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    Dates

    25–26 Nov 2026

    City / country

    London, United Kingdom

    Venue

    Excel London

    Time

    10:00 AM – 8:30 PM

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    Matched booths for Hotel Interior Experience

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    Event overview

    Overview

    HIX Europe (Hotel Interiors Experience) is designed for hotel design, offering a connected and curated campus that brings together the best in hotel design from across the continent. Hosted at Excel London from 25.

    November 2026, the event welcomes over 5,000 guests for two days of insightful talks, immersive installations, networking opportunities, and an exhibition of new interior products from the world's leading labels. It serves as a platform for the latest trends across the hotel interior experience, uniting architects, designers, operators, developers, investors, specifiers, project managers, and more

    TL;DR

    1. 1Europe's only dedicated hotel design event
    2. 2Hosted at Excel London on 25-26 November 2026
    3. 3Welcomes over 5,000 guests
    4. 4Features over 160 leading interior design labels
    5. 5Includes talks, installations, networking, and exhibition

    Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

    Who this event is for

    Visitor profile

    Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

    Developers
    Investors
    Suppliers
    Independent Hoteliers
    Operators
    Project Managers
    FF&E Procurement
    Interior Designers
    Interior Architects
    General Managers

    Exhibitor profile

    Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

    Major furnishing suppliers
    Bathroom suppliers
    Surface suppliers
    Technology suppliers
    Fabric suppliers
    Leading interior design labels

    Product categories

    Key solution areas showcased across the event.

    Hotel Interior Experience Core Equipment & Solutions
    Hotel Interior Experience Emerging Technologies & Digital Tools
    Hotel Interior Experience Sustainable Materials & Supply Chain
    Hotel Interior Experience Service Providers & Engineering Consulting
    Hotel Interior Experience Safety, Compliance & Testing Services

    Location & Facilities

    Venue

    Excel London

    Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, E16 1XL London, United Kingdom

    Entrances & gates

    Custom House (West Entrance)

    Served by the Elizabeth line and DLR. Connected to Excel London by a covered walkway with the entrance less than two minutes away

    Prince Regent (East Entrance)

    Served by the DLR. Alight here for the east entrance and ICC's

    Facilities

    Parking

    On-site car park charges £27.50 per calendar day pre-booked or £30 on the day. There is no hourly rate. The car park has 1,867 spaces across three colour-coded zones. An overheight section (1.9m to 2.8m) is accessed via a separate Sandstone Lane entrance with limited spaces and pre-booking required. Payment by card, contactless, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Motorcycle parking is free. Coach and minibus parking is £50 per day (pre-book only). Blue Badge holders pay the same standard rate. There is no EV charging in the venue car park as of 2026

    1,867 spaces · £27.50/day

    Accessibility

    Excel London has been purposely designed and built to allow unrestricted access to disabled visitors and conforms to Part M of the Building Regulations. All public entrances allow for access by wheelchair via low gradient ramps and automatic opening doors. All floors are level, offering unobstructed access. Lift control panels have Braille or tactile buttons and visual and voice indication of the floor reached. ExCeL provides 40 accessible toilets located throughout the building. There are 134 Blue Badge bays across all car park zones. Assistance dogs are welcome. Mobility scooters are available to hire free of charge, subject to availability

    Prayer rooms

    The Multi-Faith Prayer Room can be accessed through the grey door, next to the S9 hall entrance on the Boulevard. Additional male and female prayer spaces are available in the Reset Rooms. A family room for attendee use can be found by Hall S9, which also contains a sink and toilet

    Cloakroom

    There are two cloakrooms operated by ExCeL located on the Boulevard. One cloakroom is in the west end of the venue on level 0 by N4/S4 and one in the east end on level 0. They are open during event hours. There is a fee of £1 per item for coats and luggage. Cameras, laptop equipment or any other electronic devices cannot be stored. Items cannot be stored overnight

    Luggage storage

    ExCeL does not operate a permanent public left luggage facility. Cloakroom services appear at some events, run by individual event organisers, but are not consistently available and cannot be booked in advance. For HIX Europe, the ExCeL-operated cloakrooms on the Boulevard accept luggage for £1 per item, but cannot store cameras, laptops or electronic devices, and cannot store items overnight

    Food options

    Waterfront Street Kitchen & Bar, The Bridge Restaurant Diner & Bar, The Fox Excel

    On-site dining

    Parking: Sat nav postcode for the car park entrance is E16 1FR (what3words ///cheer.events.began). General travel postcode is E16 1XL. Access to the car park is only via the A13; there is no access from Western Gateway or Seagull Lane. Parking is subject to availability for vehicles under 2.8m high and must be pre-booked in advance. The venue car park only permits vehicles up to a maximum of 1.9 metres height; limited over-height spaces up to 2.8m exist. Blue Badge holders park at the same tariff. Motorcycle parking is free and cannot be pre-booked. Coach and minibus parking is £50.00 per day and must be pre-booked. Drop-offs and pick-ups are at the west taxi rank only (postcode E16 1XL). Sandstone Lane and Seagull Lane are closed to traffic

    Gate: The venue is connected by an Elizabeth line station (Custom House), three DLR stations, bus stops, and a cable car station. Custom House is the west entrance; Prince Regent serves the east entrance and ICC's

    Attend

    Entry & tickets

    Event days & opening times

    DayOpening hours
    Wednesday 25th November:10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
    Thursday 26th November:10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    • General Admission Pass

      Standard admission pass to Hotel Interior Experience exhibition floor and feature areas

      $25.00

    Who runs the show

    Organisers

    Connect X Media Ltd

    Organiser

    HIX Europe Team

    General enquiries

    HIX Europe Marketing Team

    Event organiser marketing

    What's on

    Programme

    Speakers

    CL

    Clare Lusher

    Marketing Manager @ Sloane Club

    (2025 edition)

    TA

    Tolù Adẹ̀kọ́

    Founder & Creative Director @ Adẹ̀kọ́ & Co

    (2025 edition)

    RB

    Ruud Belmans

    Co-Founder & Executive Creative Director @ WeWantMore

    (2025 edition)

    SB

    Shayne Brady

    Founder & Creative Director @ Studio Shayne Brady

    (2025 edition)

    AB

    Alys Bryan

    Editorial & Marketing Director @ Design Insider

    (2025 edition)

    PB

    Peter Bundgaard Rützou

    Co-founder & Head of Design @ Space Copenhagen

    (2025 edition)

    AÇ

    Ali Çalışkan

    Co-Founder & Head of Design @ GEOMIM

    (2025 edition)

    TD

    Tal Danai

    Founder & CEO @ ArtLink

    (2025 edition)

    HD

    Hattie David-Wilkinson

    Global Head of Wellness & Longevity @ Maybourne

    (2025 edition)

    ND

    Nelli Denisova

    Project Architect @ OBMI

    (2025 edition)

    RE

    Ramy Elnagar

    Co-Founder & Strategic Partner @ White Mirror

    (2025 edition)

    MG

    Maria Garcia-Arribas

    Studio Director Madrid @ BAR Studio

    (2025 edition)

    KG

    Katayon Ghassemi

    Global Managing Director @ G.A Group

    (2025 edition)

    SH

    Sophie Harper

    Editor @ Hotel Designs

    (2025 edition)

    DH

    David Harte

    Co-Founder @ Studio Moren

    (2025 edition)

    MH

    Mark Henderson

    VP Technical Services @ YOTEL

    (2025 edition)

    CH

    Christoph Hoffmann

    Founder of 25hours Hotels, Co-CEO and Co-Founder @ Bikini Island & Mountain Hotels

    (2025 edition)

    EH

    Eleanor Howard

    Deputy Editor @ Sleeper

    (2025 edition)

    CJ

    Caroline Jonsson

    Senior Lighting Designer @ Ideaworks

    (2025 edition)

    KT

    Katie Tobin & Karen Willey

    Co-founders @ Always Thinking

    (2025 edition)

    NK

    Neil Kazakos-Andrew

    Vice President of Design, EMEA @ Starwood Hotels

    (2025 edition)

    BK

    Ben Kenyon

    Global Studio Director @ G.A Group

    (2025 edition)

    HK

    Hamish Kilburn

    Director @ Kilburn Communications

    (2025 edition)

    WL

    William Lee

    Giles Miller Studio

    (2025 edition)

    EL

    Eva Longoria

    Partner & Studio Leader @ Rockwell Group

    (2025 edition)

    CM

    Catherine Martin

    Managing Editor @ Sleeper Media

    (2025 edition)

    CN

    Clint Nagata

    Founder & Creative Partner @ BLINK Design Group

    (2025 edition)

    TN

    Tina Norden

    Principal & Partner @ Conran and Partners

    (2025 edition)

    CN

    Charlie North

    Global VP of Design @ Ennismore

    (2025 edition)

    AO

    Ana Ortega Miranda

    Senior Director, Design & Project Management, Southern and Eastern Europe @ Marriott International

    (2025 edition)

    SP

    Shona Patel

    Founder & CEO @ SP3 London

    (2025 edition)

    AR

    Arun Rana

    Design Director Premium, Midscale & Economy, ENA @ Accor

    (2025 edition)

    RR

    Ruchika Ranjani

    Associate @ David Collins Studio

    (2025 edition)

    FR

    Franky Rousell

    Founder & CEO @ Jolie

    (2025 edition)

    JS

    Jonny Sin

    Founder @ Sin&Co

    (2025 edition)

    MS

    Melita Skamnaki

    Co-Founder @ Double Decker

    (2025 edition)

    BS

    Billy Skelli-Cohen

    CEO @ Beaumier

    (2025 edition)

    KS

    Kaitlyn Skov

    Founder @ STUDIO SKOV

    (2025 edition)

    LT

    Louis Thompson

    Master Artisan

    (2025 edition)

    MV

    Maria Vafiadis

    Founder & Managing Director @ MKV Design

    (2025 edition)

    PW

    Philippa Wagner

    Founder @ People Places Spaces

    (2025 edition)

    Topic tracks

    HIX Talks (2025 Edition)

    Co-located events

    AHEAD Europe 2026

    Separate ticket

    Awards

    AHEAD Europe 2026

    Annual

    AHEAD Europe is the European edition of the global AHEAD Awards (Awards for Hospitality Experience and Design), organised by Sleeper. The 2026 ceremony marks the 10th anniversary with the theme 'Rebels Reinvented' and takes place at MAGAZINE London on 26 November 2026, co-located with HIX Europe. Categories recognise excellence across hotel newbuilds, renovations, conversions, guestrooms, bars, restaurants, spas, event spaces, landscaping and sustainability

    Bar, Club or LoungeHotel ConversionHotel RenovationHotel NewbuildGuestroomsLodges, Cabins & Tented CampsSustainabilityEvent SpacesLandscaping & Outdoor SpacesSpa & Wellness
    source

    How the last edition performed

    Previous edition

    Current edition

    2026 · 5,000 visitors · 200 exhibitors

    HIX relocates from the Business Design Centre to Excel London and rebrands as HIX Europe for 2026, expanding its European focus. The official HIX Europe 2026 About page states the event welcomes over 5,000 guests, and the welcome page describes an exhibition of 200+ brands. The 2026 edition is the sixth HIX edition following 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025. Theme: 'Changes'

    Forecast — not final

    Visitors

    5,000

    Exhibitors

    160

    Growth over time

    Edition recap

    HIX LDN 2025 took place on 26-27 November 2025 at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London, under the theme Culture Clash. More than 160 exhibitors showcased bathrooms, lighting, fabrics, surfaces and furniture to an audience of some 5,000 visitors, including designers, architects and hoteliers. The event brought together more than 5,000 designers, architects, developers, operators and suppliers from all over Europe under one roof for a celebration of what's next in hotel design. HIX Talks delivered standing-room only sessions as designers and operators explored how behaviour, culture and guest expectations are reshaping hospitality. Across the installations, visitors stepped into immersive spaces that blended materiality, behaviour and culture, including the Ibiza-inspired Reflections by LUMA Mirrors by GEMM London x MKV Design and the quiet luxury of Silent Gliss x Studio Moren's The Harmony Suite. The HIX Social wrapped each day with energy, bringing the community together in a relaxed, after-hours atmosphere. Exhibitors used HIX as a platform for major product launches and early previews, including over 30 new products and five previews shared across the sector.

    New this edition

    • 1

      HIX Europe launch at Excel London

      From 2026 onwards HIX moves to Excel London and relaunches as HIX Europe, a connected, curated campus bringing together the best in hotel design from across the continent in East London. The venue offers improved accessibility via the Elizabeth line and a creative, immersive hotel and hospitality design experience with installations, activations and talks across the show floor

      Source
    • 2

      AHEAD Europe co-location at MAGAZINE London

      AHEAD Europe, the industry's most coveted awards ceremony, joins HIX in Docklands at MAGAZINE London on Thursday 26 November 2026, creating a seamless European hospitality design campus. The two venues are just 15 minutes apart, uniting designers, operators and developers at the heart of East London's hospitality scene

      Source
    • 3

      Theme 'Changes' for 2026 edition

      The theme of the 2026 edition is 'Changes', highlighting the broader transformation in the hospitality sector including changing guest expectations, new spatial concepts, materials and technologies

      Source

    Testimonials

    What's really nice is to see everyone in the same room, the best brands and great design teams

    Will Meyer · Founder · Meyer Davis · 2026

    The energy is amazing. it feels so fresh!

    Marie Soliman-Berglund · Bergman Design House · 2024

    I left feeling inspired, full of new possibilities, and genuinely excited about the next wave of hotel projects. There's so much good design being produced right now thoughtful, beautiful, robust and I can't wait to bring more of it into the spaces guests get to enjoy

    Natasha Marshall · NM Interior · 2025

    Next edition outlook

    2026-11-25 – 2026-11-26
    estimated

    HIX Europe is expected to consolidate its position as Europe's leading hotel design event following its 2026 launch at Excel London. The co-location model with AHEAD Europe at MAGAZINE London is expected to continue, creating a unified European hospitality design campus in East London. Growth is anticipated in exhibitor numbers and international attendance as the event expands its continental reach. The UK hotel development pipeline of over 6,300 new rooms across 2026 to 2028 will sustain demand for hotel interior products and design services. Specific dates for the 2027 edition have not yet been published

    Continued expansion of European and international exhibitor participation Further integration of the HIX Europe and AHEAD Europe campus experience Growth in exhibition space utilisation at Excel London Expanded talks programme featuring global design leaders

    Impact

    A bigger and stronger platform

    HIX has grown from a niche design event launched in 2021 into Europe's only dedicated hotel design event, attracting over 5,000 hospitality design professionals annually. Since its first edition at the Business Design Centre, the event has expanded from a single exhibition space to a full-venue show, becoming a launchpad for product innovation where over 30 new products and previews are shared each year. The 2025 edition under the theme 'Culture Clash' brought together designers, architects, hotel operators, developers and specifiers for two days of talks, installations, networking and a curated exhibition of over 160 leading design brands. The event is widely regarded as a key commercial opportunity, with exhibitors reporting high visitor quality and using the show as a springboard for new product launches. In 2026, HIX relocates to Excel London and rebrands as HIX Europe, expanding its continental reach and co-locating with AHEAD Europe to create a unified European hospitality design campus

    Audience quality

    High-value decision-makers

    HIX consistently attracts a high-calibre audience of senior decision-makers from across the hotel design supply chain. The visitor profile includes developers, investors, suppliers, independent hoteliers, operators, project managers, FF&E procurement professionals, interior designers, interior architects and general managers. In 2025, over 5,000 guests attended, with trade press reporting strong visitor quality. The event is known for bringing together the entire hotel supply chain under one roof, with exhibitors from major brands like GROHE, Roca, Laufen, Hansgrohe, Chelsom, Duxiana and Hypnos. HIX is a curated, boutique-style event that prioritises quality of engagement over sheer volume, with attendees consistently citing the calibre of exhibitors and speakers as a key draw

    Exhibitor outcomes

    Real business growth

    Exhibitors consistently report strong returns from participating in HIX, citing the quality of visitors and the commercial opportunities the show generates. Bancroft Linings, a long-standing exhibitor, stated that 'the quality of visitors & exhibitors was excellent and it was a great showcase for everything that's exciting in hotel interiors.' Design Insider's 2025 event report highlighted how exhibitors use the show as a springboard for new product launches and early previews, positioning HIX as a space where new products are showcased and celebrated. The event's boutique, curated format ensures exhibitors engage with a highly targeted audience of design decision-makers, operators and specifiers rather than mass footfall. Co-founder Joel Butler noted that HIX's focus on the design community and its projects, combined with a curated show floor featuring the best design brands, creates a 'totally unique experience' and the only place to find the entire hotel supply chain under one roof

    Intelligence

    Market context

    Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

    Europe, with a primary focus on the United Kingdom and the broader continental hospitality design market

    Why it matters

    HIX Europe 2026 matters because it arrives at a pivotal moment for the UK and European hotel design market. The UK hotel investment market is the most liquid in Europe, accounting for 24% of all European hotel investment volumes in H1 2026, with £2.1 billion transacted. London alone recorded £1.4 billion of hotel transactions in the same period. The global hospitality interior design market was valued at USD 12.86 billion in 2025 and is forecast to reach USD 19.45 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.2%. The UK hospitality real estate market is estimated to grow from USD 84.57 billion in 2026 to USD 103.41 billion by 2031. Hotel design is increasingly treated as a yield driver rather than a cost line, with better-designed hotels delivering measurable RevPAR and occupancy uplift. HIX Europe's move to Excel London and its co-location with AHEAD Europe position it as the definitive platform for the entire hotel design supply chain, uniting developers, investors, operators, architects, designers, specifiers, and project managers at the heart of Europe's most dynamic hospitality market

    Industry trends

    Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

    01

    Wellness as the new wealth

    Wellness has moved from an amenity to a foundational design principle. Hotels are integrating circadian lighting, biophilic design, air-quality-conscious materials, and restorative guestrooms with meditation, fitness, and sleep-enhancing features. The Global Wellness Institute projects the wellness tourism market will reach USD 1.3 trillion by 2026, growing at 16.6% annually

    Source
    02

    Sensual sustainability and longevity

    Sustainability has shifted from initiative to baseline, with a new emphasis on luxury. Designers are embracing natural woods, recycled textiles, and organic materials that reduce environmental impact while elevating the sensory experience. There is a growing emphasis on longevity over disposability, with durable materials and timeless design replacing trend-driven interiors

    Source
    03

    Hyper-local design and storytelling

    The rise of hyper-local design reflects a broader movement toward authenticity. Global brands are becoming more locally expressive, using design to reflect the culture, craft, and community of each destination. This extends beyond decor to materials, art, typography, and spatial planning, departing from cookie-cutter luxury

    Source
    04

    Muted tech and seamless integration

    As technology becomes more advanced, the goal is to make it less visible. The trend toward 'muted tech' emphasises seamless integration—smart rooms, personalised controls, and AI-driven systems that enhance the guest experience without overwhelming it

    Source
    05

    Flexibility and residential-style guestrooms

    The rise of remote work and extended stays is fuelling demand for multifunctional spaces that blend work, leisure, and social interaction. Guestrooms are becoming more residential, with modular furniture and adaptable layouts, while public spaces shift throughout the day—serving as coworking hubs by day and social lounges by night

    Source
    06

    Warm, grounded colour palettes and craft

    After years of restrained palettes, colour and texture are making a confident comeback. Hospitality interiors are embracing sand, taupe, espresso brown, olive green, terracotta, and deep burgundy. Softer organic forms, tactile materials, layered textures, and visible craftsmanship are replacing cooler greys and sharp edges

    Source

    Market news

    Latest updates from across the market.

    UK hotel investment exceeds £1bn in Q1 2026, up 63% year-on-year

    Read

    Savills names UK most liquid European hotel market

    Read

    UK hotel investment reaches £5bn in 2025, as market softens

    Read

    HIX Europe moves to ExCeL London with broader European focus

    Read

    Commercial Interiors UK strengthens support for accredited members as co-founding partner of HIX Europe

    Read

    European Hotel & Hospitality Design Event Circuit 2026 to 2027

    6 to 12 months; key events cluster in autumn (September-November) and spring (March-June)

    HIX Europe sits within a dense circuit of hotel design and hospitality events across Europe. While HIX is unique as Europe's only dedicated hotel design event, several comparable trade shows and conferences serve overlapping audiences. The circuit spans from Spain's interihotel to Italy's InOut, Germany's Heimtextil, and the UK's Independent Hotel Show. HIX Europe's move to Excel London and co-location with AHEAD Europe distinguishes it by combining a curated design exhibition with a major awards ceremony, creating a campus experience that no other European event replicates

    Autumn 2026 European cluster

    Hotel & Resort Innovation Expo 2026Independent Hotel Show 2026InOut 2026Interihotel Madrid 2026HIX Europe 2026

    Five major European hospitality and design events fall between late September and late November 2026. HIX Europe (25-26 November) is the last major event in this cluster, making it a capstone for the autumn season

    Spring 2027 transatlantic cluster

    Heimtextil 2027

    Heimtextil in January 2027 opens the new year with the parallel launch of Hospitality Interiors Europe, creating a new platform for hospitality textiles and interiors

    Event dates for interihotel, InOut, Independent Hotel Show, Hotel & Resort Innovation Expo, and Hotel & Resort Design South are confirmed from official event websites and trade press. Heimtextil 2027 dates are indicative based on typical January scheduling and should be confirmed with Messe Frankfurt

    Plan your trip

    Travel & logistics

    Local currency · GBP

    Arrival airports

    Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

    LCY

    London City Airport

    The closest airport to Excel London, with flights from over 30 destinations. Direct DLR connection to Custom House station

    Less than 2 miles (2.1 km)

    to venue

    About 5 minutes by car; 10-17 minutes by DLR

    by car

    LHR

    Heathrow Airport

    Direct Elizabeth line train from Heathrow to Custom House station, making Excel one of the most connected venues in Europe

    Around 25 miles

    to venue

    About 43-45 minutes by Elizabeth line direct to Custom House

    by car

    LGW

    Gatwick Airport

    Accessible via Victoria and the London transport network

    Approximately 40 miles

    to venue

    Around 1 hour 20 minutes by car

    by car

    STN

    Stansted Airport

    Accessible via Liverpool Street and the London transport network

    Approximately 40 miles

    to venue

    Around 1 hour by car

    by car

    Hotel tiers

    A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

    Budget
    Royal Docks / Custom House

    USD 70–130 / night

    Practical, well-located options within walking distance of Excel London. Examples include ibis London ExCeL-Docklands (from GBP 89/night), Prince Regent Hotel (from GBP 63/night), Travelodge London Excel, and Moxy London Excel (from USD 114/night). Prices are estimates and can spike during major events

    Mid-range
    Royal Docks / Custom House

    USD 120–220 / night

    Comfortable 3-4 star hotels close to the venue. Examples include Hampton by Hilton London Excel (10-minute walk), Holiday Inn Express London ExCeL (from USD 87/night), Aloft London Excel (directly connected to the venue), and Novotel London ExCeL (from USD 109/night). Prices are estimates

    Premium
    Royal Docks / Canary Wharf

    USD 200–450 / night

    Upscale 4-star and luxury options. Examples include Crowne Plaza London Docklands (6-minute walk, from USD 202/night), Sunborn London Yacht Hotel (less than a minute's walk), and DoubleTree by Hilton London ExCeL. Prices are estimates

    Local transport

    Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

    Elizabeth line

    Estimated cost£3.10-£3.80 per journey (off-peak/peak contactless)
    Best forCustom House station to ExCeL London (west entrance)

    Direct connection to central London, Canary Wharf, and Heathrow Airport. Custom House station is approximately 200 metres from the west entrance via a covered walkway. Trains every 10 minutes

    DLR (Docklands Light Railway)

    Estimated cost£2.80-£3.80 per journey
    Best forCustom House (west entrance) or Prince Regent (east entrance)

    Three DLR stations serve ExCeL London: Custom House, Prince Regent, and Royal Victoria. Custom House is 200 metres from the west entrance and Prince Regent is 200 metres from the east entrance

    London Underground

    Estimated cost£2.80-£3.60 per journey (off-peak/peak contactless)
    Best forJubilee line to Canning Town, then transfer to DLR or Elizabeth line

    The Jubilee line connects to Canning Town where you can transfer to the DLR or Elizabeth line for the short journey to Custom House. Daily cap for Zones 1-2 is £8.90 with contactless

    Bus

    Estimated cost£1.75 per journey (Hopper fare: unlimited bus changes within one hour)
    Best forMultiple bus routes serve the Royal Docks area

    London buses offer the cheapest public transport option. Daily bus and tram cap is £5.25. Contactless or Oyster payment only; cash is not accepted

    Black cab / Taxi

    Estimated cost£8.40-£13.20 for one mile; £12.60-£20.40 for two miles; £33-£45 for six miles
    Best forDrop-off and pick-up at West Taxi Rank, postcode E16 1XL

    Black cabs are metered and TfL-regulated. Minimum fare is £4.40 (from 25 April 2026). Every black cab accepts card and contactless without surcharge. The only passenger drop-off point is the West Taxi Rank on Western Gateway

    Ride-hailing (Uber, Bolt)

    Estimated costVaries by distance and demand
    Best forDrop-off and pick-up at West Taxi Rank, postcode E16 1XL

    All ride-hail drop-offs and pick-ups happen at the West Taxi Rank on Western Gateway (E16 1XL). Do not use postcode E16 1FR for drop-off—that is the car park entrance on Sandstone Lane. ExCeL enforces a strict no-idle policy at the rank

    IFS Cloud Cable Car (London Cable Car)

    Estimated cost£3.50 single with 50% event discount
    Best forRoyal Docks to Greenwich Peninsula

    Scenic aerial crossing of the Thames soaring 300ft above the river with views of the city skyline. All exhibitors and visitors to ExCeL are offered an exclusive 50% discount. Adjacent to the venue

    River bus (Uber Boat by Thames Clippers)

    Estimated cost£6.20-£7.40 per journey (Oyster/contactless)
    Best forThames Clippers services to North Greenwich or Canary Wharf, then DLR or Elizabeth line

    Scenic river route along the Thames. Alight at North Greenwich or Canary Wharf and connect to the DLR or Elizabeth line for ExCeL. Booking online or via the app is cheaper than buying at the pier

    Walking

    Estimated costFree
    Best forCustom House station to west entrance; Prince Regent station to east entrance

    Custom House station is approximately 200 metres from the west entrance via a covered walkway (under 2 minutes). Prince Regent station is approximately 200 metres from the east entrance. The venue spans approximately 600 metres from west to east entrance

    Plan your trip

    Visa & entry documents

    Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

    Visa not required
    ATA Carnet: accepted
    TypeWho needs itFeeProcessing
    Standard Visitor visaNationals of countries who do not qualify for visa-free entry or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), including many African, Asian and Middle Eastern nationalities. Check the UK government's visa check tool for your specific nationality—Typically within 3 weeks, but times vary by country and season
    Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)Nationals of eligible visa-exempt countries including all EU/EEA countries, the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Brazil, Mexico, and many others. The full list of 80+ eligible nationalities is published in the Immigration Rules Appendix ETA National List. British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA—Usually within 3 working days, but apply in advance of travel

    British and Irish citizens do not need a visa or an ETA to enter the UK. Many nationalities can visit the UK visa-free for up to 6 months but must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. This includes nationals of all EU/EEA countries, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Brazil, Mexico, and many other countries. Nationals of countries not on the ETA national list must apply for a Standard Visitor visa before travelling. Some nationalities may be able to visit for up to 6 months without needing a visa or an ETA. Always check the UK government's visa check tool for your specific nationality before making travel plans

    The UK accepts ATA Carnets for the temporary import of goods for trade fairs, exhibitions, commercial samples, and professional equipment. The ATA Carnet is an international customs document that permits duty-free and tax-free temporary import of goods for up to one year. It allows exhibitors to move goods temporarily between countries participating in the ATA Carnet system without paying duties or taxes. Consumable goods such as food, beverages, and agricultural products, as well as items intended for sale, hire, or processing in foreign countries, are excluded. The Carnet must be presented at every instance of entry, exit, or transit. In the UK, ATA Carnets are issued by the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) through their ecarnet system. From 1 June 2026, the UK, EU, Norway and Switzerland introduced digital ATA Carnets. The issue fee for LCCI members is £225 plus VAT (£270 total); for non-members it is £370 plus VAT (£444 total). An express service is available at higher cost. Applicants must also provide security which relates to the value of the goods being temporarily exported. Apply through your national guaranteeing association (LCCI for UK-based exhibitors)

    Official visa page

    Weather

    November in London is typically cool and often wet. Average daytime temperatures range from 8-11°C (46-52°F), with average lows around 6°C (43°F) and highs around 11°C (53°F). November is one of the rainiest months, with an average of 8 rain days and roughly 2.1 inches of monthly rainfall. Overcast skies are common

    Plan for the climate

    Check temperatures and pack accordingly

    Venue connectivity

    Excel London is one of the most well-connected venues in London. The venue is served by an Elizabeth line station (Custom House), three DLR stations (Custom House, Prince Regent, and Royal Victoria), numerous bus stops, and a cable car station. The Elizabeth line and DLR are the quickest routes to Excel. Alight at Custom House for the west entrance or Prince Regent for the east entrance and ICC's. Custom House DLR station is connected to Excel London by a covered walkway, with the entrance less than two minutes away. Services towards Beckton and Gallions Reach stop at Custom House, with easy connections from the Jubilee line at Canning Town. London is connected by rail to all major cities in the UK, and it's a short hop from any of the London rail stations to Excel. The IFS Cloud Cable Car offers a scenic route across the Thames with 50% discount for Excel visitors. A single DLR or Elizabeth line journey within London typically costs £1.90-£3.80 depending on zones

    Ride-hailing

    Taxis

    Public transit

    Car rentals

    Cultural notes

    Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

    London business etiquette

    Londoners tend to be polite but reserved. Queuing is sacred—never skip the queue. Standing on the right side of escalators and keeping quiet on the tube are unspoken rules. 'Sorry' and 'cheers' are used frequently in everyday conversation. Business meetings are typically punctual; arrive on time. Tipping is expected in restaurants (10-12% of the bill) but not typically in pubs

    London hotel design scene

    London's hotel sector is in the middle of one of its most significant design resets in a generation. A wave of openings, refurbishments and brand repositionings is reshaping the capital's hospitality estate. Mandarin Oriental, Raffles, Peninsula, Ruby, citizenM, The Standard, Nobu and Soho House are all expanding their London footprints. Better-designed hotels deliver measurable RevPAR and occupancy uplift, making design a yield driver rather than a cost line

    Royal Docks area

    Excel London is located in the historic Royal Docks, a vibrant hub of arts, culture, water sports, experiences and dockside dining along London's largest body of useable water. The area has undergone significant regeneration and is now home to the Immerse LDN entertainment district. The IFS Cloud Cable Car soars 300ft above the river with stunning views of the city skyline. Royal Victoria Dock is on the venue's doorstep

    Practical guides

    Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

    Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

    Flights

    Destination: London Heathrow (LHR), London City (LCY), Gatwick (LGW), Stansted (STN)

    London is one of the world's busiest international business hubs and can be reached by more people, from more destinations, in less time than any other city. Book flights early for the best fares, especially for late November travel around the Thanksgiving holiday period in the US. London City Airport is the closest to the venue, with Heathrow offering the most international connections and a direct Elizabeth line train to Custom House

    Visa

    Most international visitors need either a Standard Visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK for HIX Europe 2026. The requirement depends on nationality. British and Irish citizens do not need a visa or ETA. Nationals of the EU/EEA, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Brazil, Mexico and many other visa-exempt countries need an ETA (cost £20). Nationals of countries not on the ETA national list must apply for a Standard Visitor visa (cost £135 for a 6-month visa) before travelling

    Processing: ETA: usually within 3 working days. Standard Visitor visa: typically within 3 weeks

    HIX Europe does not publish a dedicated visa letter or invitation letter service on its official website. Attendees requiring a visa letter for their application should contact the HIX Europe team at info@hixevent.com. The event takes place 25-26 November 2026 at Excel London. Business visitors attending trade fairs to promote their business are permitted under the Standard Visitor visa and ETA routes (selling goods is not permitted). Exhibitors bringing goods to the UK should consider an ATA Carnet to avoid customs duties and taxes

    Official

    Hotels

    Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.

    Areas to stay

    Royal Docks / Custom House (closest to venue) · Canary Wharf (short Elizabeth line or DLR ride) · Central London (30-45 minutes via Elizabeth line)

    Budget

    $70-$130 per night

    Mid-range

    $120-$220 per night

    Premium

    $200-$450 per night

    Transport

    Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

    Airport → venue: From Heathrow (LHR), take the Elizabeth line direct to Custom House station (about 45 minutes). From London City Airport (LCY), take the DLR to Custom House (10-17 minutes). From Gatwick (LGW), take the train to Victoria then the Elizabeth line or DLR. From Stansted (STN), take the train to Liverpool Street then the Elizabeth line

    Hotel → venue: Most hotels in the Royal Docks/Custom House area are within a 5-15 minute walk of Excel London. Hotels in Canary Wharf or central London are a short Elizabeth line or DLR ride away

    Ride-hail: Uber, Bolt, and black cabs are widely available. The only passenger drop-off point is the West Taxi Rank at E16 1XL. Do not use E16 1FR as a drop-off point—that is the car park entrance

    Public transit: The Elizabeth line and DLR serve Custom House station (west entrance), directly connected to Excel London via a covered walkway (under 2 minutes' walk). The DLR also serves Prince Regent station (east entrance). A single journey within London costs £1.90-£3.80 with contactless payment

    Parking: On-site parking at Excel London costs £27.50 per day when pre-booked at least 12 hours in advance, or £30 on the day. The car park has 1,867 spaces and a 1.9m height restriction. Motorcycle parking is free. Coach and minibus parking is £50 per day (pre-book only)

    Weather

    Plan and pack for the event climate.

    Month: November

    Temperature: 8-11°C (46-52°F)

    Seasonality: November is one of the rainiest months in London, with an average of 8 rain days and roughly 2.1 inches (53mm) of monthly rainfall. Overcast skies are common

    Packing: Pack layers, a waterproof jacket, and comfortable walking shoes. An umbrella is essential. Indoor venues are heated, so removable layers work best

    Itinerary builder

    Add priorities and side trips to make the most of your visit.

    Add side trips

    Default day plan

    1. 09:00Arrive at Custom House via Elizabeth line
    2. 10:00Explore HIX Europe exhibition halls and product launches
    3. 12:30Networking lunch at one of 24 onsite food and drink options
    4. 14:00Attend HIX Talks panels and presentations
    5. 16:00Visit immersive installations and workshops
    6. 17:30Take the IFS Cloud Cable Car for views of the Royal Docks
    7. 19:00Evening networking at HIX social event

    Plan your trip

    Planning

    Best day to visit: Both days offer unique value

    Day 1 (Wednesday 25 November) offers extended hours until 8:30pm with evening networking and social events. Day 2 (Thursday 26 November) runs until 5:00pm and overlaps with the AHEAD Europe awards ceremony at MAGAZINE London. Visiting both days provides the fullest experience

    T

    Register for a free visitor pass and book travel — Registration is free. Book flights and accommodation early as November is a busy period in London. (Guidance, not an official deadline.)

    T

    Book accommodation near Excel London — Royal Docks and Custom House hotels fill quickly. Consider Aloft London Excel (directly connected) or Novotel London Excel (3-minute walk). (Guidance.)

    T

    Plan your show floor route and book talks — Review the exhibitor list and HIX Talks programme. Prioritise must-see stands and sessions. (Guidance.)

    T

    Download the event guide and confirm transport — Check Elizabeth line and DLR schedules. Pre-book parking if driving. (Guidance.)

    T

    Pack and prepare business cards or digital contact details — November in London is cool and wet; pack layers and a waterproof jacket. (Guidance.)

    T

    Confirm arrival time and venue entrance — Custom House station (Elizabeth line and DLR) connects to the west entrance via a covered walkway under two minutes. (Guidance.)

    Sample visitor itinerary

    Route-optimised day
    09:00

    Arrive at Custom House via Elizabeth line

    Custom House Station
    10:00

    Explore HIX Europe exhibition halls and product launches

    Excel London
    12:30

    Networking lunch at one of 24 onsite food and drink options

    Excel London
    14:00

    Attend HIX Talks panels and presentations

    Excel London
    16:00

    Visit immersive installations and workshops

    Excel London
    17:30

    Take the IFS Cloud Cable Car for views of the Royal Docks

    Royal Docks
    19:00

    Evening networking at HIX social event

    Excel London

    Side trips

    6

    Royal Victoria Dock

    Waterfront

    On the venue's doorstep

    London's largest body of useable water, with riverside walks, water sports, and views of the London Cable Car. (Recommendation.)

    IFS Cloud Cable Car (London Cable Car)

    Sightseeing

    Adjacent to the venue

    Scenic aerial crossing of the Thames soaring 300ft above the river with stunning views of the city skyline. 50% discount for Excel visitors. (Recommendation.)

    The O2

    Entertainment

    Short DLR or cable car ride

    Music venue, restaurants, and bars on the Greenwich Peninsula. (Recommendation.)

    Canary Wharf

    Shopping / Dining

    Short Elizabeth line or DLR ride

    Major business district with shops, restaurants, and bars. (Recommendation.)

    The Line

    Public Art Trail

    Along the Royal Docks and Greenwich Peninsula

    East London's free public sculpture trail featuring works by Laura Ford, Yinka Ilori and Helene Amouzou. (Recommendation.)

    Sunborn London

    Dining / Unique Experience

    Royal Victoria Dock

    Afternoon tea aboard the UK's only superyacht hotel. (Recommendation.)

    Networking spots

    5

    HIX Social Programme

    Official event networking

    Parties, receptions and networking sessions across the two days. Details are published by the organiser closer to the event

    The Fox Excel

    Pub / Bar

    Relaxed pub sprawling across different rooms of an old tobacco warehouse near Excel London. (Recommendation, not event-affiliated.)

    The Oiler Bar

    Bar

    Converted Royal Navy refuelling barge at Royal Victoria Beach. Floating beer garden with panoramic water views. (Recommendation, not event-affiliated.)

    Waterfront Street Kitchen & Bar

    Restaurant / Bar

    400-capacity all-day dining destination at Immerse LDN, one-minute walk from Excel west entrance. (Recommendation, not event-affiliated.)

    Heroica Lounge

    Pizzeria / Bar

    Italian pizzeria operating from a converted double-decker London bus at Western Gateway. (Recommendation, not event-affiliated.)

    Budget

    Costs & budget

    No public stand or booth pricing published on the official HIX Europe 2026 exhibitor pages. Exhibition bookings are handled by emailing hello@hixevent.com

    source

    Build your working budget

    Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.

    Estimated budget
    Live estimate
    • Hotel × 2 nights$186.00
    • Per diem × 2$160.00
    • Visa$150.00
    • Insurance$50.00
    • Flight — From New York (JFK) to London (LHR)$600.00
    Estimated total$1,146.00

    This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.

    Cost reference

    Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

    Visitor registration

    visitor · Free pass

    —

    official

    Parking

    visitor · Standard car

    GBP 20–30 / per day

    estimate

    Hotel accommodation

    visitor · Budget

    GBP 70–130 / per night

    estimate

    Hotel accommodation

    visitor · Mid-range

    GBP 120–220 / per night

    estimate

    Hotel accommodation

    visitor · Premium

    GBP 200–450 / per night

    estimate

    Public transport

    visitor · DLR / Elizabeth line

    GBP 1.9–3.8 / per journey

    estimate

    Cable car

    visitor · IFS Cloud Cable Car (50% event discount)

    GBP 3.5 / per journey

    estimate

    Visa

    visitor · Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

    GBP 20 / per person

    official

    Visa

    visitor · Standard Visitor visa

    GBP 135 / per person

    official

    Booth / stand space

    exhibitor · Not published

    —

    unknown

    Decision

    Visit, exhibit, or skip?

    Should you go?

    Answer 8 quick questions to see if HIX Europe 2026 is right for you

    QUESTION 1 OF 8

    What best describes your organisation's role in hotel design?

    Decision matrix

    Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.

    visit

    You are actively sourcing hotel interior products, need to meet multiple suppliers in one trip, or want to combine the show with the AHEAD Europe awards

    Best for

    Hotel operators, developers, architects, interior designers, specifiers, and procurement professionals sourcing hotel interior products and insights

    Min. budget

    $1,500.00

    Timeline

    T-30 to T-14: register, book travel and accommodation; T-7: download programme and plan sessions

    Risks

    November London weather may disrupt travel

    Popular talks and installations may fill up

    Hotel prices can rise closer to the event

    exhibit

    Your products or services are specified or purchased by hotel designers, operators, or developers, and you can commit to a stand build and staffing for two days

    Best for

    Manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers in hotel furniture, lighting, bathroom, surfaces, fabrics, technology, and wellness

    Timeline

    T-90: book space; T-60: finalise stand design and logistics; T-30: submit orders and register staff; T-14: confirm lead capture plan

    Risks

    No public stand pricing published; budget uncertainty

    Travel and accommodation costs for international teams

    Competition from other hotel design events

    skip

    Hotel interior design is not relevant to your role, you have no active or planned hotel project, or you cannot travel to London in November 2026

    Best for

    Professionals with no hotel design involvement, no current project, or severe travel constraints

    Timeline

    Not applicable

    Risks

    No major risks listed.

    Book with

    Partners

    Commercial Interiors UK

    Co-founding partner

    Commercial Interiors UK (CIUK) is the co-founding partner of HIX Europe, supporting the event as an important platform for the hospitality interiors sector and for CIUK-accredited members exhibiting at the show. CIUK provides a Member Map, stand presence, networking events, and editorial opportunities through Design Insider

    Visit partner Confidence: high

    Commercial Interiors UK official announcement

    AHEAD Europe

    Co-located awards partner

    AHEAD Europe, the industry's most coveted awards ceremony, joins HIX at MAGAZINE London on Thursday 26 November 2026, creating a seamless European hospitality design campus across both events

    Visit partner Confidence: high

    HIX Europe About page

    FAQs & glossary

    Answers

    Frequently asked

    Digital business cards for the show floor

    Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.

    Create a free card