Exhibition Centre Liverpool sits at the heart of Liverpool’s waterfront events campus, offering world-class exhibition space, flexible halls and direct links to the city’s convention and arena facilities. Whether you’re an event organiser planning a large trade show, an exhibitor preparing a stand, or a visitor attending a festival or immersive experience.
Why Exhibition Centre Liverpool Matters
What is Exhibition Centre Liverpool?
Exhibition Centre Liverpool is a purpose-built exhibition venue on Liverpool’s Kings Dock waterfront, forming part of the interconnected ACC Liverpool campus (arena, convention centre, exhibition centre and hotel). The campus is designed to host exhibitions, trade shows, conferences, live events and large consumer experiences, enabling organisers to scale across multiple linked spaces.
Where is it and how does it fit into the city?
The venue sits on the historic waterfront — close to Albert Dock and Pier Head — giving easy access to public transport, hotels and city attractions and helping events tap into Liverpool’s tourism and hospitality infrastructure. The campus connection means events can spread between the exhibition halls, auditorium and arena for bigger, mixed-format programmes.
Why planners choose it
Large, contiguous exhibition floors that allow major national and international shows.
Strong city connectivity (hotels, transport, culture) that increases delegate appeal.
A proven track record hosting flagship events such as political conferences, Comic Con, immersive art experiences and more.
The Campus: How Exhibition Centre Liverpool Connects to ACC Liverpool
One of the venue’s chief strengths is its interoperability with the rest of the ACC Liverpool campus. Organisers commonly use the covered walkways and internal links to create unified event footprints that combine exhibition halls, breakout rooms and arena floor space — a major advantage for shows requiring both exhibit halls and large plenary stages. The campus model allows simultaneous, co-located events and flexible routing for attendees.
Recent Trends (As of 2025) Shaping Exhibitions at the Venue
Understanding the operating environment helps organisers design better events. Key trends influencing exhibitions and live events in 2025 include:
Hybrid & experiential-first events: Organisers blend in-person exhibitions with high-quality virtual access, while elevated on-site experiences (immersive art, interactive product showcases) drive footfall. Beyond Van Gogh and similar immersive shows are examples that have increased demand for flexible, dark-space, high-tech exhibition halls.
Sustainability as a procurement requirement: Clients increasingly require measurable sustainability practices — waste reduction, low-carbon logistics, and sustainable catering — when choosing venues. Liverpool’s waterfront campus is promoting city-level collaboration to reduce event carbon footprints.
Experience-led consumer events & pop-ups: The city’s success hosting blockbuster immersive exhibitions, fandom conventions and experiential festivals shows organisers prioritise audience engagement over plain retail stands. Comic Con and immersive art runs are leading examples.
Integrated security & accessibility expectations: Post-pandemic and post-large-event planning has raised the bar on crowd management, medical provision, accessibility (step-free routes, quiet spaces) and on-site visitor services. Venues like Exhibition Centre Liverpool highlight their capacity to meet these standards.
Real-Life Examples: Events That Illustrate the Venue’s Strengths
Comic Con Liverpool: A multi-hall, cross-campus convention that uses the exhibition centre, arena and convention spaces to host celebrity panels, gaming zones, and large retail floors. Its scale demonstrates how the campus model supports fan-centric, multi-genre programming.
Beyond Van Gogh / Beyond Monet immersive experiences (2025 season): Large-scale, ticketed immersive art shows that need dark, flexible spaces and high visitor throughput. Their runs at the Liverpool waterfront show the venue’s capacity to host cultural blockbuster exhibitions.
Labour Party Conference (multiple years): The ACC Liverpool campus has hosted national political conferences, leveraging auditorium and breakout rooms for sessions while using the exhibition centre for exhibition space, press and hospitality — illustrating the site’s capability for high-security, high-profile events.
Planning an Exhibition at Exhibition Centre Liverpool — Step-by-Step Guide
Below is a practical, planner-focused checklist that walks you from concept to execution.
Define the Show Objectives and Format
Clarify the show’s purpose (B2B trade, consumer expo, mixed, ticketed experience).
Choose dates with sufficient lead time (12–24 months for large international exhibitions).
Decide whether you will co-locate sessions in the convention centre or arena.
Secure Dates and Space
Contact the venue’s booking team early to confirm availability; high-demand seasons (autumn and early summer) fill fast.
Design the Event Footprint
Map required square metres for stands, aisles, catering areas, loading docks and registration.
Decide on adjacent use of the convention centre or arena; plan pedestrian flows between buildings.
Logistics and Build Planning
Book official contractors (build, AV, rigging) or confirm approved supplier access for the venue.
Plan move-in/move-out windows carefully (venues operate strict time slots). Request info from the venue on access ramps, dock heights and vehicle booking procedures.
Health, Safety and Compliance
Prepare event risk assessments, crowd management plans, emergency evacuation procedures and medical provision, and submit them to the venue by required deadlines. Ensure accessible routes and DDA compliance are included.
Sustainability & Waste Management
Commit to measurable targets (e.g., % of materials reused, diversion from landfill). Arrange segregated waste streams and sustainable catering options. The venue will provide waste and recycling guidance.
Marketing and Ticketing
Build an integrated marketing plan: SEO, social media, partnerships, and local tourism promotions to leverage Liverpool’s leisure draw. Consider collaboration with local hotels for delegate packages. Use online ticketing partners and provide clear arrival instructions (transport, parking, luggage storage).
On-Site Operations & Visitor Experience
Plan registration check-in flows, badge printing, exhibitor services desks, and clear wayfinding across the campus. Include hospitality zones and quiet/refuge spaces for visitors.
Event Wrap and Metrics
Collect exhibitor and visitor feedback, analyse sales lead data, measure net promoter score, and calculate environmental metrics. Use post-event reports to build evidence for future bids.
Exhibitor Checklist — Preparing Your Stand for Success
Stand booking & location: Choose a site that balances footfall with visibility (island stands usually perform best). Confirm dimensions and power locations.
Design for engagement: Use open sightlines, live demos, and short session slots to maximise dwell time. Consider multimedia and interactive tech for impact.
Technical requirements: Pre-book AV, Wi-Fi bundles, power, and rigging. Check rigging points and weight limits with the venue.
Logistics: Label crates clearly, submit advance freight schedules, and arrange for build crew accreditation. Know your move-in/move-out times.
Staff training: Brief floor staff on lead capture, session times, exhibitor services location, and emergency procedures.
Sustainability: Prioritise reusable graphics, recyclable fittings and minimal single-use plastics.
Follow-up: Have a lead-nurturing plan ready (email templates, demo recordings) to convert visitors into customers.
Visitor Guide — Getting There, Tickets and Tips
Transport & Access
Exhibition Centre Liverpool is on the waterfront with good public transport links. Major train stations and local buses serve the city centre; consider using public transport for peak days to avoid parking congestion.
Tickets & Entry
Check event pages for ticketing windows, e-tickets, and bag policies. Immersive shows and Comic Con often sell out early — buy in advance.
On-Site Tips
Arrive early for popular sessions, bring comfortable shoes (large halls involve walking), and note quiet areas if you need breaks. Food and drink concessions operate on-site; however, peak times can have queues — plan meal breaks off-peak.
Technical and Operational Features Organisers Should Know
Hall Specifications & Capacities
For precise layout and capacity planning, consult the venue’s official capacity documents and technical rider PDFs. Key highlights include auditorium seating capacities, multi-purpose hall sizes and the potential to extend exhibition floors by using the arena’s open floor. These documents are vital when planning staging, sightlines and attendee numbers.
Rigging, Power and AV
Large exhibitions and immersive shows require advanced rigging and significant power. The venue provides technical specifications for truss points, maximum loads and power distribution; early coordination with the venue’s technical team is essential for complex builds.
Internet & Connectivity
Reliable Wi-Fi and wired internet are critical for exhibitors and cashless sales. Discuss bandwidth needs with the venue’s technical team well ahead of build. The venue can provide bespoke packages for events that demand high throughput.
Practical Tips to Reduce Costs and Boost ROI
Negotiate bundled rates: Combine space hire, AV and accommodation into a single negotiation to get better rates from the venue and local hotels.
Use local suppliers: Local contractors often reduce freight and accommodation costs. Liverpool has a strong events supply chain.
Early bird marketing: Secure delegate and exhibitor bookings with early-bird pricing to stabilise cashflow and reduce last-minute marketing spend.
Sponsorship ladder: Build small, medium and premium sponsor packages that include brand presence, session slots and digital visibility.
Data-first follow-up: Use real-time lead capture and follow-up automation to improve conversion rates after the show.
Accessibility, Inclusion and Safety at the Venue
Exhibition Centre Liverpool and the wider ACC Liverpool campus emphasise accessible routes, hearing loops in auditoria, step-free access and dedicated facilities for those with disabilities. Event organisers should incorporate inclusive design into stand plans and provide quiet rooms or sensory spaces for attendees who need them. The venue’s visitor information pages include guidance on accessibility services.
Sustainability Best Practices for Shows in Liverpool
Transport demand management: Encourage public transport, cycling or park-and-ride; offer discounted transit codes with local partners.
Waste & materials: Require exhibitors to use reusable shell scheme components and publish a waste and recycling plan.
Local sourcing: Use local caterers and suppliers to reduce transportation emissions and support the city economy.
Energy: Opt for LED lighting and energy-efficient AV setups to minimise power draw during event hours.
Marketing Your Liverpool Exhibition — SEO & Local Strategies
To boost visibility and ticket sales, combine broad digital outreach with Liverpool-specific marketing:
Local SEO: Optimize your site with keywords like “Exhibition Centre Liverpool”, event dates, and locality pages (hotels, transport). Use structured data for events to improve search results.
Partnerships: Collaborate with tourism and city partners to list events on city calendars and hotel packages.
Influencer & community outreach: For consumer events, work with local interest groups and creators to drive attendance.
Content marketing: Publish practical guides (how to get to the venue, where to park, where to eat) to capture long-tail searches and improve user trust.
How to Tender and Bid for Events at Exhibition Centre Liverpool
For organisations bidding to host events here, use the following approach:
Understand the campus offering: Explain how your event will make use of the interconnected spaces and what economic value it brings to the city.
Deliver a robust sustainability plan: Liverpool venues increasingly expect measurable sustainability commitments.
Provide a detailed technical brief: Include load-in schedules, power needs, audience flow modelling, and security requirements.
Demonstrate marketing reach: Show historical attendance, marketing channels and partnerships that will drive delegate numbers.
Showcase economic impact: If possible, include projected local economic benefits (hotel nights, spend per head).
Common Operational Challenges — and How to Avoid Them
Challenge: Move-in congestion and timing clashes.
Fix: Book and confirm move-in time slots early; stagger stand builds where possible.
Challenge: Power overloads or insufficient bandwidth.
Fix: Survey exhibitor tech needs pre-event and purchase bespoke power/Wi-Fi upgrades with the venue.
Challenge: Visitor flow bottlenecks in doorways or catering areas.
Fix: Map flows in advance, position queuing systems, and add pop-up food points during peak times.
Challenge: Sustainability compliance across hundreds of exhibitors.
Fix: Require sustainability commitments in exhibitor terms and provide a supplier list for sustainable options.
Pricing & Budget Considerations (Typical Cost Categories)
When budgeting, include: exhibition space hire, stand build, AV and power, rigging, internet, freight and storage, security, cleaning, catering, insurance, accreditation systems, marketing and contingency (typically 10–15%). Speak to the venue team about exhibitor services packages and bundled costs to reduce surprises.
Staffing and Volunteer Management
Large exhibitions require coordinated staffing: an operations manager, exhibitor services desk, logistics lead, production manager, frontline floor staff, security, medical personnel and volunteers. Use clear shift planning, provide role-specific briefings, and ensure everyone has an accredited pass and knows emergency procedures.
Measuring Success: KPIs for Exhibitions
Track these to demonstrate performance and secure future funding or sponsorship:
Footfall & unique visitors (daily and peak).
Lead quantity and quality (qualified leads per exhibitor).
Revenue metrics: ticket sales, exhibitor income, F&B spend.
Net promoter score (NPS) from visitors and exhibitors.
Environmental KPIs: tonnes diverted from landfill, percentage of reusable materials.
Case Study Snapshot: Comic Con Liverpool (Why the Campus Wins)
Comic Con Liverpool uses the full ACC Liverpool campus to host celebrity panels (auditorium), large exhibitor halls (exhibition centre) and gaming/entertainment zones (arena). The campus model allows organisers to tailor experiences for different audience segments and manage crowd flows between spaces while maximising commercial opportunities across catering and sponsorship. This cross-utilisation highlights why integrated venues deliver higher ROI for multi-genre events.
Booking and Enquiry Checklist (What to Ask the Venue Team)
When initialising a booking, have these questions ready:
Available dates and hold periods.
Hall dimensions, capacities and technical rider.
Move-in/move-out windows and freight access details.
Power and rigging specifications.
Sustainability and waste protocols.
Security & stewarding requirements.
On-site catering and hospitality options.
Accommodation partner rates and hotel blocks.
FAQs
What is the total exhibition space at Exhibition Centre Liverpool?
The Exhibition Centre is part of the ACC Liverpool campus and offers several configurable halls; the combined campus exhibition footprint (including arena floor extension) is published in the venue’s capacity documentation and technical PDFs. For exact sqm figures and layout options consult the ACC/Exhibition Centre capacity guide.
Can events use both the arena and exhibition halls at the same time?
Yes. The campus is designed to interconnect the arena, convention centre and exhibition centre so events can span multiple spaces. This flexibility allows organisers to host plenary sessions in the auditorium or arena while running exhibition floors and breakout sessions concurrently.
How do I arrange freight and move-in for an exhibition?
Event freight, move-in and move-out windows are managed by the venue; organisers must book dock slots with the venue’s logistics team, label advance freight and coordinate build crew accreditation. The venue provides technical notes on dock heights and vehicle access.
What sustainability options are available for events at the venue?
The venue provides guidance on waste management, recommends local suppliers, and supports organisers to implement sustainability commitments such as waste diversion targets and energy-efficient production choices. Discuss specific sustainability requirements with the venue during contracting.
What are popular event types at Exhibition Centre Liverpool?
Popular events include large-scale pop culture conventions, immersive art experiences, national conferences (including political conferences), trade shows and consumer expos. Recent high-profile examples include Comic Con Liverpool and immersive exhibitions such as Beyond Van Gogh.
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https://liverpooldaily.news/quest-liverpool-city-centre-the-best-stay/
https://liverpooldaily.news/hope-street-hotel-liverpool-stay-guide/
https://liverpooldaily.news/crowne-plaza-liverpool-centre/
Final Thoughts
Exhibition Centre Liverpool is a modern, strategically located venue that benefits from being part of the larger ACC Liverpool event campus. Its flexibility, technical capability and city-level connections make it a strong choice for organisers of trade shows, immersive experiences and large public conventions.
In 2025 the venue continues to capitalise on trends towards experiential programming, sustainability requirements and hybrid delivery models. Planners who start early, prioritise logistics and sustainability, and design for experience will get the most value from the venue. For exhibitors and visitors, careful planning—book early, check technical specs and plan your visit—ensures a productive and enjoyable event at Liverpool’s waterfront campus.
To read more, Liverpool Daily News
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