Strategic exhibitions review
We are conducting a review to examine how our exhibitions contribute to the objectives of the British Council, the UK education sector and the audience of potential students and partners overseas. It will consider and evaluate the strategic aim of the exhibitions, the current model and exhibition calendar, the market, competitors, British Council management and impact on recruitment and partnerships. It will look at trends in numbers over the last five years, trends in international student recruitment and the wider contribution exhibitions make to UK education and to the British Council objectives. The report from this review is now available.

Our exhibitions' aims

			position the UK as the first choice for international students;
			showcase the wide range of opportunities and possibilities within the UK’s education system;
			provide UK institutions with a platform for recruiting international students;
			provide first-hand information to a variety of students exploring opportunities for study in the UK;
			develop and strengthen links with local education providers.

Alongside annual or bi-annual in-country Education UK Exhibitions, suitable for all sectors of the UK educational constituency, we organise subject specific or sector specific promotional events tailored to local needs. We also run seminars, local visits and agent networking events.

The details of our exhibitions are published around five months prior to the exhibition date. These details specify the dates in which we accept applications. We set a deadline to apply, usually a six week period. Our acceptance is based on our selection criteria and successful institutions are informed by e-mail within seven days of either receipt of their application or the application deadline, depending on the type of applicant.

Exhibiting institutions are sent an Exhibition Handbook three months prior to the exhibition detailing all they need to know about the exhibition and the country they are visiting.

How many exhibitions does the British Council organise and how many visitors do they attract?
In 2005, we organised nearly 60 Education UK exhibitions across 30 countries and over the course of the year we attracted over 250,000 visitors.

What are the benefits to Education UK Partnership member?
Institutions who are members of the Education UK Partnership pay 50 per cent less for exhibition space than other participating institutions. For example:

			Hong Kong 2006: Fee for Partnership members: GBP 3,900 Fee for all other participants: GBP 7,800
			Nigeria 2006 – three venues (Abuja, Lagos and Kano): Fee for Partnership members: GBP 6,230 Fee for all other participants: GBP 12,460

Demand for exhibition space often exceeds capacity; therefore we operate a selection criteria that gives members of the Partnership priority over all other eligible institutions.

Finding out when exhibitions are open to apply
The exhibitions calendar shows when events are open for recruitment.

In addition, we inform subscribers to the EducationUK-L mailing list when exhibitions open for recruitment.

On-line applications
Institutions are now able to apply for all Education UK Exhibitions exclusively via an on-line system.

If you have any queries, please contact the Education UK Events Helpdesk in Manchester.