sell directly. Space for craft, art, food and collectibles traders is limited, with tabletop gaming companies at the core.
The show is primarily consumer facing, attracting dedicated hobbyists, families and newcomers, but it also matters to the trade. A Press and Business Zone, publisher and designer speed dating sessions and boot camp workshops give publishers, designers, distributors and retailers structured ways to meet around the public halls.
Around the stands there are open gaming areas, a board game library, tournaments, playtesting, seminars, a family zone and live painting, which keep visitors on site for long stretches. For exhibitors, the attraction is direct access to the UK's committed tabletop community: a good demo can turn into sales on the spot, social media attention and honest feedback on a new release. Table space, comfortable seating and good lighting usually matter more than elaborate structures.
Next edition
UK Games Expo 2027: what to expect
UK Games Expo 2027 runs from 4 to 6 June, with exhibitor set-up on 3 June. The organiser lists NEC Halls 1, 2, 3, 3a and 4 for 2027, plus space at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole.
Loading and access differ between the NEC halls and the hotel, so exhibitors should confirm which space they have been allocated before planning deliveries. Separating the retail point from demo tables keeps purchase queues from blocking players, and secure stock storage is essential because sales can be brisk across the weekend. Tall, readable signage with game titles helps visitors find stands in busy halls.