London Packaging Week vs Gartner Supply Chain Symposium/Xpo: Which Should You Exhibit At?

Choosing between London Packaging Week and Gartner Supply Chain Symposium/Xpo is a decision that can define your trade show year. Both events serve the packaging & logistics industry, but they attract different audiences, offer different opportunities, and demand different investments. Here is an honest, data-driven comparison.

London Packaging Week: The Profile

London Packaging Week takes place in London, United Kingdom, scheduled for September 16-17, 2026. .

Booth pricing: $3,000 - $15,000.

Gartner Supply Chain Symposium/Xpo: The Profile

Gartner Supply Chain Symposium/Xpo takes place in Barcelona, Spain, scheduled for May 18-20, 2026. .

Booth pricing: $3,000 - $15,000.

Head-to-Head: What the Numbers Say

Supply chain trade shows have gained prominence as companies recognize logistics as a competitive advantage. Automation, sustainability, and resilience are the themes driving booth traffic. Exhibitors offering solutions to these challenges command premium attention.

When evaluating London Packaging Week against Gartner Supply Chain Symposium/Xpo, the raw numbers only tell part of the story. Attendee quality, geographic reach, and the caliber of speakers and programming all influence the true value of each event.

Cost Comparison

Direct booth costs are just the entry fee. The total cost of exhibiting includes design, shipping, team travel, accommodations, and marketing. Exhibiting in London versus Barcelona may involve significantly different travel and lodging expenses, which can swing the total investment by thousands of dollars.

Calculate cost per qualified lead for each event. The show with the lower booth rental is not always the better investment. A more expensive show that delivers higher-quality leads may generate a better return per dollar spent.

"Do not ask which show costs less. Ask which show makes you more."

-- Center for Exhibition Industry Research

The Verdict

Both London Packaging Week and Gartner Supply Chain Symposium/Xpo serve the packaging & logistics community, but they serve different segments of it. The right choice depends on three factors: where your target customers are concentrated, what your budget can support, and which event aligns with your strategic priorities for the year.

Companies with sufficient budget should consider exhibiting at both to maximize market coverage. If forced to choose one, start with the event where your existing customers are already present — expanding within a warm network is always more efficient than breaking into a cold one.

Use our ROI Calculator to model both scenarios and browse our complete show directory to explore alternatives.