Retrain Expo is the premier event for retraining and upskilling, taking place on 11-12 November 2026 at ExCeL London, UK. Join industry leaders and professionals to explore innovative solutions and strategies.
Dates
11–12 Nov 2026
City / country
London, United Kingdom
Venue
ExCeL London
Time
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Are you the organiser of this event?
Event overview
Retrain Expo is the leading event focused on retraining and upskilling, scheduled for 11-12 November 2026 at ExCeL London. This exhibition will showcase a variety of solutions aimed at enhancing workforce skills and adaptability in a rapidly changing job market.
Attendees will have the opportunity to network with industry leaders, participate in seminars, and discover the latest trends in training and development. Retrain Expo takes place in London, United Kingdom.
TL;DR
Attending Retrain Expo provides valuable insights into the latest training methodologies and technologies. Network with industry leaders and peers, gain knowledge from expert speakers, and explore innovative solutions tailored to enhance workforce skills. This event is essential for HR professionals and business leaders looking to stay ahead in the evolving job market.
Exhibiting at Retrain Expo offers unparalleled exposure to a targeted audience of decision-makers in the training and development sector. Showcase your products and services, engage with potential clients, and build lasting business relationships. This is a unique opportunity to position your brand as a leader in the retraining and upskilling space.
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
Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London, E16 1XL
ExCeL London 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: ExCeL London 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 ExCeL London for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Event days & opening times
Who runs the show
Business Show Media Ltd
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2025
Next edition
Not announced yet
Edition recap
Impact
Retrain Expo returned to ExCeL London for its 2025 edition. The show schedule and show guide were published on the official website. No post-show report with visitor or exhibitor counts was found in the available search results.
Audience quality
Retrain Expo returned to ExCeL London for its 2025 edition. The show schedule and show guide were published on the official website. No post-show report with visitor or exhibitor counts was found in the available search results.
Exhibitor outcomes
Retrain Expo returned to ExCeL London for its 2025 edition. The show schedule and show guide were published on the official website. No post-show report with visitor or exhibitor counts was found in the available search results.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Attending Retrain Expo on 2026-11-11 to 2026-11-12 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.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
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.
Latest updates from across the market.
UK Training Industry Sees Growth Amidst Skills Gap Challenges
ReadUK Training Sector Thrives Post-Pandemic: Key Trends & Challenges
ReadTrends in Training, Education, and Apprenticeships
ReadOnline Education & Training in the UK Industry Analysis, 2026
ReadTraining and skills needs: Trends and challenges in UK growth sectors
ReadUnited Kingdom Vocational and Technical Education and Training Service ...
ReadPlan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
London Heathrow
Heathrow is London's largest long-haul gateway. The Elizabeth line runs directly to Custom House, the station serving ExCeL London, in roughly 45-50 min. Approx. times, confirm live schedules
to venue
Approx. 60-90 min by road
by car
London Gatwick
Gatwick serves short-haul and some long-haul routes south of London. Typical transfer is rail to Victoria or London Bridge, then Underground and DLR to Custom House. Approx. times, confirm live schedules
to venue
Approx. 75-100 min by road
by car
London Stansted
Stansted is a short-haul gateway northeast of London. The Stansted Express reaches Liverpool Street in roughly 45-50 min, then the Elizabeth line continues to Custom House. Approx. times, confirm live schedules
to venue
Approx. 70-90 min by road
by car
London Luton
Luton handles mainly short-haul traffic north of London. Rail or coach to central London, then Elizabeth line or DLR to Custom House for ExCeL. Approx. times, confirm live schedules
to venue
Approx. 80-100 min by road
by car
London City
London City is the closest airport to ExCeL London; the DLR connects London City Airport station toward Custom House for ExCeL. Approx. times, confirm live schedules
to venue
Approx. 10-20 min by road
by car
London Southend
Southend serves a smaller short-haul network east of London. c2c rail reaches West Ham, then the DLR continues to Custom House for ExCeL. Approx. times, confirm live schedules
to venue
Approx. 60-80 min by road
by car
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Elizabeth line
The Elizabeth line links Heathrow directly with Custom House, which has a dedicated entrance to ExCeL London. Allow roughly 45-50 min station to station.
DLR
DLR from London City Airport toward Custom House for ExCeL is the shortest airport transfer to the venue.
DLR / Underground
DLR branches from Bank, Tower Gateway and Canning Town serve Custom House for ExCeL and Prince Regent; contactless daily caps apply across TfL services.
Train + Underground + DLR
Gatwick Express or Southern to Victoria, then Underground to Bank or Tower Gateway, then DLR to Custom House for ExCeL. Allow roughly 75-100 min.
Train + Elizabeth line
Stansted Express to Liverpool Street, then the Elizabeth line eastbound to Custom House for ExCeL. Allow roughly 70-90 min.
Taxi
Road transfers from Heathrow to the Royal Docks cross central London and are heavily traffic dependent. Approximate only.
Taxi / ride-hailing
Black cabs and ride-hailing apps are widely used in London; drop-off points at ExCeL London are signposted near the halls.
taxi
Approx. 80-100 min by road; Luton handles mainly short-haul traffic north of London. Rail or coach to central London, then Elizabeth line or DLR to Custom House for ExCeL. Approx. times, confirm live schedules.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
Weather
London in November 2026 is cool and changeable: daytime highs around 10 C, night lows near 5 C, and frequent rain days (weather sources for the month cite roughly 11 rain days). Expect grey spells and short showers. Pack a waterproof outer layer and warm mid-layer for the exposed walk between ExCeL London halls and the DLR or Elizabeth line stations.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
UK prepaid SIM and eSIM plans from EE, O2, Vodafone and Three are available in London for data and calls, and EU/UK roaming rules vary by carrier. ExCeL London Wi-Fi availability can differ by hall or organiser service package, so confirm coverage with the Retrain Expo organiser if you plan live demos or streaming from the stand. Mobile coverage across the Royal Docks is generally strong, but expect congestion in packed halls.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress
Smart casual is the norm at UK learning and development events; exhibitors and seminar speakers typically wear business casual or a suit if meeting senior HR and L&D buyers.
Language and currency
English is the working language of Retrain Expo and UK payment is in pounds sterling; contactless cards and mobile wallets are accepted almost everywhere, including TfL services and the ExCeL London outlets.
Tipping and service
Tipping is not mandatory in the UK; around 10-12.5 percent is common where a service charge is not already added in restaurants and hotel bars.
Queuing and meeting etiquette
Queueing is expected at the DLR, Elizabeth line and venue entrances; a brief handshake and an exchanged business card or LinkedIn connection is standard when starting a stand conversation.
Time zone and schedules
London operates on GMT in November 2026; plan seminar attendance against UK local time and arrive early on day one for badge collection and hall orientation.
Accessibility
ExCeL London and the DLR stations serving the venue are step-free, but confirm specific access needs with the Retrain Expo organiser before travel.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: LHR
For the fastest transfer into ExCeL London, book into London Heathrow (LHR) so you can use the Elizabeth line directly to Custom House, or into London City (LCY) if a short DLR hop suits your schedule. Compare London Gatwick (LGW) and London Stansted (STN) only if fares are materially lower, and build in the longer rail connection to the Royal Docks. Long-haul visitors arriving 10 Nov 2026 should allow a full evening before the show opens. Airfare bands shown elsewhere on this page are approximate planning anchors only - confirm live fares with your airline or booking platform.
Most international attendees require either a UK Standard Visitor visa or an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) depending on nationality; the route allows attending a conference or trade fair and business meetings. Confirm the current rule for your passport on GOV.UK before booking.
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
See also GOV.UK 'Visit the UK on a business trip': https://www.gov.uk/visit-uk-business-trip
OfficialGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: London Heathrow (LHR): Approx. 60-90 min by road; London Gatwick (LGW): Approx. 75-100 min by road; London Stansted (STN): Approx. 70-90 min by road; London Luton (LTN): Approx. 80-100 min by road. Allow road or rail time to ExCeL London; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Most Retrain Expo visitors stay in one of four clusters and reach ExCeL London by DLR, Elizabeth line or a short road transfer. Royal Docks and Canning Town: the closest cluster, with the DLR and Elizabeth line putting Custom House for ExCeL within roughly 10-20 min. Docklands and Stratford: DLR or Elizabeth line to Custom House, roughly 20-30 min. Greenwich Peninsula and The O2: a Jubilee line and DLR combination, roughly 25-35 min. Barking and Forest Gate: c2c or Elizabeth line into the Royal Docks, roughly 25-40 min. Times are approximate - confirm live schedules.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps including Uber, Bolt and FREE NOW operate across London and can be used to reach ExCeL London from hotels and airports outside the DLR or Elizabeth line network. Traffic around the Royal Docks and the A13 can be heavy during the morning show opening, so allow buffer time. Confirm app availability, vehicle type and drop-off points with your provider before travel; approximate fares only.
Public transit: ExCeL London is served by two DLR stations, Custom House for ExCeL and Prince Regent, and by Elizabeth line services at Custom House, which has a dedicated entrance to the venue. Plan door-to-door routes with the TfL Journey Planner (tfl.gov.uk/plan-a-journey) and pay with a contactless card, mobile wallet or Oyster; daily and weekly caps apply across Tube, DLR, Elizabeth line and bus services. Allow extra time on 11-12 Nov 2026 for peak-hour crowding at Custom House and Canning Town interchanges.
Parking: On-site parking at ExCeL London is provided in the East and West car parks with direct access to the halls; pre-booking is advisable for busy show days such as Retrain Expo. Confirm current daily rates, accessible bay availability and the correct car park entrance for your hall on the venue or organiser Getting Here pages before travelling.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: November 2026 (show dates 11-12 November 2026)
Temperature: Approx. 10 C daytime high and around 5 C at night in London in November; confirm the live forecast close to travel.
Seasonality: November is one of London's wetter months, with weather sources citing roughly 11 rain days; expect short showers, grey spells and dark early evenings during the ExCeL London show days.
Packing: Pack a waterproof jacket and compact umbrella, a warm mid-layer and comfortable waterproof walking shoes for the ExCeL estate and Docklands pavements, plus business-casual attire for stand meetings and seminar rooms. Add gloves for early morning DLR and Elizabeth line transfers.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Retrain Expo usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
Day 14-10: confirm your Retrain Expo 2026 registration route (the retrainexpo.co.uk site advertises free visitor tickets and Eventbrite also lists the show) and save the badge confirmation to your phone.
Day 14-10: book travel into London for 11-12 Nov 2026, choosing accommodation near ExCeL London (Royal Docks, Canning Town, Stratford) so the DLR or Elizabeth line transfer to Custom House is short.
Day 10-7: download the show guide and seminar timings from retrainexpo.co.uk and shortlist the L&D, HR, apprenticeship and training-technology sessions you want to attend in the ExCeL halls.
Day 10-7: check entry requirements for your nationality on GOV.UK (Standard Visitor visa or ETA) and confirm your passport meets the six-month validity norm for UK entry.
Day 7-3: build your exhibitor shortlist from the Retrain Expo exhibitor list and request meetings with LMS, e-learning, coaching, apprenticeship and skills-provider suppliers before the hall floor gets busy.
Day 7-3: plan door-to-door routes with the TfL Journey Planner and confirm DLR service to Custom House for ExCeL and Prince Regent, plus Elizabeth line times if you are arriving from Heathrow or central London.
Day 3-1: check the London November forecast, pack a waterproof outer layer and warm mid-layer, and note ExCeL East and West car park details if you are driving.
Day 2-1: charge devices, save offline copies of your badge, agenda and meeting list, and confirm hotel check-in time with your booked property.
Show days: arrive early on day one at ExCeL London for badge collection, pick up the printed show guide for hall orientation, and log follow-up actions after each seminar or stand conversation.
Registration and hall orientation at ExCeL London
Supplier meetings and product demos
Final negotiations and follow-up
Retrain Expo registration concourse
ExCeL London
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
ExCeL London
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Use this quick check to decide whether Retrain Expo fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
Gallery
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
