The trend towards content-rich niche events has meant an increasing number of new conference-led exhibitions being held at London’s Olympia. The venue’s Conference Centre, which includes the 10,000sqft East Hall, is proving to be the ideal launch pad for these fledgling events. Since January 2005, eight events have grown out of the conference centre into the larger spaces available at Olympia.

Air and Engine Expo, Airline Purchasing Expo, Airport, Port & Transport Security, Aesthetic Medicine, IPTV World Forum, The Spa Show, Voice Over IP and The Yoga Show all moved into larger spaces to meet their need for expansion after launching in the Olympia Conference Centre.

Airline Purchasing Expo, for example, first came to the Olympia Conference Centre in 2005 and moved into Olympia Two for this year’s event in May. In 2007, the event will expand again to more than double its space.

The event’s organiser Colin Hall, managing director at Aviation Industry Exhibitions, said: “The success of this year’s Airline Purchasing Expo left us with no choice but to expand the show again for next year. Olympia Two is the ideal location as we already know the venue well and are delighted with the professional service we receive.”

Meanwhile, commenting on the growth of the Airport, Port & Transport Security event, which he runs, David Wood, of International Business Events, said: “Olympia’s conference centre currently offers the best balance of conference facilities and exhibition space in London. Airport, Port & Transport Security has worked well in the space for the last two years, and is moving to the National Hall in 2006 to become part of a bigger and broader security event.”

Asked why Olympia has been so successful at providing the right environment for new shows to grow into larger events, Nigel Nathan, group commercial director at EC&O Venues, which owns Olympia, replied: “The venue’s location, variety of flexible space and experienced customer service teams are key. It is very satisfying to help nurture small events and see them grow within our portfolio of space.”