Cultural Enterprises Trade Show and Music & Drama Education Expo – February 2026

Well, we certainly got our steps in this month! We travelled a short distance to Birmingham to visit the Association for Cultural Enterprise’s conference trade show at the ICC, where the theme was ‘sustaining culture’. The busy trade show gave us an opportunity to exchange ideas with fellow suppliers, identify trends and gain insight into the top considerations of buyers.

There was a wide spectrum of culture subsectors represented, so unsurprisingly we encountered a few familiar faces and had interesting catch-ups; we were even able to chase up a couple of quotes! It was a rainy ol’ day, but that didn’t dampen the enthusiastic and collaborative atmosphere, which was flanked by fascinating fireside talks and presentations that discussed topics pertaining to retail strategy and revenue generation ideas for secondary spend. We were especially pleased to learn how we can further support the heritage publishing sector. Thanks to ACE for curating an excellent day of learning and listening opportunities.

#ACE2026 | #CEC | #CulturalEnterprisesConference | #SustainingCulture

Just a few days later, we were at London’s Business Design Centre for the Music & Drama Education Expo, which was truly buzzing with creativity and a shared passion for arts education. The varied suppliers exhibiting all support teachers and education organisations in bringing the arts alive, while helping to navigate regulations and exam board requirements. There were quite a few membership organisations and publications exhibiting – all of which have print needs, so we were happy to network and make introductions.

And, of course, we also ran into arts education colleagues and customers, some of whom we were finally able to meet in person after working together for many years! There was even live music by some very talented young musicians and invigorating non-sedentary seminars, plus more serious panels that discussed topics like reaching children who might feel excluded, educating with both method and authenticity, and probing the government’s commitment to widening access to the arts.

A thought-provoking and rewarding day; thank you to the organisers, Mark Allen Group!

#MDEE2026 | #JGartsandculture