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RYA Dinghy Show - new venue for 2022

Useful information for visitors.
 

Why is the RYA Dinghy Show moving to Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre?

Over the past few years we’ve been listening to both the visitor and exhibitor feedback and have taken on an extensive review of the show’s location, carefully considering everything from travel and distance to sustainability and floor space.

Whilst Alexandra Palace has been an excellent venue for the Dinghy Show for the last 25 years, there’s been growing opinion within the feedback for a change of venue.

Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre was evaluated with Alexandra Palace and a number of other possible venues around the country against a number of factors that were deemed to be the most important to consider by the Dinghy Show Venue Review Working Group. 

Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre came out top in the review and was therefore considered to be the best venue for the Dinghy Show for the next three years.

What other venues were considered when reviewing the new location?

  • Alexandra Palace
  • Olympia
  • NEC (Birmingham)
  • Farnborough Events Centre
  • Telford
  • Excel
  • GMex (Manchester)
  • Blenheim Palace
  • Cotsworld Waterpark

 

What factors were used in the consideration?

  1. Price - price of venue hire and other direct costs – such as electric, security and waste disposal
  2. Size of venue - does it fit the show? Is there room for expansion? Is the roof high enough to accommodate all boats and associated masts when on trolleys and trailers?
  3. Availability on dates desired - can it accommodate the show on the first weekend in March?
  4. Ease of access by car - a location central to the majority of frequent visitors with good access and parking
  5. Ease of access by public transport - location relative to train station, major train lines and bus amenities
  6. Technology – Wi-Fi, broadband and 4G access
  7. Exhibitor experience – ease of setup/breakdown, quality of exhibitor infrastructure and other facilities
  8. Visitor experience once at the show – feel and ambience, catering, facilities

 

How long will the Show be at Farnborough?

We sign three year contracts with venues. Therefore, we will have the opportunity to move the show again in three years or negotiate a continuation at Farnborough if the move of the location is deemed successful.

Why didn’t we select NEC?

The central location and easy access to the north was really appealing to the working group. However NEC is much more expensive than Farnborough (and Alexandra Palace) which would mean increased cost to the RYA, exhibitors and visitors which was not viewed as sustainable for the show going forward at this current time. 

When is the next Show?

The first show at Farnborough will now take place over the weekend of the 26th & 27th February 2022.

About the Centre:

How do I get to Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre? 

Easy access for visitors and delegates is a key element of any event. Farnborough is conveniently located south-west of London and is served by strong national and international travel links. Travel to Farnborough in just 35 minutes by train from London Waterloo or access the venue by car from the M3 and enjoy free parking on site. For those travelling by air, Heathrow is only 30 minutes and Gatwick 50 minutes by car. Farnborough Airport adjacent to the venue, is one of Europe’s leading business airports for private flights around the world. 

By Road

Should you decide to travel by car, Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre is located just off the A325, accessible from the M3 (J4) and A31. 

For SatNav directions, please check with your Organiser which Gate will be accessible and use the following relevant postcode.  

Gate F – GU14 6TQ 

Gate A – GU14 6XE – Transport Road. 

From here follow signs for event car parking. Parking at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre is free, and we have space for up to 3,500 cars. 

By Rail

Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre is within easy reach of four stations- Farnborough Main, Farnborough North, North Camp and Aldershot. 

Farnborough Main is served by South West Trains and sits on a mainline to London Waterloo. With up to six trains per hour and journey times as fast as 34 minutes, getting to Farnborough by train is a very fast and easy option. Farnborough Main station is 1.5 miles from the venue and just 5 minutes by taxi. Further information about the facilities at the station is available on the National Rail website. 

Farnborough North and North Camp are served by First Great Western and located within a 10-minute taxi ride from the venue. Further information about the facilities at these stations is available on the National Rail website. 

Aldershot is served by South West Trains and offers direct services to London Waterloo and Guildford. The station is a ten-minute taxi ride from the venue. Further information about the facilities at the station is available on the National Rail website. 

All stations are wheelchair accessible. 

From London Airports: 

To travel to Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre from Gatwick Airport by train, take the First Great Western service to North Camp Station. The train journey is approximately 50 minutes. 

What’s the closest station to the Event Centre?

Farnborough Main station is 1.5 miles from the venue and just 5 minutes by taxi or shuttlebus.

Is there parking at the venue? 

Yes, there is free parking on site for over 3,000 cars at Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre. 

Is there disabled parking at the venue? 

Yes, please ensure you display your blue badge once on site and you will be directed to the relevant area. 

Is the venue accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes, our Hall 1 entrance foyers provide wheelchair-friendly access and we have lifts at both to access the First Floor. There are disabled toilets throughout the facility. 

Do you have electric car charging points on site? 

No, so please come prepared in advance if you are driving an electric car. 

Will there be a shuttlebus running from the station?

Yes, we will ensure regular shuttlebuses run from the local train stations to the venue in time for the opening of the show and throughout the show opening hours.