About

Pioneering New Exhibitions and Events for 30 Years

image of founder

Next Events & Conferences has been set up by Tony Robinson, who founded UKI Media & Events Ltd in 1991, a company that has been a trail-blazer in the B2B Exhibitions sector since its beginnings. Within a short space of time it became the biggest non German company running events in Germany; developed shows from inception across Europe, USA, China, India and South Korea; and was listed in the Sunday Times Fast Growth companies listing in 2007 as #34 fastest growth company in the UK. Many other accolades and successes were achieved. 

In 2010 while running UKI Media & Events Tony gave rise to Smarter Shows Ltd based in Brighton which achieved its own rapid successes with amongst others The Battery Show in USA and Europe. In 2018 he was involved in another start-up which was formed under the direction of his son. This company, named TransGlobal Events has created the world biggest Hydrogen Technology Expo currently incorporating more than 700 exhibitors in Europe and with a parallel event in Houston.

The list below is of EXPOS that Tony has launched and helped develop since 1995. 

  • Aircraft Interiors Expo Year 2000 (became one of the biggest aviation industry shows within 5 years.
  • Passenger Terminal Expo 1998 (is the world’s biggest airport design show).
  • Tire Technology Expo 2001.
  • Automotive Testing Expo (Global) Europe, China, USA, South Korea, India 1999.
  • Parcel and Post Expo (United Nations Organisation supported) 1997.
  • Meteorological Technology World Expo 2010 (United Nations Organisation supported).
  • Professional MotorSport World Expo 2007.
  • ADAS and Autonomous Vehicle Technology Expo Europe & USA 2014.
  • Electric & Hybrid Marine World Expo 2012.
  • Electric & Hybrid Aerospace Technology Expo 2016.
  • The Battery Show USA and Europe 2014.
  • Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology Expo USA and Europe 2015.
  • Foam Expo USA and Europe 2016.
  • Aerospace Testing Expo USA and Europe 2001.
  • IVT Expo USA and Europe (industrial vehicle and off highway vehicle  technology) 2017.
  • Automotive Interiors Expo 2012.
  • Future of Transportation World Congress 2016.
  • Safe Highways of the Future 2009.

FAQs

A. Next Events & Conferences Ltd is the Company launching the Show, which has been created by Tony Robinson, a man referenced by peers as a legend in the exhibitions and conferences industry.

Tony has been a trailblazer in this business since 1996. Few people have gained his experience in launching specialists B2B Shows. The management Team comprises “The Fab 4” all of whom have previously worked for Tony before, including Rebecca Would, Head of New Shows Development; Ross Easterbrook our GM; our CFO is Paul Skelly and Andrew Boakes, Head of Conferences.

A. Desalination of water has never been more needed across vast areas of our planet. Construction of new facilities is essential as is substantially upgrading many existing plants. Both represent big growth and investment opportunities which are set to spiral in coming years. This is the must attend event for everybody engaged in Design, Development and Operation, Upgrading and Futureproofing. It is the place where current and next generation technologies will be discussed, presented and debated, all on show in a world class exhibition. 

A. The one guarantee is you meeting with 3,000 – 4,000 specifiers, looking to secure the latest technology for the design, build & operation of next-generation desalination projects, and for upgrading and retrofitting existing desalination plant and facilities. Our primary community is Europe but we will be marketing and inviting industry experts from around the world.  Expect between 250 and 300 exhibitors. Our global industry research is already gearing up to ensure your complete satisfaction and even amazement at the quality and quantity of visitors.

A. Yes! A three-stream conference will be taking place in purpose built super high-quality auditoriums and conference rooms directly adjoining the Expo Zone. Main Themes include Desalination Plant – design, build and operation; Power Supply – including the potential for SMR; Saline Waste – The worlds overlooked resource.

A. You will see a set-up that reflects the importance of ‘The Experience’ for our visitors. You will see Relaxation Lounges open to all visitors so they can plan their show, cover emails and work as needed and where you as an exhibitor can do additional off-booth meetings with potential clients. We see ourselves to be in the hospitality industry as well as in the serious business of running trade shows. Our visitors will thrive on the extra comforts and food quality that they will experience.

A. It’s an easy process that you will be familiar with from other events you attend. We just aim to make it simple and not time consuming at this stage.  We do like to be clear that we are booking the stand and prefer not to put stands on hold but rest assured if a hold is what you need, we will be as accommodating as possible. Space is already booking fast!

A. We love it when you book, we love it when you get excited. At a recent show in Germany, we received a huge amount of positive feedback, many with a resounding “OH Yes! We need this!”

Co-located With

Desalination Technology

Valencia, Spain November 4, 5 & 6, 2025
Feria Valencia Expo Centre and Conference Forum

Desalination Technology Expo is the world’s first 100% dedicated global exhibition and conference for the design, specification and operation of next-generation Desalination Projects and for upgrading and retrofitting existing desalination plants and facilities.