The Executive Hire Show returned to the Coventry Building Society Arena on 11 and 12 February 2026 and, by every measure, delivered another highly successful event for the hire industry.
While the final audited figures will be confirmed in the coming weeks, the early results already point to a strong year for the show.
A total of 2,116 budget-responsible hire industry professionals attended across the two days, with 153 exhibitors on the show floor, including 30 companies exhibiting for the first time. Audience targets were exceeded compared to the 2025 and 2024 events, underscoring the show's continued draw for the sector.
Visitor numbers were up year-on-year, but just as importantly, the quality of the audience stood out. The halls were busy with decision-makers who came with a clear purpose: to see the latest innovations, place orders, and make the most of the many show-only deals on the latest tools, machinery, and solutions. Exhibitors reported strong, focused conversations throughout both days, with many pointing to tangible business being done on the stands.
Innovation was a clear theme across the show, with a wide range of new products, technologies, and solutions on display, including developments that support more efficient operations and decarbonisation. The Innovation Trail once again proved popular, helping visitors quickly identify new products and solutions across the show floor. Peter and Lucas Haddock interviewed the ten selected companies, with all of the ‘Top Ten’ videos available to view on the Executive Hire Show website.
The show also attracted a number of well-known industry voices and content creators, underlining its role as a key meeting point for both buyers and the people shaping conversations across the sector. Among those attending were Nick Drew Digger Man Blog, Ollie Gunns and Ben Wade, better known as Ben the Operator.
The first day of the show also saw the return of the Passionate Hirer Awards, held on Tuesday 11 February and attended by around 200 exhibitors and senior figures from across the hire sector. Hosted by England rugby star David ‘Flats’ Flatman, the ceremony took place in front of a packed room. Alide Hire and Hire Services Southern took top honours on the night, while Josh Llewellyn, Chairman of the Gaia Group and MHM Group, received both a Special Recognition award and the ‘Industry Legend’ award.
Reflecting on the event, Chris Moore, Publishing and Event Director, said: “What stood out this year was not just the volume of business being done, but the breadth of new products and ideas being brought to market. Across the Show, we saw genuine innovation, from new equipment and technologies through to solutions supporting decarbonisation and more efficient operations. Just as importantly, the continued loyalty of both exhibitors and visiting hire companies shows the Executive Hire Show remains a trusted meeting place for the industry. The conversations and partnerships that start here extend well beyond the two days of the event, and that is what gives the show its real value.”
Looking ahead, the Executive Hire Show will return to the Coventry Building Society Arena on 10 and 11 February 2027, marking the show’s 20th anniversary at the home of hire.
