Major UK property shows merge amid rising event costs
Two leading UK property events, A Place in the Sun Live and the Property Investor Show, will combine their exhibitions in 2027 to reduce costs and broaden audience reach for exhibitors and visitors.
The merger was confirmed this week as APITS, organiser of A Place in the Sun Live, acquired the Property Investor Show from Property Investor Media. This strategic move aims to address the increasing challenges and expenses associated with staging large-scale property exhibitions. The combined events will take place at London’s Excel Centre in April and Birmingham’s NEC in September next year, each retaining distinct branding and seminar programmes.
APITS chief executive Andy Bridge highlighted the operational difficulties faced by event organisers, noting the economies of scale achieved by hosting two events in one venue. Meanwhile, Property Investor Media’s managing director Nick Clark emphasised exhibitors’ demand for greater value, particularly through larger visitor numbers and access beyond London and the Southeast.
Details of the combined property events
A Place in the Sun Live is scheduled to hold four events in 2027: Manchester Central in February, Excel London in April, NEC Birmingham in September, and the RDS Dublin in October. The Property Investor Show will be integrated into the London and Birmingham events, featuring its own branding, floorplan, and seminar theatre within the larger exhibition.
This consolidation reflects a broader trend in the property exhibition sector, where rising costs and market pressures are prompting organisers to rethink traditional event formats. By combining, the shows aim to offer a more compelling proposition to landlords, letting agents, property investors, and other industry professionals, potentially increasing footfall and networking opportunities.
Context and implications for landlords and letting agents
For landlords and letting agents, property shows have long been valuable for gaining market insights, discovering new investment opportunities, and connecting with service providers. The merging of these two major events could enhance the experience by providing a wider range of exhibitors and educational content under one roof, making attendance more efficient and cost-effective.
However, the consolidation also signals the financial pressures facing event organisers, which may reflect wider economic challenges in the property sector. Landlords and agents should be aware that such changes could impact how industry knowledge and networking opportunities are accessed in the future. The combined events may attract larger crowds, which could benefit exhibitors but also require more careful planning for attendees to maximise their time.
Practical considerations for attendees and exhibitors
Those planning to attend or exhibit at the 2027 events should monitor announcements closely for detailed schedules, floorplans, and seminar topics. Early registration may be advisable given the expected increased demand. Exhibitors, in particular, should consider how to leverage the expanded audience to maximise their return on investment, possibly by tailoring their presentations and marketing to appeal to the broader combined client base.
Landlords with portfolios or letting agents seeking new contacts and market intelligence should view the combined shows as a potentially richer resource. The inclusion of the Property Investor Show’s distinct branding and seminar theatre within A Place in the Sun Live ensures that specialist investment content remains accessible alongside more general property lifestyle and buying advice.
Uncertainties and future outlook
While the merger aims to deliver economies and added value, it remains to be seen how the combined event will be received by the property community. The success of the integration will depend on effective event management, clear communication, and maintaining the distinctiveness of each show’s content and audience.
There is also uncertainty about whether this consolidation is a one-off response to current cost pressures or part of a longer-term trend towards fewer, larger property events. Landlords and agents should watch for further developments in the events sector and consider how changes might affect their engagement with industry exhibitions and networking opportunities.
What landlords and agents should do now
Landlords and letting agents should begin planning their attendance at the 2027 combined events, considering how best to benefit from the wider range of exhibitors and seminars. Reviewing current property investment strategies and compliance practices ahead of the shows may help identify relevant questions and topics to explore during seminars and networking sessions.
Exhibitors should evaluate their marketing and presentation approaches to appeal to the broader audience the combined shows will attract. Early booking and preparation will be important to secure prime exhibition space and seminar slots. Attendees should also keep an eye on official announcements for updates on event formats and health and safety arrangements.
Supporting landlords with event-related compliance and organisation
The Landlord Association (TLA) offers members access to compliance resources and organisational tools that can assist landlords and letting agents in preparing for major property events like A Place in the Sun Live and the Property Investor Show. TLA’s new property management and compliance platform, ORBIT, currently in BETA testing, helps members organise property portfolios, manage rental documentation, and record key actions such as repairs and inspections.
Using ORBIT can support landlords in maintaining up-to-date records and compliance evidence, which may be useful when exploring new investment opportunities or consulting with industry experts at these events. TLA membership also provides access to practical information and document support relevant to tenancy law, safety obligations, and regulatory changes, helping landlords stay informed in a shifting market.
Members interested in exploring TLA’s compliance resources and ORBIT BETA access can review the available options to enhance their property management efficiency and readiness for industry developments.
Looking ahead, the combined property shows in 2027 represent an important opportunity for landlords and letting agents to engage with a wider spectrum of the property investment community. Staying informed and prepared will be key to making the most of these events as the sector adapts to evolving economic and operational challenges.
Sources: Landlord Today
TLA - The Landlord Association