UK Games Expo 2026 is gearing up to deliver one of the most energetic and expansive tabletop events the UK has ever hosted. Across three packed days at the NEC Birmingham, visitors will step into a huge celebration of board games, miniatures, RPGs, and everything in between. With bigger halls, more exhibitors, and even more ways to play, the 2026 show promises a weekend filled with discovery, excitement, and nonstop gaming.
What Is the Show Profile of UK Games Expo?
UK Games Expo brings together every major branch of the tabletop world, creating a broad and varied mix of games and hobby experiences under one roof. Visitors will find board games, card games, role-playing games, miniatures, puzzles, accessories, and themed gifts spread across the halls. The event also includes artists, authors, costumed groups, and creative displays that add colour and energy to the weekend.
The show focuses firmly on tabletop gaming, but there is still room for related items such as dice, storage solutions, gaming books, selected memorabilia, and themed merchandise. Some stands also feature LARP equipment and digital tools designed to enhance tabletop play, alongside wider forms of digital entertainment enjoyed by players outside the event. This includes the increasing popularity of online slots at Unibet UK, where digital versions of traditional slot machines offer varied themes, bonus rounds, and animated features that appeal to many UK players.
UK Games Expo also provides strong business-to-business opportunities. Publishers, designers, distributors, and manufacturers gather across several halls, making it an ideal meeting point for industry networking. With international interest, a show preview programme, prototype zones, and a dedicated designer-publisher track, the Expo offers a valuable platform for building connections and presenting new ideas.
A Bigger, Busier Event Than Ever
The 2026 show takes place from 29 to 31 May, with the halls of the NEC once again hosting thousands of visitors. UK Games Expo has become the UK’s largest hobby games convention, and its scale is now comparable to major international events. The show will occupy Halls 1, 2, 3, 3a, and 4 of the NEC, along with additional space at the Hilton Hotel.
Visitors can expect large crowds, but they can also expect carefully planned hall layouts designed to keep the flow comfortable. Recent years have seen wider aisles, clearer pathways, and more practical separation between open gaming spaces, exhibitor stands, demo tables, and tournament areas. This approach carries through to 2026, making it easier to navigate the show floor and reach the stands that matter most.
Attendance has grown dramatically in recent years, and the upcoming edition is likely to maintain that upward curve. With over 42,000 unique visitors at the last show and more than 72,000 total entries across the weekend, UK Games Expo has secured its position as one of the major events on the international gaming calendar.
Hundreds of Exhibitors to Discover
Visitors can expect a huge range of exhibitors representing every corner of the tabletop world. Board games, card games, role-playing games, miniatures, accessories, terrain, dice, artwork, collectibles, and more all feature heavily across the halls.
More than 780 exhibitors attended the most recent event, and 2026 is likely to attract a similar or even larger number. Major publishers, well-known brands, indie creators, and new studios all share space across the halls, creating an exciting mix of familiar favourites and fresh discoveries.
The show places a strong focus on tabletop games, but there is also room for craft, art, and merchandise vendors. These are limited in number, keeping the main focus firmly on gaming. For visitors, this means a large, varied show floor filled with stands offering demos, previews, sales, limited editions, and event-exclusive items.
The exhibitor mix is one of the Expo’s biggest strengths. Visitors can go from trying a new release at a major publisher’s booth to meeting a small independent designer only a few steps away. Many exhibitors bring special launch titles, pre-release demos, or exclusive content that cannot be found online or in shops at the time of the show.
Demos, Play Areas, and Hands-On Gaming
One of the most exciting parts of UK Games Expo is the chance to sit down and try games. Every hall includes extensive demo tables where visitors can learn new titles with the help of staff and volunteer demonstrators.
The show encourages hands-on participation throughout the weekend. From large dedicated play areas to small demo pods within exhibitor stands, there is always something happening. Visitors can expect:
- Quick demos of brand-new board games
- Full playthroughs of longer titles
- Early access to upcoming releases
- Drop-in play for party games and family games
- Themed areas for miniatures and wargames
- Role-playing sessions with experienced GMs
Even those who simply want a place to relax and play games brought from home will find open gaming tables available across the site.
Tournaments and Competitive Play
Competitive gaming has become a major part of the Expo, and 2026 continues this tradition with a full schedule of tournaments and organised play events. The NEC’s large event space allows for significant capacity, with long rows of tables dedicated to card games, strategy games, miniatures, and role-playing events.
Players can expect national championship qualifiers, competitive card tournaments, and organised formats for well-known game systems. Miniatures fans will find scenic battle setups, large-scale showpieces, and special participation games. Role-players can join campaigns, one-shot adventures, or classic dungeon crawls hosted by experienced storytellers.
The variety means that both casual players and seasoned competitors can find something in their preferred style of play. Whether someone is joining their first event or aiming for a top position in a major tournament, the programme offers opportunities throughout the weekend.
Designer and Publisher Activities
UK Games Expo has a long history of supporting designers and publishers, and visitors can expect plenty of opportunities to engage with the creative side of the hobby.
Dedicated areas are set aside for designer-publisher meetings, prototype testing, and networking sessions. Aspiring creators can showcase ideas, collect feedback, and meet industry professionals. Playtesting zones give visitors the chance to try early versions of games and help shape their development.
The Expo’s commitment to fostering new talent is a defining part of the event. Visitors who are curious about how games are made, or who enjoy seeing concepts before they reach the shelves, will find these activities especially rewarding.
Smooth Organisation and Improved Layouts
Each year the organisers refine the layout and structure of the event to improve the visitor experience. Recent shows have introduced wider aisles, more space between stands, simplified hall routes, and clearer signage. These improvements make navigating the event easier and help reduce the crowded feeling during peak times.
Visitors in 2026 can expect these adjustments to continue, with careful planning across the show floor to ensure smooth movement. Technology and checkout improvements have also helped exhibitors run more efficiently, which in turn reduces queue times and keeps stands fully accessible.
The organisers balance a large-scale event with the practical details that matter on the day. This includes everything from accessibility considerations to food options, seating areas, cloakrooms, and connections to the wider NEC facilities.
Exclusive Features and Special Initiatives
Each year brings unique features that add extra value to the weekend. Visitors in 2026 can expect a mix of returning favourites and new additions. Examples from previous years include:
- Painting competitions
- Prize draws and giveaways
- Epic role-playing events
- Collectible pins and themed quests
- Large participation battles
- Special evening events at the Hilton
These features add variety to the experience and encourage visitors to explore every part of the show. Some of these initiatives also create opportunities to collect items, join challenges, or take part in collaborative activities with other attendees.
Shopping and Show Deals
Retailers remain a major attraction at UK Games Expo. Large stands from well-known shops sit alongside smaller specialist sellers. Visitors can expect a wide selection of board games, card games, accessories, miniatures, paints, books, and hobby materials.
Many exhibitors offer event-only discounts, bundle deals, stock clearances, and early releases. With so many options in one place, the show becomes a great opportunity to find new games, complete collections, or pick up hard-to-find items.
For many visitors, browsing and buying from these stands is one of the highlights of the weekend.
A Welcoming Community Atmosphere
Visitors to UK Games Expo often comment on the friendly, enthusiastic atmosphere throughout the halls. The event brings together players of all ages and backgrounds, and the community spirit is a major part of the experience.
The combination of open tables, accessible demos, and shared excitement around new games helps create a warm, welcoming environment. Even at peak times, the event feels inclusive and community-driven.
For newcomers, this atmosphere makes it easy to join in, ask questions, and discover new aspects of the hobby. For returning visitors, it offers a chance to reconnect with friends, meet favourite publishers, and join in shared traditions.
What Can Visitors Expect at UK Games Expo 2026?