The Showman’s Show 2026: A first look at the Future of the Outdoor Events Industry
Europe’s original and longest-running trade exhibition for the outdoor, festival and special events industry returns to Newbury Showground on 21–22 October 2026 for its 42nd edition.
With more than 300 exhibitors expected and over 80 new companies joining the show for the first time, this year’s Showman’s Show is set to provide one of the most comprehensive snapshot yet of the technologies, infrastructure, services and ideas shaping the live events sector.
Dutch rental business management software company Rentman B.V return for their second year as sponsors of the Show, and will be exhibiting inside the Exhibition Hall, alongside companies showcasing everything from silent discos, ticketing solutions, structures, power provisions, traffic management, audio & visual, waste, internet providers and more!
For an industry preparing for another demanding year of festivals, sporting events, experiential campaigns and outdoor productions, the show arrives at an important point in the event calendar. It provides an opportunity not simply to source equipment and services, but to assess where the sector is investing, innovating and responding to changing operational pressures.
Power, production and infrastructure take centre stage
One of the clearest themes emerging for 2026 is the continuing evolution of event power provision.
Battery technology, hydrogen and alternative approaches to temporary power are expected to feature strongly, reflecting the industry's ongoing search for cleaner, quieter and more flexible ways of delivering energy on site. JCB are returning with their range of power products and hydrogen developments, NED S.p.A bring their ultra silent generators from Italy, new exhibitor HIMOINSA bring their greener, quieter power to the show alongside a stellar line-up of event power providers, each with their own power options, ensuring a broad offering for our visitors to choose from.
Mobile staging and event air-conditioning are also proving to be strong categories for 2026. New exhibitors include Network Stages Ltd, Evolution Stage Hire and Stage Events Hire LTD, whilst show regulars Henley Theatre Services (HTS Creative) will be building their one of a kind, new and shiny 16m by 14m Vanta roof structure. The Stage Bus will be unveiling their newest solar-powered stage, whilst new exhibitors Nykku Air Conditioning Ltd and Dantherm Group will be exhibiting their temperature control systems, as a response to the increased demand for cooling solutions after the UK’s heatwaves.
Nobody at an outdoor event can dispute the importance of a good loo, and this year’s show will see the most diverse range of sanitary provision on site. Discover luxury compost loos from Wild Willy Cabins, queue-busting female urinals from Peequal to water saving vacuum units from Ontrax & MSS International and stylish shepherd hut loos & shower hire from Nomadic Washrooms.
Sustainability moves from ambition to action
Sustainability remains firmly on the agenda, but the conversation has moved to focus on how it can be delivered.
Returning to the show is Vision for Sustainable Events, hosting the Sustainable Event Summit on Wednesday the 21st of October. This year's summit will focus on energy and the sector's 30 Climate Actions for 2030, as well as celebrating the third edition of The Show Must Go On report.
Chris Johnson, Vision for Sustainable Events Chair, says “This will be our most informative edition of SES to date, engaging organisers and the supply chain in defining our sector’s actions in the context of the industry’s climate plan 2030”.
The Showman’s Show’s Green Supplier & Innovation Award will also be judged by the Vision for Sustainable Events team, and the winner will be announced on Wednesday the 21st of October at the Summit.
New ways to work, connect & learn
New for 2026 is The Workspace, a dedicated area designed for 1:1 meetings, hot-desking, informal discussions and the location for Event Industry News’ podcast. New exhibitor Natural Green Creative Spaces will be involved in transforming The Workspace into an area where visitors and exhibitors can catch up with work whilst outside of the office and thus making the most of their time at the show.
The Workspace provides somewhere to turn conversations started on the showground into meetings, projects and commercial opportunities.
National Outdoor Events Association will host a taster for their forthcoming Training Day, with a session bringing together leading industry experts to explore some of the biggest operational and legislative changes currently facing outdoor events. It will take place in The Meeting Tent and focus on Protect, Martyn’s Law, the changing role of Safety Advisory Groups (SAGs) and the increasing operational responsibilities placed on organisers.
The Events Medical Association (EMA), representing medical providers working within the Event industry, will be welcoming current EMA members and those who may be intrigued to find out more, in The Meeting Tent on Wednesday the 21st of October, between 12.30 and 2pm. Pop in for a little lunch & some networking. The EMA promote standards, best practice and encourage shared learning through mutual support.
A marketplace for what comes next
With its combination of indoor exhibition space and extensive outdoor demonstration areas, The Showman’s Show occupies a distinctive position within the UK events calendar. The format allows suppliers to demonstrate products and infrastructure in conditions closer to their real-world applications, whilst giving organisers the chance to compare products & solutions directly.
Show Director, Johnny Lance states that “Going into 2026, we were aware of the challenges facing the industry from increased fuel costs, National Insurance and tax increases amongst other things, but despite these issues, we saw a large increase in early bookings, expanded our exhibition hall to the largest it has ever been in our 42 year history, which then was sold out by late June, so the industry appears to be confident with plenty of new products & services entering the market. We are looking forward to another great show!”.
The Showman’s Show is an unrivalled marketplace with companies exhibiting from around the world, so if you are an event supplier looking to stock up on new gear or an event organiser or production manager looking for new ideas and suppliers; this Show is for YOU.
The Show is FREE to attend. For more details and to register for a visitor pass, please visit www.showmans-directory.co.uk