Next Show–Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre

Southern Manufacturing & Electronics is the UK’s largest annual industrial technology design and manufacturing event, held yearly at the Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre. 

As the first major industrial and engineering event of the year, Southern Manufacturing acts as a crucial platform for the industry to come together, exchange ideas, and explore the latest equipment and technologies to be utilised in the upcoming year.

Southern Manufacturing & Electronics
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Exhibition Stand Design at Southern Manufacturing & Electronics

The Southern Manufacturing & Electronics hall is equipment-heavy and packed full of the 10,000 visitors that attend across the three days. In order to find success at the show, exhibitors should consider a professional stand design, taking into account: 

  • Height – Building tall is crucial at Southern Manufacturing & Electronics to ensure branding can be seen above the equipment and machinery that dominate the hall. 
  • Considered Equipment Placement & Branding – If you’re displaying large equipment, position it into the stand space, so exhibitors have to step out of the busy walkway to speak with you. Messaging around equipment should be minimal to ensure equipment stands out, while core branding should be placed up high. Make the most of QR codes and NFC tags to signpost clearly to more information, without cluttering the graphics. 
  • Integrated, Lit Showcases – If you have smaller products to display, make sure they are considered in the stand design. Integrated illuminated showcases can help draw focus to the products, while imagery sets the context and entices visitors in the walkway.

Exhibition Stand Design Inspiration

FAQs

  • Where is Southern Manufacturing & Electronics held, and how do I get there?

    Southern Manufacturing & Electronics is held at the Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, which you can easily reach by car or train. 

    Parking at the venue is free to all visitors and exhibitors. There are no car park passes required as the car park is free and open to all. 

    If you’re using Sat Nav, you should input – 

    SAT NAV GU14 6TQ – GATE F (Farnborough International Exhibition Centre, off Aerospace Boulevard, Farnborough).

    If you’re travelling by train or coach, Farnborough (Main) and North Camp are the closest train stations. North Camp Station has step-free access. 

    Free courtesy pick up and drop off coaches (run by FIRST CHOICE) operate between 9 am and 4.30 pm (3.30 pm Thurs). Coaches run from both Farnborough (Main) and North Camp station. 

    More information can be found – https://www.southern-manufacturing-electronics.com/plan-your-journey/

  • What are the closest hotels to the Southern Manufacturing & Electronics exhibition venue?

    While there are many great hotels around the Farnborough exhibition venue, the official website suggests – 

    • Aviator Hotel 
    • Holiday Inn Farnborough
    • The Falcon Hotel 
    • Village Hotel Farnborough 
    • Premier Inn Farnborough Town Centre 
    • HQ Aparthotel Farnborough
    • Holiday Inn Express Fleet by IHG
    • Lakeside International Hotel

  • What types of products and equipment are displayed at Southern Manufacturing & Electronics?

    At Southern Manufacturing & Electronics, exhibitors display industrial machinery, production hardware, electronic components, automation systems, and contract manufacturing services. The annual trade show highlights advanced technology and components for engineering, aerospace, automotive, and electronics sectors.

  • Which are the top businesses exhibiting at Southern Manufacturing & Electronics?

    While not all businesses have confirmed for the next edition of Southern Manufacturing & Electronics, prominent frequent exhibitors include Sony UK Technology Centre, Hexagon, Aalco Metals, Alberlink and 1g Dynamics.

  • How does Southern Manufacturing & Electronics compare to PPMA?

    Both Southern Manufacturing & Electronics and PPMA are premier manufacturing trade shows, but they differ in timing, location, scale and primary focus. 

    Southern Manufacturing is a huge regional-to-national annual early-year event in Farnborough, featuring heavy machinery and electronics, while Subcon is a targeted project-and-supplier sourcing event, typically held mid-year in Birmingham.

  • What sectors and domains does Southern Manufacturing & Electronics cover?

    Southern Manufacturing & Electronics covers a broad spectrum of advanced engineering and industrial technology sectors, acting as a major showcase for production hardware, electronics assembly and supply chain subcontracting services.

  • When should I register to exhibit at Southern Manufacturing & Electronics?

    As the primary event for the manufacturing and electronics industry, spaces fill up fast. Book as soon as possible to secure a stand space for the upcoming event.

Insight

Hear how Quadrant2Design clients have conveyed credentials at relevant industry events.

We’re open, we’re on the corner, so we’ve got people seeing us from all sides. First of all, it’s attractive to look at, so it’s eye-catching, and that’s a real benefit. The shell schemes, you know, they’re functional, but people are in boxes, they’re shut away, and it’s a little harder to see who they are and what they’re about, whereas we just stand out. In a pretty small space, we’ve managed to portray pretty much our entire business offering!

TFC, Chris Billenge

Exhibiting at Southern Manufacturing & Electronics? Choose Free-Hire Pro

Free-Hire Pro is the plan of choice among our exhibitors at Southern Manufacturing & Electronics.

Using Free-Hire Pro, the structural framework of your stand is hired free of charge, allowing you to invest in what matters: your graphics and the end-to-end service that makes exhibiting completely stress-free.

The plan includes project management, stand storage, a full pre-build (crucial for quality and peace of mind), as well as installation and dismantling.

Because our solution is modular, you can reconfigure, reuse and repeat at shows and venues all across the UK and Europe.

Exhibition Stand Hire

Transport

  • Public Transport

    The Farnborough International Airshow is located south-west of London and is served by strong national and international travel links. Travel to Farnborough in as little as 35 minutes by train from London Waterloo.

  • Parking

    The venue is accessible by car and is located near major routes, including the M3, A31 and A331. There is free parking available on-site (GU14 6TQ). For larger events, the venue often offers additional parking at Queens Parade Ground (GU11 2JL). Double-check which parking is available for your individual event.

  • International Travel

    For those travelling by air, Heathrow is only 30 minutes away and Gatwick is only 50 minutes by car. Farnborough Airport, adjacent to the venue, is one of Europe’s leading business airports for private flights from around the world.

Accommodation

  • Aviator Hotel

    Located in North Hampshire, the elegant Aviator Hampshire boasts unrivalled views of the private Farnborough airfield and airport.

  • Holiday Inn Farnborough by IHG

    Business-friendly hotel near Farnborough, well-connected to Gatwick Airport. Book this hotel with gym, restaurant, free parking, & large event spaces now.

  • The Falcon Hotel

    The Falcon Hotel is a three-star self-accredited 30-bedroom boutique hotel located in Farnborough, Hampshire across from the TAG London Farnborough Airport

Food & Drink

  • Sorrento

    Sorrento is our personal favourite for restaurants in the Farnborough area; however, it’s not within walking distance from the venue. Sorrento has a lovely, relaxed vibe, which is great if you want to decompress after a long show. The Italian food is outstanding, and the service is great.

  • The Gloster

    If you’re looking for something a little closer, the Gloster, located on O’Gorman Avenue in Farnborough, is a very friendly pub and restaurant serving great British pub classics, including burgers, mixed grills, chicken wings, steak, pie and breakfast.

  • Aviator Hampshire

    If you’re looking for something a little more high-end. Aviator Hampshire is a popular choice. It’s often praised for its rich flavours, elegant presentation and use of local suppliers. This restaurant is located at the Aviator Hampshire Hotel.

Show Calendar

Many Quadrant2Design clients reuse and reconfigure their stands at: 

See Our Show Videos

Advice Guides

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