Recruitment Agency Expo London 2027 runs 16-17 March at ExCeL London.
Dates
16–17 Mar 2027
City / country
London, United Kingdom
Venue
ExCeL London
Time
9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Event overview
Recruitment Agency Expo London 2027 takes place on 16-17 March at ExCeL London, bringing UK recruitment and staffing agency leaders together with the suppliers and advisers that help them grow.
The free two-day show combines an exhibition of 100+ solution providers with 60 free-to-attend seminars and 30+ hours of CPD-accredited content.
Owners, directors and senior consultants use it to compare ATS, CRM, payroll, compliance and talent-sourcing tools in one visit.
TL;DR
Visit to compare recruitment software, payroll, compliance and funding suppliers side by side, then sit in free CPD-accredited seminars led by agency practitioners. The show is built for owners, directors and senior consultants who need practical answers on AI adoption, candidate sourcing and agency growth rather than generic HR content.
Exhibit to reach thousands of agency owners, directors and senior decision-makers who are actively reviewing suppliers for 2027. A stand at ExCeL puts your brand in front of buyers with budget authority, while the seminar programme and networking app create additional routes to qualified conversations before, during and after the show.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
Halls & areas
1ExCeL London, One Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London E16 1XL, United Kingdom
Entrances & gates
Custom House entrance
Closest entrance for Elizabeth Line and DLR arrivals.
Venue car parks are located underneath and adjacent to ExCeL London; pre-book where possible and allow for peak arrival traffic.
Step-free walking route from Custom House station into the exhibition halls;ExCeL has accessible entrances and lifts.
Food options
ExCeL London cafés and food court
On-site diningParking: On-site car parks sit underneath and adjacent to the venue; follow signs from the A13/A406 approach and allow extra time at peak periods.
Gate: Enter through the main ExCeL entrance closest to Custom House station; the exhibition halls are a short step-free walk from the DLR and Elizabeth Line exit.
Attend
Event days & opening times
Visitor pass
Free attendance including all seminars; register online in advance.
Ticket info
Badge collection
Bring your registration confirmation and collect your badge at the ExCeL registration desk before entering the halls.
Ticket notes
A single free badge covers both days and all seminars; on-site registration may be possible but advance registration is recommended.
What's on
Joanne Lockwood
CEO / Director @ SEE Change Happen
Inclusion and recruitment practice
Johnny Campbell
CEO @ SocialTalent
Recruitment learning and sourcing
Julie Greenwood
CEO @ Gaia Recruitment
Agency leadership
Deborah Meaden
Entrepreneur @ Dragons’ Den
Business growth and entrepreneurship
Courteney Noonan
LinkedIn Growth Specialist @ Paiger
LinkedIn and recruitment marketing
Neil Carberry
Chief Executive @ REC
Recruitment industry outlook
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2026
This edition
2027
Visitors: 4,000
Exhibitors: 100
Next edition
2027
The next announced edition in the portfolio is Recruitment Agency Expo Manchester 2027 on 6-7 October 2027, giving northern agencies a regional alternative to the London show.
Regional Manchester edition on 6-7 October 2027 Same free-to-attend seminar format
Edition recap
The 2026 London edition closed on 18 March after two days at ExCeL London, with the organiser thanking speakers, exhibitors and visitors. The 2027 edition returns to the same venue on 16-17 March.
New this edition
Photos
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Testimonials
Oh, it’s wonderful. No matter what area of recruitment you’re in - technology, support, training - there’s something for everyone.
Impact
The London show concentrates agency owners and senior decision-makers at a free ExCeL event, which lowers the cost of meeting qualified buyers compared with a standalone roadshow. Its impact is strongest for suppliers selling software, payroll, funding, compliance or sourcing services into UK staffing agencies, where a two-day window can generate a year of pipeline.
Audience quality
The audience is deliberately senior: agency owners, managing directors, CEO/directors, senior consultants and heads of department. That mix suits suppliers with a considered sales cycle, especially where the buyer needs to compare systems or understand compliance before committing. It is less suitable for high-volume consumer lead generation.
Exhibitor outcomes
ROI depends on stand size and follow-up discipline rather than footfall alone. A 9 sqm shell with two staff and a booked meeting schedule can cover the show cost through a handful of qualified software or payroll conversations; larger raw-space builds need a pre-booked meeting programme and a 48-hour follow-up SLA to justify the spend.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
London is the largest recruitment agency market in the UK and the natural meeting point for staffing leaders, software vendors and finance partners. A free, CPD-rich show at ExCeL concentrates buyer attention in two days, making it a efficient place to compare tools and build supplier relationships before the new financial year.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
AI moves from pilot to daily sourcing workflow
Agencies are embedding AI matching, CV search and automated outreach into consultant workflows rather than running standalone experiments. Buyers now ask vendors for measurable time-to-shortlist gains and clear data-handling terms.
What it changes: AI capability is becoming a baseline requirement in ATS and sourcing pitches, so the show is a practical benchmarking exercise.
Back-office automation protects margin
Payroll, invoicing, compliance checks and funding are being consolidated into fewer platforms as agencies look to reduce admin cost per placement and improve cash flow visibility.
What it changes: Finance and operations leaders increasingly influence software buying alongside agency owners.
Compliance and data protection shape supplier choice
GDPR, off-payroll rules and candidate data governance are now standard procurement questions. Vendors that can evidence secure data handling and audit trails have an advantage in agency deals.
What it changes: Compliance risk sits with the agency, so legal and data questions are part of every serious supplier evaluation.
The London flagship anchors a UK circuit that includes a Manchester edition and specialist recruitment and HR technology shows. Buyers often combine the free London expo with one regional or specialist event to cover sourcing, HR tech and agency operations.
HR Technologies UK 2027
London, United Kingdom
Approximate circuit dates; the event usually runs at ExCeL London in spring.
websiteRecFest 2027
London, United Kingdom
Approximate circuit dates; confirm the final 2027 calendar with the organiser.
websiteRecruitment Agency Expo Manchester 2027
Manchester, United Kingdom
Dates shown on the official Manchester visitor page; venue and agenda details to be confirmed by the organiser.
websiteSpring London window
Two ExCeL events within five weeks; combine travel if both matter to your team.
Autumn regional window
Manchester and the summer festival suit teams that cannot travel in March.
London dates and hours are from the official show pages; circuit dates outside the London edition are approximate and should be confirmed.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
London City Airport
Closest airport for Docklands and ExCeL; DLR connections run to Custom House.
About 5 km
to venue
15-20 minutes
by car
Heathrow Airport
Largest international gateway; Elizabeth Line connects to Custom House without changing to the DLR.
About 38 km
to venue
50-70 minutes
by car
Gatwick Airport
Use Thameslink or Southern into central London, then the Elizabeth Line to Custom House.
About 50 km
to venue
60-80 minutes
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 110–160 / night
Simple rooms within a short DLR ride or walk of ExCeL; book early for March.
USD 180–260 / night
Closest cluster to the halls, with breakfast and easy walking access.
USD 300–450 / night
Higher-spec rooms with river views; 15-25 minutes by DLR or Elizabeth Line.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
DLR
Custom House is directly next to the venue; contactless or Oyster fares apply.
Elizabeth Line
Fast direct service from Liverpool Street, Paddington, Farringdon and Bond Street.
Taxi / ride-hail
Allow extra time at peak; drop-off points are signposted around the venue.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Visitor visa | Visa nationals travelling for business meetings or a trade show | $160.00 | Typically around 3 weeks |
UK and Irish citizens do not need a visa; many EU and Commonwealth visitors can enter visa-free for short business visits, but check GOV.UK before booking.
ATA Carnet can simplify temporary import of exhibition goods; confirm with your freight agent and UK customs.
Official visa pageWeather
March in London is cool and changeable, typically 5-11°C with a mix of bright spells and showers. Pack a waterproof layer and comfortable shoes for the walk from Custom House.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
ExCeL has venue Wi-Fi; mobile coverage is strong across Docklands. Download the show app and save your registration QR code before travelling.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Queueing and personal space
Londoners queue politely and expect the same on public transport and at coffee counters. Keep left on escalators and stand to the side when checking your phone.
Tipping and payment
Contactless card payment is standard across London, including on transport. Restaurant tips of 10-12.5% are common where a service charge is not already added.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: London City (LCY) or Heathrow (LHR)
Book 6-10 weeks ahead for March; Tuesday arrivals are busier because the show opens that morning.
Book flightsUK and Irish citizens need no visa. Many other visitors can enter visa-free for short business visits, but visa nationals should apply for a Standard Visitor visa before travel.
Estimated cost: GBP 127 (about USD 160)
Processing: Around 3 weeks
Carry your registration confirmation, hotel booking and return travel details.
OfficialPartnerGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: From LCY take the DLR to Custom House; from Heathrow use the Elizabeth Line direct to Custom House.
Hotel → venue: Most Royal Victoria Dock hotels are a 5-15 minute walk; Canning Town hotels are one or two DLR stops.
Ride-hail: Uber and local minicabs serve ExCeL; use the signed drop-off areas rather than the taxi rank at peak times.
Public transit: Custom House is served by the Elizabeth Line and DLR and sits directly next to the venue.
Parking: On-site car parks are underneath and adjacent to ExCeL; pre-book and allow for peak arrival traffic.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: March
Temperature: 5-11°C
Seasonality: Changeable spring weather with a good chance of showers; wind off the docks can feel cold.
Packing: Bring a waterproof jacket, layers and comfortable shoes for walking between halls and the station.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Day 1 (Tuesday 16 March 2027)
Day one has the longest opening hours, 09:30-17:30, and typically carries the opening keynote and the fullest seminar programme. Visiting on Tuesday also leaves Wednesday for follow-up meetings or a second pass at suppliers.
Register for a free visitor pass — Use the official registration page and save the confirmation email.
Book hotel and travel — Royal Victoria Dock hotels fill first; check free cancellation.
Shortlist seminars and exhibitors — Build a personal agenda in the show app once the programme is live.
Confirm meetings — Message target suppliers and book stand appointments.
Pack and plan the route — Check Elizabeth Line or DLR service updates and carry a charged phone.
Arrive, clear security and collect badge
ExCeL main entranceOpening seminar on agency growth
Seminar stageSupplier meetings on the exhibition floor
Exhibition hallAfternoon CPD session and networking
Networking loungeGreenwich and the Cutty Sark
Historic Riverside
15-20 minutes by DLR
Easy post-show walk through maritime Greenwich and the market.
Canary Wharf riverside
Urban Walk
10 minutes by Elizabeth Line
Restaurants and river views close to the venue for evening meetings.
ExCeL networking lounge
On-site
Use the show lounge for short meetings between sessions.
Royal Victoria Dock waterfront
Riverside
A short walk from the halls for informal coffees and evening drinks.
Recruitment suppliers typically compete for the same agency buyers after a London show. A 48-hour follow-up with a specific next step outperforms a bulk newsletter, especially when the buyer has collected several competing proposals.
Budget
Shell scheme
GBP 220–320 / m²
Raw space
GBP 450–650 / m²
Standard booth
9 m²
Indicative London exhibition rates, not a published 2027 tariff; request the official exhibitor manual for firm pricing.
sourceAdjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
booth
exhibitor · shell 9 sqm
GBP 1980–2880 / per stand
booth
exhibitor · raw space 36 sqm
GBP 16200–23400 / per stand
hotel
both · mid
GBP 180–260 / per night
per_diem
both · standard
GBP 55–95 / per day
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| booth | exhibitor | shell 9 sqm | GBP 1980–2880 / per stand | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| booth | exhibitor | raw space 36 sqm | GBP 16200–23400 / per stand | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| hotel | both | mid | GBP 180–260 / per night | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| per_diem | both | standard | GBP 55–95 / per day | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
Decision
Six quick questions to decide whether to visit, exhibit or skip Recruitment Agency Expo London 2027.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
Do you influence supplier decisions for a recruitment agency?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You have an active supplier review and can travel to London in March.
Best for
Agency owners and senior consultants comparing software, payroll, funding or compliance partners
Min. budget
$300.00
Timeline
One day plus travel
Risks
Seminar clashes
Too many suppliers to cover in one day
exhibit
You can staff the stand for both days and follow up within 48 hours.
Best for
Recruitment software, payroll, funding, assessment and legal suppliers selling to UK agencies
Min. budget
$3,500.00
Timeline
Book 8-12 weeks ahead
Risks
Stand costs exceed pipeline
Weak follow-up wastes leads
skip
Neither visiting nor exhibiting supports a current business objective.
Best for
Buyers outside recruitment or staffing, or teams with no 2027 supplier project
Timeline
None
Risks
Missing competitor intelligence
Losing an early look at new tools
Book with
ExCeL London
Docklands exhibition centre hosting the 2027 London edition.
Venue named on the official travel page.
Transport for London
Runs the DLR and Elizabeth Line services to Custom House.
Official transport information for reaching the venue.
Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC)
UK recruitment industry body representing staffing agencies.
Relevant industry association; not confirmed as a 2027 show partner.
Department for Business and Trade
UK government department supporting business and trade.
Public body resource for UK market entry; not a confirmed show sponsor.
Recommended providers
Check whether you need a Standard Visitor visa before booking.
The show promotes HotelMap for preferential London hotel rates.
Compare fares into LCY or LHR; book 6-10 weeks ahead.
Exhibition freight and on-site handling; confirm the appointed contractor in the manual.
Public liability and exhibition cover for exhibitors.
Plan Greenwich, Canary Wharf or central London around the show.
Badge scanning and lead-capture options; check the official show provider first.
Gallery
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
6 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
4
References
1
Publishers
4
Date checked
Recruitment Agency Expo
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
