Hale Events has confirmed that the 2026 edition of the Giving & Living trade show, held from January 18 to January 20 at Westpoint Exhibition Centre in Exeter, was its last.
In a statement, the company said: “This decision comes after careful consideration. While the gift and home market continues to grow, the way products reach consumers has changed dramatically over the past decade and has accelerated since the pandemic. Many businesses now sell direct to consumers, or combine consumer and trade sales, and online B2B platforms and marketplaces such as Amazon, Etsy, Faire, and Temu have become significant routes to market.”
“There has been unwavering support from a strong cohort of exhibitors, visitors, contractors and service providers”
Hale Events thanked the organisations that have supported the show throughout its history, noting: “There has been unwavering support from a strong cohort of exhibitors, visitors, contractors and service providers.”
Managing director Mike Anderson commented: “This show has marked a significant chapter in the life of the gifting industry, Hale Events, and for me personally. It has taken place in the South West since 1965, and I’ve worked on it for the last 37 years. We’re immensely proud of what we’ve achieved and would like to thank all the buyers and exhibitors who have supported this regional trade show over time. Every product has its life cycle.”
Pictured is Brian Lownds-Pateman of Babbacombe Pottery, who first attended the show with his father in 1970, when it was held in Torquay. He was presented with a bottle of bubbly by Hale Events sales manager Paul Thomas, in recognition of his long association with the exhibition.
