If you’ve ever tried to organise your company’s trade show, you might have met the challenge of choosing the right one. It can be deflating when you invest significant money into a show, only to find there is something more suitable elsewhere. Equally, in the right show, audiences tend to be relevant and interested, leads come more naturally, and there’s a greater chance of converting those leads into real business opportunities!
The pharmaceutical industry has been thriving. In 2023, the industry generated a turnover of around £47 billion! Trade shows have been a large part of this success, offering a platform for businesses to connect with prospective clients, generate leads and even make sales.
In this blog, we share our considerations for choosing the right show, and our top picks for the upcoming exhibition calendar!
Choosing a Show
Though choosing a trade show can feel tricky, researching in advance can help you make the right choice.
Not all shows are the same, so, it’s worth considering the relevance to your specific business. For example, some shows are dedicated to specific pharmaceuticals, while others focus on primary care. It’s often useful to conduct research beforehand and try looking for trade show interviews or exhibitor insights. Show organisers often provide a round-up following the show which can help you gain an understanding of the show’s focus and relevance. A UK-based exhibition stand designer, Quadrant2Design, has a great YouTube channel. It’s packed with brilliant show interviews, insights and exhibition stand design tips.
Also, plan and establish your goals beforehand, as they can influence your decision. For instance, larger shows can be beneficial for brand awareness as they attract greater audiences. Smaller shows, in contrast, often provide more opportunities for lead conversion as it is easier to start conversations.
It’s also worth considering proximity, especially if you’re on a tight budget! Consider the additional costs for transport, hotels, and meals away for a rounded judgment.
Below are the three pharmaceutical shows we are most excited about in 2025!
The Pharmacy Show
The NEC Birmingham is home to The Pharmacy Show – the largest trade show and education conference for community pharmacy professionals and the primary care sector.
The show welcomes independent pharmacy owners, grocery chains and pharmacy groups, GP practices, primary care workers, pharmacists and technicians. The show hosts over 300 fantastic exhibitors and hundreds of hours of live education content delivered by world-class speakers.
As the largest pharmacy trade show in the UK, The Pharmacy Show offers fantastic opportunities for brand awareness, among some of the UK’s top buyers.
Ideal Practice Birmingham
Best Practice Birmingham is the UK’s leading event for primary care and general practice. This exhibition is perfect for healthcare professionals, clinical directors, GPs, Pharmacists, Advanced Nurse Practitioners and General Practice staff.
Best Practice Birmingham is slightly smaller than The Pharmacy Show, though it’s no less successful, welcoming around 220 exhibitors and 250 expert speakers. Additionally, Best Practice Birmingham focuses on a slightly different area of healthcare. Where Best Practice focuses on disease areas, learning disabilities and mental health, the Pharmacy Show focuses on screening, diagnosis, prescribing and medicine safety!
Clinical Pharmacy Congress London
The Clinical Pharmacy Congress London is Europe’s largest event of its kind for clinical pharmacy professionals. The show takes place across two UK venues, Manchester Central and ExCeL London. The two events provide great opportunities to access essential clinical education, critical strategy updates and the latest products and services for the pharmacy industry.
The Full Exhibition Calendar
Though it can be useful to know which show your brand is most suited to, many businesses can benefit from exhibiting at many exhibitions throughout the year. If there are multiple exhibitions you would like to attend, consider a modular exhibition stand.
Over the years, pharmaceutical professionals have found modular stands to be the most useful as they are sustainable, reconfigurable and reusable, bringing great cost-saving opportunities and flexibility. You can rearrange the layout for various shows, and it feels like you have a new stand each time. The leading supplier of these modular stands is Quadrant2Design, a UK-based exhibition stand design and build contractor.
Conclusion
Selecting the right trade show is a crucial step that can considerably impact your success! Though it can be difficult to choose, research, consideration of your goals and online resources can help you make the right decision to maximise your return. Modular exhibition stands can also enhance your participation by providing a flexible and sustainable solution for multiple events. With careful planning and choices, you can make the most out of a fantastic platform!