There’s only 2 days to go before Childcare & Education Expo London 2026 returns to Olympia on 20-21 March. As the UK largest early years events and leading free childcare expo, it brings together early years professionals and senior leaders from across the sector for two inspiring days of learning, networking and discovering the latest innovations in early education.
From educators, practitioners, childminders and activity providers through to senior leadership teams within nurseries, preschools and early years settings, this free event is packed with opportunities for you to gain practical insights, connect with leading suppliers, and attend expert-led seminars.
If you’re planning to attend the Childcare & Education Expo, this article will help you prepare with essential travel tips, a helpful event checklist, and a final reminder to register to attend and book your seminars before spaces fill up. Our digital Event Guide is also now live – make sure you bookmark the link to refer to at the event!
How to Travel to Childcare & Education Expo London
The two-day event is going to be held from 10am to 4pm each day at West Hall Level 1, Olympia. Based in Central London, there are a numerous way to get to the venue - it is well connected by public transport.
By Tube or Train:
- Olympia is a short walk from Hammersmith (Piccadilly Line) or West Kensington (District Line)
- Trains from Watford Junction and Clapham Junction stop at Kensington Olympia
- From 19 January – early June 2026, the eastbound platform at Barons Court will be closed. Piccadilly Line travellers should use Hammersmith
By Bus or Coach:
- Hammersmith Road: 9, 10, 27, 28
- Holland Road: 49
- North End Road: 391
- The closest coach stop is London Hammersmith, which is a 15-minute walk from Olympia
By Car:
- The postcode for the venue is W14 8UX
- Parking must be prebooked as spaces are limited
For more information about travelling to Olympia, head over to their website.
If you’re travelling from further out or looking to stay overnight, we have partnered with Event Express to offer discounted hotel accommodation, which you can access using their website.
Book Onto the Seminar Programme
One of the highlights of attending Childcare & Education Expo is the opportunity to learn from 80+ expert speakers over four educational content streams. Designed specifically for early years professionals, these sessions bring together leading voices from across the sector to share practical advice, insights, and strategies you can take back to your setting.
Across the two days, visitors to the free childcare expo can attend a wide range of expert-led talks and panel discussions over the Main Stage and the Business Stage, covering key topics such as leadership and management, safeguarding, early years development, funding, wellbeing, and the latest sector updates.
If you’re looking to strengthen your professional knowledge, gain new ideas for your nursery or classroom, or stay informed about changes affecting the sector, the seminar programme offers valuable learning opportunities for everyone.
As we’re only a few days out, spaces are filling quickly - particularly for high-demand topics. To make the most of your time at the Childcare & Education Expo, it’s a good idea to review the seminar schedule in advance and book your sessions early where possible, before prices rise on the day. Taking a few minutes to plan your seminars before the event will help ensure you don’t miss the sessions most relevant to you and your team.
Our content programme also offers several free learning opportunities with our Interactive Workshops exploring topics such as art, music, nature play, and teamwork, as well as the peer-led Share & Support Hub for discussions on SEND support, recruitment, funding and more.
Explore the Exhibitor Floor
A key part of the experience is exploring the busy exhibitor floor, where you’ll find 130+ leading suppliers, organisations and resources providers dedicated to supporting the early years sector.
You’ll have the opportunity to discover the latest products, technology, and services designed specifically for nurseries, pre-schools, childminders, and early education settings. From learning materials and outdoor play equipment to training providers, technology solutions and nursery management tools, the exhibition brings together everything you need to support and enhance your setting in one place.
It also provides the chance for you to see products up close, watch live demonstrations, and speak directly with suppliers. Many of our exhibitors are also providing special offers and competitions that are only available during the show!
Looking for something specific? Using the exhibitor list, you can search by product or service type to find exactly what you need. Don’t forget to note the exhibitor’s stand number to locate them on the floorplan on the day.
Your Childcare & Education Expo Event Checklist
We’ve prepared two reminder checklists for you to review.
Before the event:
- Register for your free entry ticket
- Book your chosen seminars before prices rise on the day
- Plan your travel to Olympia
- Review the exhibitor list to find everyone you want to meet
- Share your attendance on social media
On the day:
- Doors open at 10am, but if you’re booked into an early seminar make sure you arrive with plenty of time
- Have your badge or QR code ready to ensure smooth entry
- Explore the show floor and programme using the Event Guide
- Take notes and collect resources to bring back to your team
- Network with your fellow early years professionals
With Childcare & Education Expo London just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to secure your place at this must-attend free childcare expo.
If you haven’t registered yet, this is your final reminder to sign up for your free ticket!
