The UK Games Expo: There’s Something For Everybody

Not everything has to go digital.

Around the world, many people continue to enjoy games played in person, while sitting around a table. Think of timeless classics like Monopoly, Scrabble, Cluedo, and Catan, along with fantasy classics like Dungeons and Dragons and Call of Cthulhu. Games like these are still popular around the world, hence the rise of the dedicated UK Games Expo (UKGE) for tabletop gaming.

With tens of thousands of visitors each year, it’s a fascinating opportunity for players and manufacturers to get together and celebrate their shared hobby. There’s so much to do at this event, so strap as we take you through what’s on offer and how you can exhibit!

When And Where Is The UK Games Expo?

The next UK Games Expo is scheduled for May 29-31, 2026 at the NEC Birmingham.

The NEC is the largest and busiest UK exhibition venue, so it’s a good idea to plan your arrival in advance with some NEC parking tips. Otherwise, it’s an easy venue to get to via car, plane, or overground train.

What Is The UK Games Expo All About?

The UKGE is the largest tabletop and hobby games show in the country, dedicated specifically to card games, board games, and more.

The first event launched in 2007, with unique attendance crossing the 10,000 figure in 2015. Growth has been tremendous since then, with 42,000 unique attendees recorded in 2025!

Key UKGE participants include:

• Professional players
• Game collectors
• Game enthusiasts
• Families
• Cosplayers
• Miniature painters
• Pin collectors
• Media networks

What Can You Expect From The UK Games Expo?

There is a huge variety of activities at the UKGE, ranging from trading games to actually playing them. All the different events have been divided into separate zones that visitors can enjoy. Here are some of our favourites:

• Pile ‘o’ Games Raffle: Stand a chance at winning a huge pile of tabletop games at just £1 a ticket. All proceeds go to charity.
• Open Gaming Zones: Dedicated areas for attendees to sit down, lay out their games, and start playing!
• Playtest Zone: An interactive exhibition area where attendees can demo new games before they’re released.
• Publisher-Designer Track: The core B2B component of the UK games expo, where publishers, designers, and media can interact, network, and engage through seminars.
• Game Design Masterclass: A quick course on successful board game, card game, and role-playing game design.

Other Audiences And Events

While the UK Games Expo has a special focus on tabletop gaming, other enthusiasts will find something for themselves at the show as well:

• Cosplay groups wander the NEC halls and are available for photo opportunities in costume.
• Miniature painters and collectors also frequent this exhibition and have two dedicated events: the Paint And Take miniature painting activity and the Sir Coates Painting Masters competition.
• Families looking for something to do on the weekendhave the special Family Zone to explore, with dozens of kid-friendly activities available. The Let’s Play Zone features various family games to get stuck into.
• Historical Reenactors take to the Living History Village outside the NEC to recreate ancient and medieval scenes.
• Star Wars Fans can dress up and learn how to wield a lightsabre at the Sabre Guild Naboo Temple (Hall 1).

How Do I Exhibit At The UK Games Expo?

Companies interested in attending and exhibiting at the UKGE can reserve a stand space via the UKGE website.

Play, Score, And Win More At The UK Games Expo

The UK’s best hobby games expo takes place in May, but will you be there? Don’t miss out on your chance to showcase your company’s newest tabletop adventures in front of an unforgettable crowd in Birmingham.

Need a stand to help you stand out from the other exhibitors at the UK Games Expo? Don’t wait! Booth Exhibits™ is prepared to help you design a memorable bespoke expo stand that no UKGE visitor can forget.