We are thrilled to feature in the March edition of Ulster Business Magazine as we look ahead to an exciting new chapter for Northern Ireland's largest events venue. Keep reading to view the article in full.
Northern Ireland’s largest events venue, the Eikon Exhibition Centre, is on the cusp of a new era. Having celebrated its 10th anniversary last year in 2025, the Eikon looks forward towards the next decade with its busiest year to date.
The Eikon Exhibition Centre encompasses two purpose-built exhibition halls, the Eikon Hall and the Logan Hall. In 2026, to continue improving the Venue’s facilities and efficiency, the Eikon Hall will undergo a significant refurbishment programme.
Shona Ayre tells us about the exciting year in store for the Eikon Exhibition Centre.
“We are very proud of the Eikon’s state of the art facilities and its ease of use for our Organisers, who arrange events representing various industries. However, we want to remain at the fore of the event industry, and we are continuing to invest in the efficiency of the Eikon. The refurbishment works will maintain the quality of the Venue and elevate its operations. The Eikon remains Northern Ireland’s landmark venue for exhibitions, trade shows, sporting events and more.”
The refurbishment works are an integral part of the Eikon Exhibition Centre’s current strategic plan. The current strategy, spanning over three years, will see a significant investment programme for infrastructure and technology to ensure that the Eikon remains innovative and delivers value for money for both clients and visitors alike.
“We are fortunate that the 2026 refurbishment works will be our opportunity to enhance the facilities and we look forward to being able to further consolidate any areas of improvement and efficiency within the building, ensuring the Eikon continues to exceed all our Organiser and their visitors’ expectations.”
The day-to-day running of the Eikon is no small fete. “2026 will see our largest portfolio to date. We are excited to be hosting a huge variation of events and trade shows across the calendar year. It is a privilege to gain exposure into so many different industries by engaging with our Organisers, their exhibitors and visitors. No two days are ever the same, we will attend a site visit in the morning discussing a food and catering event, to a swift turn around and a Teams call in the afternoon running through a schedule for an upcoming educational event. The variation of the role is one that will always keep my passion for the events industry ignited. It is not always speaking with Organisers about their events – we will also dedicate a lot of time working with our approved contractors on service levels, staff scheduling and duties.
The Eikon’s calendar in 2026 will mark the largest total gross footprint and tenancy of events at the Venue, as its’ events continue to grow in infrastructure requirements and size. The Venue’s location just off the Belfast-Dublin economic corridor and its accessible position just off the Sprucefield roundabout continues to allow events to target visitors and exhibitors from both North and South alike.
