What IMHX does

IMHX (International Materials Handling Exhibition) is the UK's premier biennial B2B trade exhibition serving supply chain and intralogistics professionals. Established in 2001 and currently in its 25th edition, the event is held over three days (Tuesday–Thursday) at the NEC Birmingham, located within the UK's 'logistics golden triangle'. IMHX is co-owned by the UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA) and organised by Informa Markets, a trading division of Informa PLC. The exhibition aggregates manufacturers and suppliers of materials handling equipment, automation, robotics, storage solutions, and logistics software with senior buyers and decision-makers from retail, manufacturing, logistics, e-commerce, automotive, and pharmaceutical sectors. The 2025 edition drew 10,000+ qualified visitors and 300+ exhibitors, with named visitors including Amazon, DHL, FedEx, Royal Mail, Tesco, ASDA, Morrisons, John Lewis, Nestle, Siemens, Caterpillar, JLR, Honeywell, CEVA Logistics, Cargill, Adidas, ASOS, Marks & Spencer, Boots, and Superdrug.

The event platform is structured around an integrated set of components. The Future Zone, delivered by SEC Group, showcases sustainability and emerging technologies through augmented reality and live demonstrations across two themes (Future of Technology covering EVs, AI-driven software, and low-emission transport; Future of Energy covering solar and renewable integration for warehousing). The IMHXperience Zone provides hands-on forklift operation sessions in partnership with Mentor, featuring equipment from Crown and Hangcha. The CPD-certified seminar programme runs across two theatres with 70 speakers delivering more than 25 hours of content. A Swapcard-powered event app enables pre-show networking, attendee discovery, lead capture, and digital badge access across iOS, Android, and desktop. Post-event, recorded conference sessions are accessible on-demand via a registration-gated content hub. The 'Better Stands' programme, managed by Showlite, offers sustainable pre-built exhibition stands as an alternative to single-use builds.

IMHX operates a two-sided event business model. Visitor admission is free for qualified logistics, supply chain, warehousing, and intralogistics professionals, which drives attendee volume and exhibitor value. Revenue is generated from three streams: exhibitor stand fees (stand sizes 9 sqm to 100+ sqm, with both space-only and Show Ready all-inclusive packages), sponsorship packages (Seminar Theatre naming rights, Recharge Café branding, Renewable Energy zone, Networking Event), and online advertising across the website, app, and email channels. The model relies on network effects: over 70% of attendees are influential in procurement decisions and 40%+ are responsible for annual expenditure exceeding £1 million on materials handling and logistics services. Post-event exhibitor surveys indicate an estimated £249,560 in average sales generated per exhibitor from IMHX participation. In July 2025, IMHX announced a transition from a triennial to a biennial cycle beginning with the 2027 edition (14–16 September 2027).

Name

IMHX

Legal name

IMHX - International Materials Handling Exhibition (operated by Informa Markets, a trading division of Informa PLC)

Website

https://imhx.net

Company type

Private

Founded year

2001

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

IMHX is the UK's biennial B2B trade exhibition for supply chain and intralogistics professionals, held at NEC Birmingham. Co-owned by UKMHA and operated by Informa Markets, the event hosts 300+ exhibitors and 10,000+ qualified buyers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Trade Exhibition Services

NAICS

Convention and Trade Show Organizers (561920)

akta.pro primary industry

Exhibition & Trade Show Management (Conference-Adjacent) (THAHACAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Trade Show & Exhibition Marketing (Booth Design/Build) (MPAAAGAC), Trade Show, Exhibit & Event Logistics Moving (HSAKAKAK)

Keywords

• Trade exhibition
• Materials handling
• Supply chain logistics
• Intralogistics event
• Warehouse automation

Headquarters

HQ city

Birmingham

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Exhibition Stand Fees: IMHX generates revenue primarily by selling exhibition stand space to materials handling, logistics, warehousing, and supply chain equipment and service suppliers. Stand sizes range from 9 sqm to 100+ sqm. The 'Better Stands' programme offers pre-built, sustainable stand options managed by Showlite, providing an all-inclusive package versus space-only options.
2. Sponsorship Packages: Premium sponsorship opportunities including Seminar Theatre naming rights, Recharge Café branding, Renewable Energy zone sponsorship, and Networking Event sponsorship. Sponsorship enables brand visibility across high-traffic areas of the exhibition, extending reach beyond individual stand presence.
3. Online Advertising: Digital advertising options for exhibitors and partners seeking additional visibility on the IMHX website, event app, and email communications.
4. Visitor Attendance (Free Entry): Attendance is free for all qualified logistics, supply chain, warehousing, and intralogistics professionals. The free entry model drives high attendance volume (approximately 10,000 visitors), which in turn increases exhibitor value and justifies premium stand and sponsorship pricing.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

IMHX (International Materials Handling Exhibition) is a biennial B2B trade exhibition for supply chain and intralogistics professionals held at NEC Birmingham. It aggregates 300+ exhibitors of materials handling equipment, automation, robotics, storage solutions and logistics software for an audience of approximately 10,000 qualified visitors, alongside a multi-track CPD-certified conference programme, hands-on demonstration zones, and a digital event app for networking and lead capture. Revenue is generated by selling exhibition stand space (space-only or pre-built Show Ready options), premium sponsorship packages, and online advertising across the website, event app and email channels.

Product overview

IMHX is a biennial B2B exhibition event serving the UK's supply chain and intralogistics community, organized by Informa Markets in partnership with the UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA). The event is not a software product company but rather a trade exhibition platform offering multiple integrated components: the core exhibition floor showcasing materials handling suppliers and solutions, a multi-track conference programme delivering CPD-certified educational content, the Future Zone featuring sustainability and emerging technology showcases, the IMHXperience Zone with live equipment demonstrations, and a digital event app for networking and scheduling. The event also provides sponsorship packages and exhibition stand options including sustainable 'Better Stands' solutions. These components work together to create a comprehensive marketplace for warehouse and logistics professionals to discover solutions, learn from industry experts, and build business relationships.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• IMHX Exhibition The UK's premier B2B trade exhibition for supply chain and intralogistics professionals, held biennially at the NEC Birmingham. Features 300+ exhibitors showcasing materials handling equipment, automation, robotics, storage solutions and logistics software to approximately 10,000 qualified visitors.
• Sponsorship Packages Premium sponsorship opportunities including Seminar Theatre naming rights, Recharge Café branding, Renewable Energy zone sponsorship and Networking Event sponsorship, providing brand visibility across high-traffic event zones beyond individual stand presence.
• Better Stands Programme Pre-built sustainable exhibition stand programme managed by Showlite, offering reusable or recyclable stand structures as an all-inclusive alternative to space-only builds.
• On-Demand Conference Sessions Year-round post-event access to recorded IMHX conference sessions, allowing registered users to revisit content or catch up on missed sessions, gated behind a registration/lead form.

Quantifiable outcome

• Estimated £249,560 average sales generated per exhibitor from IMHX participation (based on IMHX 2022 post-event exhibitor survey)
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers30 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

28 partnerships are on record, tiered core, key and minor.

• SEC GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025SEC Group activates and delivers the Future Zone at IMHX — an experiential focal point featuring augmented reality, live demonstrations, expert-led talks, and immersive experiences focused on sustainable logistics technology and energy solutions. The Future Zone explores two themes: The Future of Technology and The Future of Energy.
• UKWA (UK Warehousing Association)keyStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025UKWA is a supporting association for IMHX. Clare Bottle, CEO of UKWA, participates as a conference speaker. UKWA is unveiling a game-changing initiative to accelerate renewable energy adoption across UK warehouses at IMHX 2025.
• AMHSA (Automated Material Handling Systems Association)keyStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025AMHSA (Automated Material Handling Systems Association) is a supporting industry association for IMHX, contributing to the event's credibility in the automation and intralogistics space.
• BRC (Brand Reputation through Compliance)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025BRC is listed as a supporting organisation for IMHX, contributing to the event's profile in the retail and compliance-oriented segment of the logistics community.
• Women in Logistics UKkeyGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Women in Logistics UK is a supporting partner of IMHX, using the event as a platform to increase female representation in the industry. Founded in 2008 by Ruth Waring and Clare Bottle, the organisation has over 200 members, 7 industry sponsors, and an 8,000-strong LinkedIn community. They host a networking lunch at IMHX and exhibit at the show.
• Cranfield School of ManagementkeyStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Cranfield University was announced as Academic Partner for IMHX in 2022. Dr Hendrik Reefke from Cranfield School of Management participated as a conference speaker at IMHX 2025, delivering insights on supply chain topics.
• SwapcardcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2025Swapcard provides the IMHX Event App — a digital companion platform enabling pre-show networking, attendee list browsing, in-app messaging, digital badge access, personalised agenda management, and exhibitor lead capture. Available on iOS, Android, and desktop.
• Mentor (FLT Training)keyStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Mentor, a specialist training organisation for forklift operators, partnered with the IMHXperience Zone to deliver 'Behind The Wheel' sessions — 45-minute supervised forklift operating sessions for attendees of all skill levels, using trucks from Crown and Hangcha.
• Intelligent EnergyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Future Zone partner showcasing energy solutions in the sustainability-focused zone at IMHX 2025.
• Geek+minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Future Zone partner showcasing robotics and automation technology at IMHX 2025.
• SAS EnergyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Future Zone partner showcasing renewable energy solutions at IMHX 2025.
• Birmingham City UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Academic partner in the Future Zone at IMHX 2025, contributing research and educational perspectives to the sustainability and technology themes.
• UNICEF IrelandminorOthers · 1 January 2025UNICEF Ireland's Children's Emergency Fund was the beneficiary of Combilift's competition at IMHX 2025 — a raffle to win Combilift's 100,000th multidirectional forklift, with proceeds donated to UNICEF Ireland. Combilift aimed to raise in excess of €100,000.
• CombiliftcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Combilift is a major exhibitor and supporter of IMHX, using the event to debut its landmark 100,000th forklift and host a UNICEF fundraising competition. Combilift and Aisle-Master's Managing Director described IMHX as 'a great platform' for reaching decision-makers at larger companies.
• InfioscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Infios, a global leader in intelligent supply chain execution and joint venture between Körber and KKR, is a key exhibitor and conference presenter at IMHX 2025. Steven Timberlake (VP Sales Northern Europe) delivered a conference presentation. Infios showcases WMS, TMS, OMS, and AMR solutions at their stand.
• KonecraneskeyStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Konecranes is a key exhibitor at IMHX 2025, showcasing the Agilon warehouse automation system together with TBA Autostore WMS for the first time in the UK. The integrated system demonstrates end-to-end material flows, reduced manual handling, and enhanced workplace safety.
• KNAPPkeyStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025KNAPP is a major exhibitor at IMHX 2025, showcasing its portfolio including the award-winning AeroBot storage technology (which won Best Product at LogiMAT), Evo Shuttle automated storage, Pick-it-Easy Robot, and KiSoft software suite including AI-powered analytics tools.
• Ocado Intelligent AutomationkeyStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Ocado Intelligent Automation (OIA), part of Ocado Group, is a key exhibitor and conference presenter at IMHX 2025. Jamie Spencer (VP Sales EMEA) delivered conference sessions. OIA showcased the Chuck AMR autonomous mobile robot, deployed in over 100 warehouses worldwide with claims of 60% labour cost savings.
• HAI RoboticskeyStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025HAI Robotics is a key exhibitor at IMHX, cited as experiencing 'phenomenal' interest at the show. Country Manager Damien Skinner noted that 'the quality of leads has been very high — and it's people looking for genuine solutions.'
• ShowlitekeyImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2025Showlite manages the 'Better Stands' pre-built exhibition stand programme for IMHX, providing sustainable, reusable or recyclable stand structures. Showlite handles design, build, and project management, allowing exhibitors to arrive at the venue with their stand already constructed.
• TansAIDminorOthers · 1 January 2025TansAID is listed as the Charity Partner for IMHX, supporting the charitable dimension of the event.
• St Basil'sminorOthers · 1 January 2025St Basil's is listed as the Community Charity Partner for IMHX, supporting youth homelessness causes in the Birmingham community.
• bott UKminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025bott UK, a leader in workspace storage and vehicle conversions with over 90 years of industry expertise, was interviewed at IMHX 2025 and showcased its cubio modular storage range and avero ergonomic workstation system.
• Spaciotempo UKminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Spaciotempo UK, the leading expert in temporary aluminium-framed buildings for industrial, distribution, retail, and sports sectors, is a returning IMHX exhibitor. Celebrating 50 years in business in 2023, Spaciotempo is a trading division of GL events UK Ltd.
• DexoryminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Dexory, a robotics company emerged during the pandemic to address logistics industry needs, showcased its digital twin platform and autonomous warehouse scanning robots at IMHX. The platform uses machine learning, computer vision, and AI to provide real-time warehouse insights and inventory accuracy improvements.
• B&B AttachmentsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025B&B Attachments, founded in 1980 and the UK's leading independent supplier of forklift truck attachments and masts, was interviewed at IMHX 2025. Managing Director Mike Barton noted IMHX as 'unique in the way that it is the only UK exhibition that the whole materials handling industry attends.'
• UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2001UKMHA (formerly British Industrial Truck Association) is co-owner of IMHX alongside Informa Markets. The association provides industry credibility, content leadership (including National Forklift Safety Day initiatives), an apprenticeship programme in partnership with SMB Group, and strategic direction for the event. Rob Fisher serves as CEO of UKMHA and co-owner of IMHX.
• Informa MarketscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2001Informa Markets is the world's leading organiser of B2B events and serves as the primary organiser of IMHX as part of the joint venture with UKMHA. Informa provides event management expertise, sales infrastructure, and global reach for exhibitor and visitor acquisition.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves4 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• CeMAT: World's leading intralogistics and supply chain management trade fair held in Hannover, Germany. Directly comparable in focus on materials handling, warehouse automation, and supply chain technology, with similar biennial cadence and exhibitor mix.
• MODEX: North America's premier supply chain expo held biennially in Atlanta. Directly comparable to IMHX as a major intralogistics trade show serving manufacturing, distribution, and supply chain buyers, organised by MHI.
• SITL: European trade show for transport, logistics, and supply chain solutions held in Paris. Comparable as a European logistics event targeting shippers, carriers, and 3PLs with overlapping intralogistics content.
• IntraLogisteX: UK intralogistics exhibition focused on warehouse and logistics technology. Directly comparable as a competing UK-based intralogistics event for warehouse operators, though smaller in scale than IMHX.
• ProMat: Premier US materials handling and logistics trade show held biennially in Chicago. Directly comparable in scope, audience (manufacturing, distribution, supply chain) and biennial cadence to IMHX, also organised by MHI.
• LogiMAT: Leading European intralogistics trade show held annually in Stuttgart, Germany. Directly comparable to IMHX as a premier intralogistics exhibition serving materials handling suppliers, warehouse operators, and supply chain buyers across Europe.
• Transport Logistic: International trade fair for logistics, mobility, and supply chain management held biennially in Munich. Comparable as a major European logistics exhibition with a strong intralogistics exhibitor presence and overlap in buyer audience.

Regional players

• CeMAT Asia: Regional edition of CeMAT held in Shanghai, focused on Asian intralogistics and materials handling markets. Comparable in product category to IMHX but operates in a different geography (Asia rather than UK/Europe).

Emerging players

• Robotics and Automation Exhibition: UK exhibition focused on industrial robotics and warehouse automation. Comparable in theme (warehouse automation, AMRs, robotics) but narrower in scope than IMHX's full materials handling coverage.
• Hypermotion: Frankfurt-based exhibition covering future mobility, logistics, and transportation. Comparable as a European event exploring the future of logistics with intralogistics components, but broader scope than IMHX.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/imhx
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/imhx

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about IMHX