FAQs

We have created a detailed advert specification guide.

If you have any queries regarding the advert for the programme please email Richard.

Yes you can.

We will place 7 x 50" screens around the show. These will be in high footfall and attendance areas for example near the Entrance to Hall 2, the Open Gaming space in Hall 3. For 2021 these positions are still being confirmed.

These screens will be used for the following:

The On Tabletop Live Stream sessions will be run throughout the show in order to a reach to a wider audience. Exhibitors can purchase a Live Stream session for £175 + VAT.
In the intervals between the live stream sessions the screens will run an information and advertisement loop.

Live stream

These 20 minute sessions will be broadcast from the show online and on our screens as well as available later on You Tube and for exhibitor use on their sites. Price £175 + VAT.

Special offer: If you take a Live Stream slot you get a 15 second advert on the advert reel for free.

Broadcast times of Live Streams and advert reels.

Screens in Hall 2 will run during trade hall opening hours.

Screens in Hall 3 Open Gaming will run until 11pm on Friday and Saturday.

All screens will run until 4pm on Sunday.

Each advert will be shown 50+ times during the weekend.

No we do not, EVER.

As we approach each Expo we always notice the usual increase in spam emails hitting our own email accounts, as well as those of exhibitors and even visitors, offering access to:

▪Visitors details▪ Exhibitors details▪ Assistance with hotel room bookings▪ Assistance with stand construction▪ Assistance filming at the show

Some of these will claim that they are officially sanctioned by UK Games Expo Ltd. They will claim that we have shared the contact details with them or even asked them to contact you. This is not true.

Contact details.
The directors would like to again reassure you all that we have never sold or given contact details to any third party organisation and we never will.

The only times contact details are shared are for the explicit purpose of facilitating a specific event or function - most commonly the Show Preview event where sharing of contact data between exhibitors and media is needed to allow the event to function properly. Even then we make it clear to you that this data is being shared and how and for what purpose. It is made clear that when applying for a Show Preview Table your contact data will be shared. This data is not made public.

The most common way that your contact data is found is from trawling websites and social media sites of participating exhibitors.

Hotel Bookings
We have no official hotel partner. The website shows a map of local hotels and any booking links we have negotiates but we do not share any details with any Hotel Booking Agency.

Stand construction
The only organisation we deal with with regard to stand construction is the Neale Agency (specifically their Nautilus, Torpedo and Periscope sub-sections) and again we do not give them your data apart from your exhibitor name, power and furniture order details and stand numbers which are required to facilitate the show build.

Filming at UK Games Expo
Apart from the streaming options offered by OnTableTop we do not have dealings with companies offering filming services at the show. Whilst exhibitors may arrange to film and broadcast from the show, any company involved commercially would need to have first applied to have a license to film at the event. If in doubt before engaging them please check with us as they will be denied access to film at the event if they have no license. More details are here...

What to do about it
These spam and fishing emails are numerous and frustrating and particularly so in years when we don't even know if we can run a show! But the best advice is to just hit delete. If you receive a phone call just end the call. You can attempt to report them but we have find that it will just use a lot of time with little or no result.

But how do they get my email then?

The usual way that these spam merchants find exhibitors emails is trawling the list of exhibitors who are going to be at UKGE, then visiting the exhibitors sites, such as social media and trawling them for email. Most exhibitors have emails addresses on their contact pages. Many have phone numbers available somewherw in profiles.

Exhibitor Events

Exhibitors may list events that are taking place on their stand at the show. If you log into your exhibitor portal you will see that you have a Manage Events tab. If you use that you can list four types of events:

Demo-on-stand.
Tell us what games will be demoed on your stand. You can add images and even links to rules and videos in the description. If you are running demos all day please only list the events once with a start time of say 09.00 and end time of 18.00 each day and tick the 'ad-hoc events' box and the event will show all day. Please don't add events every hour or we all drown under a sea of duplicated events!

Presentation-on-stand.
Is a designer signing games? Are you doing a give away? Is a painter doing a session on how to paint?

Special.

Perhaps you are holding a tournament on the stand? Is there an opportunity to meet a celebrity.

Online.
Broadcasting live from the show? Add it as an event.

YOUR LOGO: Don't forget to go into your STAND tab and add a logo to the stand description. That image will show up in your event listing.

We use your logo on the exhibitor listing page and later on the interactive map of the show. It is also used on Exhibitor Events which you can add to the system so visitors know what is happening on your stand at the show

To add the logo follow these instructions:

Log into the Exhibitor Portal (click here to get access )

Click on the STAND tab and then your stand number and then open stand description add an image to the stand description. That image will show up in your event listing and exhibitor listing.

After you upload please leave it an hour before checking it is visible as it has to pass through our caching process.

The New Games page is a page on the site listing games that are one or more of
* new to buy (available for purchase for the first time at a UK show)
* new to try ( a prototype available for playtest at UKGE)
* new to back (a game on kick-starter or other crowd fund running during UKGE)
* new to play (A new release ready to be played for the first time at a UK show)
You can now enter these via your exhibitor portal. There is a field for an image so don't forget to upload these. In addition you can add a description which will pop up on clicking on the game.

Stand descriptions will show in the programme and also on the online hall map when a visitor clicks on your stand.

You can add or edit these via your Exhibitor Portal.

Your stand description will appear on the Stands tab of the Exhibitor Portal.

You can have banners and walls in your stand up to 2.4m high without restrictions and caveats (providing they are appropiate for a family show and are not complex builds.)

If you are planning to build anything above this height please contact

Paul to discuss.

You may require a stand inspection for a complex build for which there is a charge.

Stand Inspections

If you have a complex stand, it will be subject to an inspection (fee to be confirmed).

It is the responsibility of the stand designer to determine whether a structure is complex or not.

Examples of complex structures:

Any structure, regardless of its height, which requires structural calculations
Multi-storey stands
Any part of a stand or exhibit which exceeds four metres in height
Custom-built/bespoke suspended structures
Sound/lighting towers
Temporary tiered
Platforms and stages of 0.6m in height and over and all platforms and stages for public use (not

including stand floor flats and platforms)

The organiser reserves the right to deem a structure ‘complex’ where this has not correctly been determined

by the designer.

Please contact Paul if you wish to know more.

UK Games Expo is a Tabletop Games convention. Our show profile is as follows :

Board Games, Card Games, Roleplaying Games, Family Games, puzzles, some memorabilia, some comics, some accessories like dice and figure storage solutions, non-fiction gaming related books and some fiction sci-fi and fantasy and other books, authors and artists. Costumed groups. Some LARP equipment (live action roleplaying eg rubber swords). Exhibitors and products used in the manufacturing of games. Electronic versions of table top games, apps and programmes designed for use in and to enhance games. Some game related novelty food items.

If exhibitors fall into those categories they are likely to be accepted.

Exhibitors that will not be excepted

If you fall out side the above categeories you should check with us as we may not accept you.

In particular we will not allow exhibitors to sell or display: weapons (apart from movie props in gift sets); toys that do not bear UKCA abd CE marks ; alcohol or food apart from in gift sets; mystery bags or boxes.

Business to Business Opportunities

If you are looking for B2B opportunities at UK Games Expo then you have definitely come to the right place!

We have over 650 exhibitors, spread out across halls 2,3 and 3a at the NEC, these include a selection of hobby gamers, publishers, designers, distributors, manufacturers and associated artists.

UKGE draws an audience from all over the world.

We also have the Show Preview, Publisher Designer Track (New and upcoming games), Networking and Visits from buyers from the industry / guests and general visitors.

UK Games Expo is a Tabletop Games convention. Our show profile is detailed in this FAQ.

We will generally accept stand bookings, adverts, sponsorship and marketing package requests from companies that aim to promote these items to an interested audience. We are unlikely to accept applications from exhibitors who stray outside these areas.

Gambling and Financial Services

We will not accept requests to promote gambling sites or financial services.

Computer and Console Games

Computer Games and console games are not typically accepted as exhibitors unless they are exhibiting electronic versions of table top games such as mobile or tablet or pc versions or apps and programmes designed for use in and to enhance table top games - such as sound effect in roleplaying games, mapping software used in a game etc.

Food and Drink Vendors

Food and drink vendors are not typically accepted as exhibitors unless they are selling novelty items linked to the wider table top games theme or themes of geek fandom, sci-fi, history and fantasy. Any food sold must be packaged as gift items and clearly sold as not for consumption at the show Vendors selling alcohol must also undertake to operate a 'Challenge 25' policy. In all cases approval by NEC Catering will have to be sought by the show organisers.

General catering companies will not be accepted.

Weapons Policy

Exhibitors taking a trade stand may not bring stock of, display or sell any items which is defined as an

offensive weapon under the Criminal Justice Act 1988 and the Offensive Weapons Act 2019. This includes any

knife, axe or blade and any items adapted for the use of causing injury. It also includes live firearms,

deactivated firearms, air rifles etc. Exhibitors carrying these items will be told to remove them. Movie replica

Prop Guns may be sold if clearly packaged as such.

Non-lethal foam LARP weapons may be sold.

Mystery Bags and Boxes

Exhibitors taking a trade stand may not bring stock of, display, take subscriptions for or sell items such as

Mystery Boxes and Mystery Bags where the buyer does not know exactly what items they are purchasing.

Exhibitors carrying these items will be told to remove them. This restriction does not prevent the sale of

booster packs for collectible games.

If you require guidance on these restrictions and how it may apply to you please contact Richard.

UKCE / CE Marks

Need to check your product meets the UK and European health, safety, performance and environmental

requirements. Any item designed or intended, whether or not exclusively, for use in play by children under 14

years of age will need to be CE /UKCA marked under the Toy Safety Directive. The exception to this is

specifically collectable items which are aimed at adult consumers. To qualify to be an exception the items

must be 1) an item valued and sought by collectors 2) only be sold to customers of ages 14 and above 3) be

displayed on a stand and labelled in such a way that it is clear that they are for sale to customers of

Watch this 12 minute video for and overview on how to list your new games, events and all that is happening on your stand.

Yes you can, we welcome international exhibitors to UK Games Expo.

In 2024 out of 650 exhibitors around 125 were from outside the UK and from 35 different countries.

UK Games Expo is a truly international event.

EVENT SERVICES, SALES AND TAX AND LOGISTIC SOLUTIONS

THESE SERVICES ARE MENTIONED HERE FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE BUT ARE PROVIDED BY THIRD PARTY ORGANISATIONS AND NOT BY UK GAMES EXPO DIRECTLY. CONTACT THEM TO DISCUSS YOUR NEEDS FURTHER.

Please note that any contract entered into between an Exhibitor and these contractors is a matter between those parties. UK Games Expo Ltd does not accept any liability for any losses, claims, demands, actions, proceedings, damages, costs, expenses or other liability incurred by either the exhibitor or the contractor in relation to any such contract.

Gamesquest

Provide logistics services to get your goods to the NEC. Also can arrange to take them away at the end of the event for onward transportation. Can offer advice on customs charges and VAT issues. Have warehouses inside the EU and in the UK.

Email: Tory@gamesquest.co.uk

All Rolled Up

Supply smaller companies with a service for limited sized deliveries.

Limited Availability - Small - Medium Boxes only - Pop-up Banners.

Tel +44 (0)7973977040

Email: contact@allrolledup.co.uk

Spiral Galaxy

Provide logistics services to get your goods to the NEC. Also can arrange to take them away at the end of the event for onward transportation. Can offer advice on customs charges and VAT issues. Have a warehouse in Tamworth UK There services are often popular and you are advised to contact them early as they limited capacity.

Tel +44 (0)1952 587482

Email: ukge@spiralgalaxygames.co.uk

Dice & Destiny

Event services: We bring the FLGS experience to shows for you. Bringing together our experience as an FLGS and event planners, we will bring a bespoke solution that matches your needs and allows us to bring your product to the community. Our experienced team of staff can help with set-up and planning as well as providing demo staff and management at the show.

Sales and Tax services: Looking to just be able to focus on community engagement and bring your product to them? Then let us help by handling the sales of the product for you. We are UK VAT registered and are able to make your sales for you at an agreed commission.

Email: sales@diceanddestiny.co.uk

Phone: 07709979425

Zatu Games

Logistics and Stock Coordination

We organise freight from US,EU and UK to the NEC with goods delivered on your Stand. We also organise transport to our storage facility at Zatu HQ after the event.

Point of Sale Support

We can provide point-of-sale equipment to your stand tailored to your needs. We can offer marketing and point of sales material for your stand. We can also offer personnel to help sales, demo and support your UKGE experience.

Buy Now Ship Later

Global fulfilment options for any publishers wishing to ship straight to customers home addresses with the lowest rates and the fastest dispatch during and after UKGE.

Contact: Dominic Martin, Tel: +44 (0)1603 801188 or email: Dominicm@zatu.co.uk

All About Games

Are you a publisher that’s interested in being part of UKGE but lacks the time or expertise to Calling international and UK-based publishers! All About Games Consulting will have a major presence at UK Games Expo 2025, designed to help publishers who can’t commit their time and resources to organising a booth at this vital show in the convention circuit. We offer a complete turnkey solution including use of our demonstrations team and assistance with booth design and build. By joining the All About Games booth you can get your products in front of consumers in this crucial market.

With over 35 years of experience in the field and more than 1200sqm of booths designed across our last two appearances at UK Games Expo, our Events team can arrange all consumer-facing interactions such as product demonstrations, retail presence and experiential marketing. This will leave you free to focus on nurturing the business relationships that will take your company to the next level.

Find out more about this opportunity by emailing events@aagc.games today!

GMS Hobby Games Logistics

Assist with importing stock, custom duties, VAT, POS and distribution.

Email: gmshobbygameslogistics@gmail.com

Yes you can.

In order to hang any sort of banner suspended from the ceiling above your stand the following must be done:-

PERMISSION - All hanging banners must be cleared by UKGE for, position, size and content. All exhibitors using hanging banners must pay flying fee of £400.00 +VAT to UK Games Expo. If you order a banner directly with the NEC you MUST get permission from UKGE otherwise the banner will not be erected. The banner size must fit entirely above your stand footprint and not hang over other exhibitor stands. This fee does not apply to roll/pull up banners.
PRODUCTION - All banners must meet the NEC rigging requirements (pdf can be found here). You may source your own banner, use the NEC’s graphics production team (jane.carter@thenec. co.uk), or re-use a previous banner.
RIGGING - The NEC charges a rigging cost for hanging your banner. This cost varies depending on the construction of your banner or other hanging construction. The NEC rigging pdf will help you calculate the cost or you can contact NEC for further help (see below). UKGE special drop banner rate: We have negotiated a rigging deal with the NEC for drop banners up to 4m x 2.4m in size. The price is £391 for 2025.

Note: If you are using the NEC Graphics team they will calculate the rigging cost for you if the size is different to above. The above deal only applies to drop banners. For rigging costs of box banners, ring banners and larger banner please contact the Rigging department or examine the The NEC rigging pdf.

EXAMPLE COST

(if banner made by third party)

Flying Fee: £400

Production of 4m x 2m double sided pvc:???

Rigging: £391

TOTAL : £791+ VAT + Third party print costs.

BESPOKE RIGGING

If you require rigging advice for drop banner, ring or box banners or a quote you can contact the NEC Rigging Department on simon.lane@thenec.co.uk or 0844 3388 338 (Option 2) .

BANNER REMOVAL

After the show banners are removed by the NEC. Any banners on hoists will be lowered for removal during de-rig. PVC banners will be recovered up to 10 days after the show and exhibitors can collect them or UKGE will store them for a fee.

BANNER STORAGE

UKGE will collect your PVC banner and store it and return it to the NEC for the following year’s show for £100 +

VAT. If you want to use the banner during the year you may collect it from the UKGE warehouse at your own cost.

Yes you can but you must comply with Health and Safety regulations as laid out here.

You can also hire the services of a Forklift from

Nautilus Exhibitions,
The Old Boat Yard, South March, Daventry, Northamptonshire, NN11 4PH

T:+44 (0) 1327 304058
E: info@nautilusexhibitions.co.uk

Exhibitors can list events they are running on their stand. These might include demos, tournaments, meet the deisgner sessions, giveaways etc.

These events are via the Exhibitor Portal Manage Events Tab.

DO NOT submit exhibitor events by the wesbite Submitting an event page OR the Manage event page of your personal login but ONLY via the Exhibitor Portal Manage Events Tab.

Children under the age of 16 are not permitted in the Halls during the setup period of the show. This applies to Wednesday and Thursday at any time.

Children under 16 are allowed to enter the trade halls with exhibitor or guest passes if under adult supervision from 7am Friday and 8am Saturday and Sunday. As some restocking may be occurring at this time and pallet trucks could be in use, they should go to the stands they are associated with and remain on the stand until 9am when the halls are open to the public and they may move about freely. Children with exhibitor passes may remain on the stand under adult supervision after the halls close to the public and must then be escorted by an adult to the exits by 1 hour after the close of the halls on Friday and Saturday nights.

On Sunday night any children under the age of 16 must have left the trade halls by 16.00 which is the start of the derig period.

Yes. We are selling 30 second digital adverts on our screens for £250+vat.

The plan is to have 7 screens around the NEC and Hilton. 2 in Hall 1, 2 in Hall 2 (one is the big screen at the stage) and 1 in Hall 3 plus 2 in Hilton.

These will stream content from OnTabletop who broadcast from the show but at least 15 times a day we will run an advert reel.

So, a digital advert would get shown at least 45 times over the weekend.

Now the screens will be muted so whilst you can have sound and that would be audible to anyone watching the stream on a phone or pc etc it would not be so to folk seeing it on a big screen so those adverts should not have critical info in the audio component.

MP4 1080p files are used for this

Email Richard to talk further.

Yes you can. The UK Games Expo is a great opportunity to demo games, show painting techniques, allow the visitor to meet special guests and invite them onto your stand. Many stands at UKGE will have demo tables. Some will run tournaments on their stand, giveaways an other special events.

Please ensure products are suitable for a family audience to see and that your displayed items are appropiate for an event at which children are present. PLease ensure the activity tsays within your stand and does not block the aisiles

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