Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The International Media MarketPlace (IMM) UK 2027 is a premier event connecting travel brands with top journalists, editors, and content creators. Celebrating its 15th year, IMM offers a platform for pre-scheduled meetings, allowing exhibitors to pitch stories and collaborate with media professionals.
The event also features The TravMedia Summit, which includes panel discussions and keynote sessions led by industry leaders. International Media MarketPlace (IMM) UK 2027 takes place in London,.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: 22-23 March 2027 at the QEII Centre, Broad Sanctuary, Westminster, London - a two-day, appointment-led media marketplace rather than a walk-around exhibition.
- 2Format: TravMedia's International Media Marketplace (IMM UK) runs on pre-scheduled, timed desk meetings that pair travel brands with journalists, editors and creators, instead of open stands and casual aisle traffic.
- 3Who Attends: Travel media on the buying side - national and regional travel editors, freelance writers, broadcast producers, guidebook authors and digital creators - plus the PR and marketing teams who represent destinations, hotels, airlines and tour operators.
- 4Exhibitor Side: Tourism boards, hotel groups, airlines, cruise lines, rail operators, DMCs and travel PR representation firms use the days to place 2027-2028 travel news with outlets that commission it.
- 5Entry: Registration is handled through travmedia.com; exhibitor packages and media accreditation follow separate application routes, so check which stream applies to you before booking travel.
Why visit
IMM UK 2027 provides a unique opportunity to network with leading travel media professionals, gain insights from industry experts, and establish valuable connections. Dates and Venue: International Media MarketPlace (IMM) UK 2027 takes place from 22-23 March 2027 at the QEII Centre in London. Scale and Focus: Celebrating its 15th year, IMM is the leading global networking event connecting the travel industry with media professionals. Buyer Authority: Attendees include top.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at IMM UK 2027 allows travel brands to connect directly with influential media professionals, pitch their stories, and secure valuable press coverage. Dates and Venue: International Media MarketPlace (IMM) UK 2027 takes place from 22-23 March 2027 at the QEII Centre in London. Scale and Focus: Celebrating its 15th year, IMM is the leading global networking event connecting the travel industry with media professionals. Organiser: Hosted by TravMedia, the event.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
National and regional newspaper travel editors commissioning spring and summer 2027 features
Freelance travel writers and guidebook authors sourcing destination, hotel and rail content
Broadcast and podcast producers looking for on-camera destinations, spokespeople and ready-made itineraries
Digital creators and newsletter writers covering luxury, family, adventure and city-break travel
Trade press reporters covering destination marketing, airline route news and hotel development
Photojournalists and content producers sourcing shoot locations and press-trip access
Represented-brand PR and marketing managers attending alongside their media guests
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
National and regional tourism boards presenting new campaigns, accessibility programmes and press-trip capacity for 2027-2028
Hotel groups and individual properties launching renovations, new openings and seasonal packages
Airlines and rail operators briefing media on route launches, cabin upgrades and timetable changes
Cruise lines and river-cruise operators announcing new ships, itineraries and homeports
Tour operators, DMCs and inbound specialists with new itineraries and departure seasons
Travel PR and representation agencies managing diaries on behalf of destination and hospitality clients
Travel technology and booking platforms explaining product launches to consumer and trade media
Luxury, wellness and experiential travel brands targeting long-lead glossy and lifestyle outlets
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Destination marketing campaigns and national tourism board news
Hotel openings, renovations and resort brand launches
Airline route launches, cabin products and loyalty programme changes
Rail travel products including sleeper services, rail passes and cross-border routes
Cruise and river-cruise itineraries, newbuilds and homeport announcements
Tour operator itineraries, escorted holidays and small-group departures
DMC and inbound operator services for group and incentive travel
Travel PR, representation and media-relations services
Travel technology: booking platforms, itinerary tools and guest-experience apps
Wellness, adventure, family and luxury travel experiences pitched to consumer media
Travel insurance, ancillaries and accessibility services
Location & Facilities
Venue
QEII Centre
London, United Kingdom
Facilities
Parking
QEII Centre in London typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: QEII Centre in London typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at QEII Centre for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Event days & opening times
DayOpening hours
22 – 23 March 2027:8:15 AM – 5:30 PM daily
Who runs the show
Organisers
TravMedia
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
London, United Kingdom
Why it matters
Attending International Media MarketPlace (IMM) UK 2027 on 2027-03-22 to 2027-03-23 in London lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · GBP
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
London Heathrow
The most practical gateway for IMM UK: Heathrow Express to Paddington in about 15 minutes, or the Elizabeth line for a cheaper through-fare, then taxi or Tube to Westminster
Approx. 24 km / 15 miles west of Westminster
to venue
45-60 min by road; 35-45 min by Elizabeth line plus a short transfer
by car
London City
Closest airport to the venue and the fastest option for European arrivals, with short immigration queues. DLR to Bank or Canning Town, then Jubilee line to Westminster
Approx. 14 km / 9 miles east of Westminster
to venue
30-40 min by road; about 25 min by DLR and Tube
by car
London Gatwick
Gatwick Express and Thameslink run frequent services to Victoria and London Bridge. Allow extra time on Monday mornings when commuter traffic peaks
Approx. 45 km / 28 miles south of Westminster
to venue
60-90 min by road; about 35 min by train to Victoria plus a short transfer
by car
London Stansted
Main gateway for many European low-cost routes. Stansted Express to Liverpool Street, then Circle or District line to Westminster
Approx. 60 km / 37 miles north-east of Westminster
to venue
60-90 min by road; about 50 min by Stansted Express to Liverpool Street
by car
London Luton
The DART shuttle links the terminal to Luton Airport Parkway, then Thameslink runs into St Pancras. Add 15 minutes for the shuttle connection
Approx. 55 km / 34 miles north of Westminster
to venue
60-80 min by road; about 45 min by DART and Thameslink to St Pancras
by car
London Southend
Smaller airport serving selected European routes. c2c services reach Fenchurch Street, then a short walk to Tower Hill for the Circle and District lines
Approx. 65 km / 40 miles east of Westminster
to venue
75-95 min by road; about 55 min by c2c to Fenchurch Street
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Budget chain hotels - Westminster and Victoria
Westminster / Victoria10-20 min walk or one Tube stop to venue
Compact rooms in reliable chain properties, best value for media attending solo. Book a flexible rate if your diary may shift between the two show days.
Mid-scale independents - St James's Park and Waterloo
St James's / Waterloo15-20 min walk to venue
Quieter streets, larger rooms and easier evening access to Westminster restaurants where follow-up meetings often move after the diary closes.
Four-star conference hotels - Victoria and Millbank
Victoria / Millbank10 min by taxi, 20-25 min on foot to venue
Common choice for exhibiting brand teams needing meeting space and reliable in-room work desks during the show week.
Upscale and heritage properties - Mayfair and Whitehall fringe
Mayfair / Whitehall fringe15-25 min by taxi or Tube to venue
Used for hosted media and senior marketing teams, and convenient for evening hospitality. Rates rise sharply around major London events, so book early.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
rail (Elizabeth line)
Estimated costApprox. GBP 13-17 single, pay as you go, Heathrow to Zone 1
Best forLondon Heathrow (LHR) to Paddington, then Westminster
Cheaper than the express and now the default airport rail option; change at Paddington for the Circle or District line toward Westminster. Confirm live fares.
rail (Heathrow Express)
Estimated costApprox. GBP 27-35 single when booked in advance
Best forLondon Heathrow (LHR) to Paddington
Fastest rail option at about 15 minutes to Paddington; walk-up fares are considerably higher, so buy ahead online. Add a Tube or taxi leg to reach the QEII Centre.
rail (Gatwick Express / Thameslink)
Estimated costApprox. GBP 12-21 single depending on service and booking time
Best forLondon Gatwick (LGW) to QEII Centre
Thameslink is usually the cheaper option; Gatwick Express is faster to Victoria. Both connect to the Circle and District lines for Westminster.
rail (Stansted Express)
Estimated costApprox. GBP 17-25 single, cheaper when booked ahead
Best forLondon Stansted (STN) to QEII Centre
About 50 minutes to Liverpool Street, then Circle line to Westminster. Allow extra time for passport control on peak arrivals.
rail (DART + Thameslink)
Estimated costApprox. GBP 15-23 single including the DART shuttle
Best forLondon Luton (LTN) to QEII Centre
The DART people mover takes about 4 minutes to the parkway station; Thameslink then runs into St Pancras in roughly 25 minutes.
light rail (DLR)
Estimated costApprox. GBP 3-6 single within Zones 1-3
Best forLondon City (LCY) to QEII Centre
The quickest airport-to-venue option overall; DLR from the terminal to Bank or Canning Town, then Jubilee line direct to Westminster.
rail (c2c)
Estimated costApprox. GBP 14-20 single
Best forLondon Southend (SEN) to QEII Centre
About 55 minutes to Fenchurch Street, then a short walk to Tower Hill for the Circle and District lines toward Westminster.
taxi / rideshare
Estimated costApprox. GBP 55-85 metered black cab or rideshare, more in peak traffic
Best forLondon Heathrow (LHR) to QEII Centre
Door-to-door but slower than rail in commute hours. Use the official taxi rank or a licensed app; confirm the fare estimate in the app before booking.
Weather
Late March in London is early spring and changeable: daytime highs typically around 9-12 C, night lows around 3-5 C, with a realistic chance of showers on either show day. The QEII Centre is an indoor venue, but the walk from Westminster station is exposed, so carry a compact umbrella and a warm layer. These are climatological ranges, not a forecast - check a short-range forecast in the week before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Central London has strong 4G and 5G coverage from EE, Vodafone, Three and O2, and pay-as-you-go SIM or eSIM plans are widely sold at airport shops and online. EU and many international visitors should check roaming terms before departure. Venue Wi-Fi policies at the QEII Centre vary by event and package, so confirm delegate access with TravMedia or bring a personal hotspot for desk meetings. Power sockets at desks are limited - bring a charged battery pack for a full diary day.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Meetings run on the clock
IMM UK diaries are timed rotations. Arrive a minute or two early, keep the pitch tight and end on schedule so the next journalist can take the seat.
Business dress
Smart business dress is standard for exhibiting teams; journalists often dress slightly more casually. March weather means a coat and umbrella are part of the working outfit.
Direct pitches are welcome
UK travel media expect a clear news line and a specific ask - a press-trip date, an interview slot or a first-look offer - rather than a general destination overview.
Follow-up etiquette
A short email the same day, with promised images or dates attached, is expected. Chasing within 24-48 hours is normal and generally well received.
Tipping and payments
Card and contactless payment are accepted almost everywhere in central London. Service charges are often included in restaurant bills; tipping 10-12 percent is customary where they are not.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: LHR
For a 22 March 2027 arrival, Heathrow (LHR) offers the widest nonstop choice into London: roughly 6 hr 50 min from New York JFK with British Airways and partners, about 7 hr 50 min from Dubai with Emirates and about 1 hr 45 min from Frankfurt. Long-haul routes from Tokyo, Singapore and Sydney typically involve one connection through a Gulf, Asian or European hub. Fares captured for the date range from typical to high, so book early, compare Heathrow with Gatwick and Stansted on price, and prefer arrivals the day before the show to avoid a same-morning transfer before your first appointment.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: London Heathrow (LHR): 45-60 min by road; 35-45 min by Elizabeth line plus a short transfer; London City (LCY): 30-40 min by road; about 25 min by DLR and Tube; London Gatwick (LGW): 60-90 min by road; about 35 min by train to Victoria plus a short transfer; London Stansted (STN): 60-90 min by road; about 50 min by Stansted Express to Liverpool Street. Allow road or rail time to QEII Centre; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near QEII Centre: Westminster / Victoria: Budget chain hotels - Westminster and Victoria; St James's / Waterloo: Mid-scale independents - St James's Park and Waterloo; Victoria / Millbank: Four-star conference hotels - Victoria and Millbank.
Ride-hail: Uber, Bolt and FREENOW operate across central London, with pick-up points around Parliament Square and Victoria Street, but the QEII Centre area has heavy traffic restrictions and no easy kerbside stop at peak times. For short hops inside Westminster, walking is usually quicker than a car. Book with the app before you leave the venue so the driver is not circling, and expect surge pricing around large events at the nearby conference and government venues.
Public transit: The QEII Centre sits between two London Underground stations: Westminster (Jubilee, District and Circle lines), a 5-8 minute walk via Parliament Square, and St James's Park (District and Circle lines), a similar walk through quieter streets. Contactless bank cards and mobile payments work at the gates, so a paper ticket is unnecessary. Buses run along Victoria Street and Whitehall with frequent routes into the West End and main rail terminals. Allow extra time on the first morning of the show for crowds around Westminster and for badge collection at the venue.
Parking: Parking near the QEII Centre is limited. The venue has a small on-site car park, and the surrounding streets in Westminster are heavily restricted and sit inside the Congestion Charge zone for weekday driving. Travellers who must drive should pre-book a public car park within walking distance, such as the Q-Park facility in Westminster, and confirm current daily rates and opening hours directly with the operator. For most attendees, rail into a Zone 1 terminal plus a short Tube ride removes the parking problem entirely.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: March (early spring, London)
Temperature: Typically 4-12 C across the two show days: daytime highs of about 9-12 C and night lows of about 3-5 C. These are climatological averages, not a forecast - check a short-range forecast in the week before travel.
Seasonality: March is a showery, unsettled month in London, with rain on roughly one day in three and gusty winds around Westminster. The QEII Centre is fully indoors, but the walk from Westminster station is exposed, so plan for a wet 10-minute walk at least once during the trip.
Packing: Pack layers rather than a heavy coat: a warm mid-layer, a waterproof outer shell and a compact umbrella. Comfortable shoes matter more than usual because you will move between desks and walk from the station. Bring a charged battery pack and a compact laptop for a full meeting diary, and a small bag that fits under a desk rather than a large case.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at International Media MarketPlace (IMM) UK 2027 usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
Day 14
Confirm your media accreditation status with TravMedia and check whether your badge is posted in advance or collected at the QEII Centre on arrival.
Day 12
Shortlist the desks you want. Match each destination, hotel group, airline or cruise line to an outlet or story format you can actually place in 2027.
Day 10
Book transport into London. Westminster is served by the Jubilee, District and Circle lines, so a Zone 1 hotel keeps daily transfers to minutes.
Day 9
Reserve accommodation in Westminster, Victoria, St James's or Waterloo; late March is a busy conference period in the capital.
Day 7
Draft three to five story angles you can pitch inside a short meeting, each with a named outlet or section in mind.
Day 6
Request or download the appointment diary and map the room layout so you know the walking order between desks.
Day 5
Prepare a lightweight kit: recorder, spare batteries, business cards, a compact laptop and a charger for a full meeting day.
Day 4
Check which brands have embargoed news and plan your publication calendar so coverage lands after the embargo lifts.
Day 3
Confirm any evening receptions or networking sessions with the organiser, as these are where follow-up interviews usually get agreed.
Day 2
Check the forecast - early spring London typically sits around 4-11 C with showers - and pack a compact umbrella and a warm layer.
Day 1
Charge all devices, sort an eSIM or roaming plan, and plan to arrive 30-45 minutes before your first appointment for badge collection.
Day 0
Arrive early, collect your badge, walk the room once, then log each meeting and the promised follow-up while the details are fresh.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at QEII Centre
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2International Media MarketPlace (IMM) UK 2027 registration concourse
QEII Centre
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
QEII Centre
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights£190.00
- Per diem × 2£150.00
Estimated total£340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether International Media MarketPlace (IMM) UK 2027 fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Travel & Tourism solutions and benchmarking suppliers at International Media MarketPlace (IMM) UK 2027 in London.
Min. budget
$450.00
Timeline
4–8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change — confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Travel & Tourism products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,200.00
Timeline
3–6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall — confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the London show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
What is TravMedia IMM UK and how is it different from a normal travel trade show?
IMM UK is an appointment-led media marketplace. Rather than browsing stands, exhibiting travel brands are assigned desks and media work through a diary of short, pre-booked meetings. The purpose is coverage and story placement, so the value comes from who is in your schedule, not from footfall in a hall.
When and where does the 2027 edition take place?
22-23 March 2027 at the QEII Centre in Westminster, central London. The venue sits opposite Westminster Abbey, a short walk from Westminster and St James's Park London Underground stations.
Who exhibits at IMM UK?
Typically national and regional tourism boards, hotel groups and individual properties, airlines and rail operators, cruise lines, tour operators, DMCs and the PR agencies that represent them. Each uses the diary to brief media on news for the coming season.
Do journalists pay to attend?
Media participation is by application through TravMedia and is screened for commissioning status. Terms for accredited media, including any deposit or no-show policy, are confirmed by the organiser during registration - check the current terms before you book travel.
How are meetings scheduled?
Diaries are built in advance through the event platform, with brands and media expressing preferences before appointments are confirmed. Expect short rotations rather than open-ended conversations, so arrive with a written list of priority desks and a one-line pitch for each.
Is IMM UK open to the general public?
No. It is a trade and media event: exhibiting brands, their agencies and accredited travel journalists. Consumer visitors cannot buy tickets at the door, and registration is vetted by the organiser.
What should an exhibitor bring to a desk meeting?
A one-page news release with an embargo date, a fact sheet, links or a QR code to high-resolution images and b-roll, spokesperson contact details and a short list of realistic press-trip options. Screens and power are limited, so bring a charged laptop and printed leave-behinds.
How do I get to the QEII Centre from London's airports?
Heathrow is the simplest: the Elizabeth line or Heathrow Express into Paddington, then a short cab or Tube ride to Westminster. Gatwick, Stansted and Luton all connect by express rail to central London terminals with onward Tube or taxi transfer. Allow 60-90 minutes door to door from the outer airports.
Where should media stay during the show?
Westminster, Victoria, St James's and Waterloo are all within walking or one-stop Tube distance of the QEII Centre. Staying inside Zone 1 removes the need for daily airport transfers and keeps evening follow-up meetings practical.
What is the dress code and meeting etiquette?
Smart business dress is the norm, with journalists often slightly more casual than exhibiting marketing teams. Meetings start and finish on schedule, so arrive a few minutes early, keep to the allotted slot and confirm the follow-up by email the same day.
Can I attend only one of the two days?
Diaries typically run across both days, so a single-day attendance limits how many desks you can reach. If you can only manage one day, tell the organiser at registration so appointments are concentrated in your window.
Glossary
- IMM (International Media Marketplace)
- TravMedia's appointment-based format in which travel brands sit at assigned desks and media rotate through timed meetings, replacing the open exhibition-hall model with a scheduled diary.
- Pre-scheduled appointment
- A short meeting booked in advance between an exhibiting brand and a journalist. At IMM UK the diary is the core of the event, so attendees plan which desks to prioritise before arriving in London.
- Press trip (FAM trip)
- A hosted visit arranged by a destination, hotel or operator so a journalist can experience the product first hand. Many IMM conversations end with a press-trip invitation or a request for dates.
- Media kit
- The pack a brand brings to the desk: news release, fact sheet, high-resolution imagery, spokesperson bios and footage links. At a meetings-led show the kit has to work as a leave-behind, not a stand give-away.
- Embargo
- An agreed date and time before which a journalist will not publish a story. Brands launching route, hotel or itinerary news at IMM UK normally state the embargo on the release itself.
- DMO (destination marketing organisation)
- A tourism board or city marketing body, such as a national tourist office or a regional visitor authority, that exhibits to place destination stories and coordinate press visits.
- Pitch angle
- The specific story a journalist can sell to an editor, for example a new sleeper rail route or a reopened heritage hotel, as distinct from a general description of a destination.
- Earned media
- Coverage generated because an outlet chose to run the story, as opposed to paid advertising or advertorial. IMM UK exists to generate earned coverage and broadcast segments.
- Advertorial and sponsored content
- Paid or sponsored placements that sit alongside editorial. Media attending IMM UK usually separate commercial content from the editorial commissions they discuss at desks.
- Inbound and outbound operator
- Inbound operators build itineraries for visitors arriving in a destination; outbound operators sell travel to their own market. Both attend to brief media on new programmes and departure seasons.
- Broadcast-ready asset
- Video, b-roll or audio supplied in a format a TV or radio producer can use without re-editing, increasingly requested by creators and broadcasters booking meetings at the show.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- International Media Marketplace UK 2027
- IMM UK 2027
- travel media events
- travel PR networking
- London travel events
- International Media MarketPlace (IMM) UK 2027 London
- International Media MarketPlace 2027
- International Media MarketPlace London 2027
- IMM 2027
- IMM London 2027
2 more alternate names hidden
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