Chinese Exhibition Delegations in the UK — Shows, Samples & Logistics

The Exhibition Logistics & Visa Note

Britain's exhibition geography: London ExCeL (Docklands), Birmingham NEC (by the airport), Glasgow SEC, Manchester Central — all sit where hotels don't, with sample cases and delegations that public transport serves badly. The Mandarin delegation service: hotel-to-hall runs on your schedule, sample cases and marketing materials in the boot, waiting or returning for teardown, and shuttling VIP clients from their hotels to your stand. On visas — a crucial note for Chinese exhibitors: Mainland Chinese passport holders need a UK Standard Visitor Visa (business activities like attending trade shows and meetings are permitted on it; apply via VFS with biometrics, allow 3-4 weeks, consider the 2- or 5-year multi-entry if you travel often). We're not visa agents, but we flag this early so it's sorted before booking flights.

The Full Exhibition Format

Exhibition weeks fit the 5-day business format naturally (£600-750/day): setup day, show days, teardown day, plus the client dinners that make exhibitions worthwhile — driven, so nobody hunts late taxis in an unfamiliar city. The Mandarin layer: WeChat coordination for the whole team, itineraries and cost breakdowns in Chinese, Alipay/WeChat Pay settlement, and 公司抬头 VAT invoices for reimbursement. The high-value add-on we're asked for constantly: after the show closes, convert the vehicle into a 2-3 day factory-and-supplier inspection run, or a Highland decompression before flying home. The stand comes down; the vehicle keeps earning its place. 支持支付宝、微信支付，微信预约。