Sourcing City and BPMA confirm a ‘fallow year’ to shape the future of the UK promotional merchandise industry’s leading exhibition.
Sourcing City and the British Promotional Merchandise Association (BPMA) have today confirmed that the September edition of Merchandise World will be paused in 2026, creating a fallow year dedicated to industry consultation and future planning.
This decision follows extensive feedback gathered from both exhibitors and distributors, including insights from Sustainable Merchandise World, September 2025. Conversations highlighted the need to reassess the event structure, timing, and overall value to ensure it continues to serve the evolving needs of the UK promotional merchandise market.
Importantly, this decision comes from a position of strength. Merchandise World January 2026 delivered a record-breaking event, and January 2027 is already shaping up to be a sell-out, reinforcing the continued demand and importance of the platform within the industry.
Against this backdrop, both organisations have jointly agreed that now is the right time to pause, reflect, and shape the future, ensuring the September event returns with even greater clarity, relevance, and impact.
A structured consultation process will now begin, starting with a formal working group session at the BPMA Conference in June 2026, followed by direct engagement with committed exhibitors and a broader industry-wide survey.
The findings will inform the future format, positioning, and delivery of the event, with the next September edition scheduled for 22nd September 2027.
Ella Long, CEO of Sourcing City, commented:
“We are incredibly proud of what Merchandise World represents for our industry, and the success of January 2026 shows the strength of the platform, but progress comes from listening. The feedback from both exhibitors and distributors was clear, and this is about doing the right thing, not the easy thing. Taking a fallow year gives us the opportunity to properly consult, evolve, and ensure the event comes back stronger, more relevant, and delivering even greater value.”
Phil Goodman, CEO of the BPMA, added:
“Merchandise World has always been about bringing the industry together in the most effective way possible. With January going from strength to strength, this is the right moment to step back and ensure September is equally aligned to industry needs. This pause allows us to engage meaningfully with our members and the wider market, so that what we deliver in 2027 reflects exactly what the industry wants.”
Merchandise World remains firmly committed to advancing the industry, delivering value, and creating a best-in-class experience for both exhibitors and visitors.
Further updates will be shared following the consultation phase.
Published on: April 8th, 2026
