SOLEX

Event Update

The 2026 edition of SOLEX will occur as a face-to-face trade show between the dates of 07.07.2026 and 09.07.2026. The NEC Birmingham will serve as the hosting location for the event.

A Brief Overview of SOLEX

What are current trends in outdoor living for the upcoming year? Come to find out at the summer outdoor living event, SOLEX. The international exhibition is all about showcasing new products, and you will see an impressive line-up of garden and outdoor living products. You can expect only the newest product launches on site in Birmingham, UK. The exhibition is a fun, friendly time for all involved and a guarantee at penetrating the British market. 

GETA ltd specialises in professional accommodation for exhibitions and we work with hotels all across Birmingham. Do you prefer high-end rooms? Or is your goal to save money? We tailor your hotel booking for SOLEX to your every specification. GETA ltd sends you the top hotel rates during the exhibition within your price range. Just tell us how many people are travelling with you. GETA ltd accommodates groups of all sizes. Book hotels close enough to the NEC to reach the exhibition centre in no time. It helps that you’ll be minutes away from public transport on foot. You can pair your hotel reservation with a number of other services we provide – airport transfers, rent-a-car or exhibition stand construction. 

Why Your Visit Is Worth It

SOLEX is good for business on several levels. It’s a fully sales-oriented event with opportunities to reach your ideal target audience. The exhibition portion is enormous, which guarantees a steady flow of foot traffic. In general, attendees are interested in product discovery and placing purchases, making your presence a quick return on investment. Check out the numbers from the first SOLEX since the pandemic: 

• 70 LOFA Members
• 15 years of exhibiting
• 1800+ decision makers

Industry Relevance 

If you want to make an impression in the garden and outdoor living market in the UK, then you should definitive book a stand at SOLEX. Dubbed as the Summer Outdoor Living Exhibition, this exhibition is regarded as not just the largest, but most influential and anticipated event in the country. Held at the NEC in Birmingham, this three-day exhibition is a must-attend for industry professionals looking to discover the latest trends and innovations for the upcoming season.

SOLEX serves as a platform for leading manufacturers in the outdoor living industry to showcase their products and unveil exciting developments in design, sustainability and environmental manufacturing. From stylish furniture and accessories to cutting-edge technologies and eco-friendly solutions, this exhibition offers a comprehensive overview of the industry's offerings for both the retail and contract markets.

SOLEX has very well established itself as a go-to market place for all things garden and outdoors. Visitors return time and time again, because they’ll find every related product group all in a single place. That’s saying something! Here are the nine product groups on display: 

Barbecues – Grills, Pizza ovens, Smokers, Outdoor Kitchens, and associated accessories

Garden Decoration – Ornaments, Water Features, Sculptures, Garden Mirrors, Garden Clocks, Garden Statues, Planters, Outdoor Candles

Garden Furniture – Chairs, Tables, Hammocks, Benches, Outdoor Bean Bags, Deckchairs, Sofas, Sun Beds, Recliners, Loungers

Garden Leisure Buildings – Garden Rooms, Storage, Arbours, Arches, Gazebos, Sheds

Outdoor Heating – Fire pits, Chimineas, Patio Heaters, Outdoor Lanterns

Outdoor Health – Hot Tubs, Spas, Saunas

Outdoor Entertainment – Outdoor Speakers, Lighting, Garden Games

Outdoor Living Accessories – Covers, Cushions, Windbreaks

Shading – Parasols, Sunshades, Awnings, Gazebos

One of the key aspects of SOLEX is its significance as a business hub. The exhibition provides an ideal setting for establishing new partnerships and fostering existing relationships. Exhibitors are front and centre, and rub elbows with senior buyers, who command large budgets. This is where you get to generate sales leads and negotiate deals. 

Beyond its commercial importance, SOLEX also aims to provide a memorable and enjoyable experience for attendees. As a testament to this commitment, those who register for SOLEX 2023 have the chance to win a £200 voucher for Virgin Experience Days. With over 1,000 fantastic experiences to choose from, ranging from luxury spa retreats to exhilarating driving experiences, the voucher adds an extra touch of excitement to the event.

Who Are You Going to Meet? 

SOLEX enjoys the participation of top British brands such as Bramblecrest, Glencrest Seatex, Woodlodge Products, LifestyleGarden, Mambo Outdoor Living at Kettle Interiors, Extreme Lounging, Ascalon Design, Tramontina and Gardeco. You’re in good company when it comes to the quality of companies. 

This, of course, ensures that the quality of visitors is also high. Since SOLEX is a B2B event for big retailers and buyers, you’re going to meet with decision makers, who are in charge of sales and procurement in their companies. Qualified sales leads are guaranteed! Here are a few examples of the type of buyers in attendance – John Lewis, Dunelm, Next, Aldi, Blue Diamond, Amazon, Notcutts, British Garden Centres, Wayfair, Crocus and Tillington.

Additional Value of Attending 

The LOFA Zone is a significant highlight of the SOLEX exhibition, offering a dedicated space for members of the Leisure and Outdoor Furniture Association to showcase their brands and products. LOFA is a proactive organisation that represents some of the finest brands in the UK gardening industry. With a history dating back to 1967, LOFA's mission is to actively support and promote the commercial trading and industrial interests of its members.

One of the key advantages of LOFA membership is the range of services and support it offers to its members, when they choose to exhibit at SOLEX. The association provides excellent contacts within the garden retail sector, particularly with garden centres throughout the UK. This network opens doors to valuable business opportunities and networking. In addition to the basic experience, LOFA members are invited to attend the annual LOFA Weekend Member Networking Event. It’s a more exclusive networking event, which leads to more high-value contacts. 

The association also organises an annual AGM Conference, providing a forum for members to come together, discuss industry trends, and participate in informative sessions and discussions. Being part of LOFA means being part of a supportive community that strives to make each member feel informed, supported and inspired.