Exhibitions are back! Some of the biggest events on the trade show calendar had to be cancelled or moved to a virtual platform in recent years. Fortunately, in the UK, we are now in a position where exhibitions are returning to trade show venues across the country. One thing that can never be matched in a virtual setting, is the connection and trust built through in-person conversation.
Face-to-face engagement is something that we have all missed. Statistics demonstrate that it’s simply irreplaceable, with 95% of regular exhibitors preferring in-person to virtual events. There are several advantages to attending an exhibition in person, many elements of which must be carefully planned and executed to see a return on investment. The right location, price, and size are just some factors to consider when choosing your exhibition space.
The Nuts and Bolts
When it comes to a trade show or exhibition, the measure of success relies on three key factors:
- Venue
- Location
- Accessibility
Finding an exhibition venue for hire that ticks all the boxes can be a laborious task. However, your perfect trade show venue is out there waiting to be booked. OEC Sheffield is a stunning events venue, nestled between two of Sheffield’s iconic leisure venues. Boasting a contemporary exhibition space finished to a high standard, the OEC is perfect for both B2C exhibitions and B2B trade shows.
Size Matters
With a choice of three exhibition spaces, OEC Sheffield offers plenty of room for flexibility. Accommodating up to 500 visitors, the Rivelin Suite can be separated into two or three smaller spaces, adapting to your needs as event organiser.
This flexibility provides the option to have separate areas for visitors to move between, such as a series of intimate exhibitor spaces within the trade show venue. With modern décor throughout, the OEC interior will complement to your event and avoid detracting from exhibitors displays.
Adaptable exhibition halls create a unique space to host a range of exhibitors:
- Rivelin Suite 1 – for up to 100 visitors
- Rivelin Suite 2 – for up to 250 visitors
- Rivelin Suite 3 – for up to 150 visitors
All the Gear, Plenty of Ideas
Trade show and exhibition organisers now offer visitors a lot more for their money. Conferences, roundtable discussions, and presentations, are a key selling point when it comes to boosting exhibition footfall. If you are looking to book a keynote speaker, you need a trade show venue that offers state-of-the-art facilities to support your exhibition schedule.
At OEC Sheffield, all room hire rates are inclusive of room set up in your preferred configuration and style, tables and chairs, tablecloths. free Wi-Fi access, easily accessible power points throughout, air conditioning and black-out facilities. A range of additional equipment, from LCD projectors to microphones, can be hired from the OEC where required.
Prioritise Accessibility
Accessibility needs to be at the top of your trade show venue checklist. Without an accessible venue, you will be excluding potential exhibitors and visitors unnecessarily. Beyond its stylish furnishings and fixtures, OEC Sheffield is designed to be fully accessible throughout – everyone receives a warm welcome at the OEC.
Dressed to Impress
As the saying goes, dress to impress! The same is true when choosing a trade show venue. Your exhibition space needs to be striking, welcoming and well-organised. If you are looking for a venue that has what it takes to impress visitors, OEC Sheffield is the venue for you. A versatile space with cutting-edge facilities is only scratching the surface when it comes to OEC Sheffield.
The OEC comes with a range of features to inspire both exhibitors and visitors. Greeted with an impressive facade and an inviting foyer, the OEC oozes style from the moment visitors arrive. The OEC’s exhibition hall features dynamic lighting designed to enhance atmosphere, reflect brand colours, or complement a theme.
Natural light is available in abundance in the Rivelin Suite. A glass wall at one end of the exhibition space offers panoramic views with blackout facilities available where required.
Not only is the OEC home to high-quality exhibition spaces, but it also offers:
- Private meeting rooms
- Flexible space for up to 500 visitors
- State-of-the-art technology
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Air conditioning
- Fully accessible throughout
- On-site catering and refreshments
Location, Location, Location
Located in the Hillsborough area of Sheffield, the OEC trade show venue is less than three miles from the city centre. For visitors requiring overnight accommodation, there is a broad selection of hotels within a short drive of the OEC, suited to all tastes and budgets.
With excellent public transport links and over 400 free on-site parking spaces, the OEC has everything visitors need to make the most of your trade show.
It’s the Little Things
On average, 46% of attendees attend only one trade show per year making it even more important that all visitors have an enjoyable and worthwhile day. At OEC Sheffield, we are proud to host a range of trade shows, exhibitions, and conferences that have wowed visitors and showcased brands in their best light.
It’s all in the planning. With a proven record of success, the OEC’s dedicated events team take pride in serving visitors the finest Yorkshire hospitality. From the food and drink industry and local business groups to healthcare providers and wedding fayres, the OEC is fast becoming a popular trade show venue. Upcoming shows at OEC Sheffield include the South Yorkshire Expo, showcasing a broad spectrum of local organisations in the region.
With so much under one roof, the OEC really does tick all the boxes when it comes to booking your next trade show venue.
