London’s Conference and Exhibition Season is in Full Swing

Image by mfajardoVisiting a large show is usually a recipe for sore feet, a sore throat and sore arms from picking up the innumerable goodie bags as you wander the cavernous hallways. Of course, once you’ve convinced yourself of the benefits of yet another free pen that will never work or how those branded coasters would be the perfect addition to your coffee table, there really is no going back. So, now that spring is here – even if the weather suggests otherwise – what are some of the must visit events in the coming months?

Build it and they will come...

Grand Designs Live

24 April – 4 May

If you’ve always wanted to see how nice it would be to work for two years building your own house while living in a caravan and up to your eyeballs in mud, then this is the show for you. Of course you’re more likely to be seduced by the promise of a company delivering your new house on the back of a lorry to be put up in an afternoon. However, the extensive show is still worth visiting if your horizons are a little bit more limited and extend simply adding some extra space to your home or to “go green” with your insulation choices. Hosted at Excel near the financial heart of London’s Docklands there are plenty of options for comfortable accommodation.

The Silver Lining

The Economist's Business Growth Summit

2 June

Not everyone thinks that the current economic climate is cause to run for the hills and give up the fight. The choices a company makes now could be vital in extending their market share and positioning themselves to really take advantage of inevitable calm after the storm. Held by the revered magazine The Economist, the Business Growth Summit will help asses which companies will survive and prosper over the coming years. Held at The Marriot Grosvenor Square, in Westminster , your attendance at this summit “may be the day recovery begins for your company.” A heady claim.

You’re all Art

International Art & Antiques Fair  

5-14 June

Once you’ve got the perfect house to live in from Grand Designs Live, you probably won’t want to simply fill it with the contents of your local big box housing store. So if your tastes are more refined then this essential event will showcase the offerings of over 260 of the world’s most prestigious galleries. With unique pieces, Old Master paintings and design classics from the 20th Century, there’s going to be something for every taste housed within Kensington’s Olympia building.

Something to look forward to

The Great British Beer Festival

4-8 August 2009

Once you realise that this is basically a 17,000 square foot pub serving over 450 different types of beer, you quickly understand why you might want more than one day to see yourself around the sights, sounds and tastes of the Great British Beer Festival. Held a Kensington’s Earls Court there will be plenty to satisfy the palette of the discerning connoisseur or enthusiastic amateur. Add in the extra attractions of real pub games, live music and fine traditional pub snacks and we’d advise you book early to avoid disappointment.