EVENT PREVIEW: CAP EXPO
The Celebration and Party Expo returns for 2026 Right: Visitor registrations for the 2026 are significantly increased from the inaugural show last year.
Following the success of the inaugural event in 2025, CAP Expo, the only dedicated UK trade show for the party industry, is returning on March 22 and 23, 2026 at Telford International Centre, Telford, Shropshire.
Below: CAP Expo is the only dedicated UK trade show for the party industry.
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hether you are a dedicated party professional or you sell party items as part of a larger product offering in your store, CAP Expo will have something for you. Now in its second year, the event has become the destination trade show for the party industry, where both small independent and unique suppliers, alongside large manufacturers from across the industry will be exhibiting their products, including party goods, balloons, florals, face paints, soft play, dress up, props, balloon gas, accessories, interactive products and more. John Bowler, chief executive of BAPIA, organiser of the event, shares: “With visitor registrations significantly increased from 2025 and a fantastic selection of exhibitors, it is looking like 2026 will be an amazing show.” For 2026, the stage will return with a programme of demonstrations from exhibitors and new for this year, there will be a dedicated Business Zone, featuring talks from industry experts designed to support and guide businesses across key areas such as AI, social media, insurance, health and safety and more. Once again there will be competitions for those who want to challenge themselves, with categories including ‘Immersive Backdrops’, ‘Face Painting’ and ‘Twisting’. For more information on these,
keep watching the website. Another addition to this year’s show is the launch of the Skills Booths, where visitors will have the opportunity to get hands-on with products, guided by experienced industry professionals. For part of the day, these booths will also transform into Jam Areas for both twisters and face painters, creating a relaxed, creative space to demonstrate techniques, share skills and encourage others to join in. Completing the experience will be the Ask the Expert sessions, offering one-toone, speed-dating–style conversations with knowledgeable professionals, giving visitors direct access to advice tailored to their business. With an enhanced BAPIA Events App for CAP Expo 2026, visitors will be able to see and take advantage of special show offers from exhibitors, communicate with them, see the show schedule and register for seminars and skills booths. “For exhibitors this is the best way to collect visitor data to follow up after the show and it’s all included in the exhibitor price,” explains John.
What visitors were saying after CAP Expo 2025 I had the most amazing weekend spent with friends and incredible talented people from the industry. “CAP Expo, you were amazing, so much inspiration in one room. BAPIA, you should be absolutely proud of yourselves, you and your team absolutely smashed it. I’m looking forward to the next one. Wendy Monforte, Dream Balloon Events
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