The momentum behind the newbie spring trade show, ARE, continues to gather momentum with heavyweight industry force Blueprint Operations backing the Manchester event.

Blueprint Operations has officially endorsed the Amusement & Retail Entertainment Expo (ARE Expo), highlighting the event’s strategic timing, accessibility and industry-wide impact. Taking place on April 29-30, 2025, at The Cotton Sheds in Manchester, the new show is set to bring together a diverse range of industry leaders, suppliers, and stakeholders from across the UK and beyond.

Nadia Timofeev, Director of Operations at Blueprint Operations, expressed the company’s anicipation for the event, stating: “The BPO Roadshows were a fantastic way to connect with customers across the country, and the ARE show now allows us to achieve this on an even greater scale, bringing together a broader range of industry leaders and stakeholders.”

And the timing of the show is a particular pull as Timofeev was quick to add: “The ARE exhibition presents a valuable opportunity to engage with customers, showcase our latest products at a different time of the year, and maintain strong relationships with our audience throughout the year. Additionally, it provides the perfect platform to unveil new products developed after the EAG show, ensuring our latest innovations reach the market in a timely manner.”

So, what is the key to ARE’s momentum on the industry expo calendar? According to the show organisers Swan Events, it’s about “Bringing the Industry Together in the North”. And Manchester certainly fits the bill. 

“With Manchester as the host city, the ARE Expo offers an accessible alternative to London-based events, making it easier for industry professionals from the North of the UK and the Republic of Ireland to attend,” noted Swan’s chief Karen Cooke. “Hosting the show in Manchester enables us to connect with customers from the North of the UK who may not have been able to attend London events, while also providing a more convenient option for attendees traveling from the Republic of Ireland,” she added.

Already close to sell-out, Swan has been particularly canny about the selection of its venue. It is nothing like any venue the industry has paraded its wares in over the years, and thank whatever lord you believe in, it is centuries away from the Norbreck Hotel where the industry’s old northern show effort  – Amuse UK – or more appropriately YUK – was staged some twenty years ago. There will, presumably, be some flexibility for growth on the ARE showfloor and a far more modern and energetic stage for a landmark event.

“It will create new opportunities for networking, business growth, and product launches,” Cooke reaffirmed. “With Blueprint Operations among the key supporters, the exhibition is set to provide a dynamic platform for the amusement and retail entertainment sectors to connect, collaborate, and innovate.”