75 Years of Interplas
A trade show success story
A trade show success story
A journey from London to Birmingham
From its earliest beginnings in 1948 as a showcase of plastic products and technology at the British Industries Fair in London to one of the longest running industrial trade shows at the UK’s largest venue, the NEC in Birmingham.
Interplas is an enduring success story and proof that there really is nothing better than doing business face to face.
Take a look back at the history of the event with us. Click on the images below to see key milestones in the last 75 years.
1948
The first dedicated plastics section was introduced at the British Industries Fair at Earls Court in May 1948.
1951
inspired by the experience of organising the Plastics Section of the British Industries Fair, the BPF created the British Plastics Exhibition with Iliffe and Sons in June at Olympia.1953
Postponed by a week due to the coronation of HM Queen Elizabeth II – the British Plastics Exhibition opened from June 8-18. Price of admission was 2s 6d.1957
In 1957 the biennial British Plastics Exhibition became the International British Plastics Exhibition allowing overseas exhibitors to join. The 10-day show ran from July 10-20.1961
Interplas as a name appears for the first time. The sixth International Plastics Exhibition and Convention, which opened at Olympia on June 21, was officially opened by Lord Hailsham, the Minister for Science seen on the right here.1965
Interplas was officially recognised by EUROMAP (European Committee of Machinery Manufacturers for the Plastics and Rubber Industries). An amphibious vehicle in polyester fibre glass was displayed at the show.1973
Interplas was now run by ITF-Iliffe Exhibitions Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Industrial and Trade Fairs Holdings Ltd and a plan was announced to move to the NEC that was being constructed.1977
In 1977 Interplas moved to the newly opened National Exhibition Centre in Solihull, with a unique attendance of 42,611, an “unprecedented success”1981
Interplas is the first UK trade show to use computers for visitor registration both ahead of the show and onsite.1993
The nineties saw a series of new features debut at the show including the Hi-Tech and Learning Centre and the USA Pavilion.2011
In 2010 Rapid News Group acquired Interplas under licence from Reed Exhibitions and, the 2011 edition was the first show managed by RNG.2014
Rapid News Group completes the acquisition of Interplas housing it in a dedicated company Interplas Events Ltd.2017
Interplas expanded outside of Hall 4 for the first time since 2008.2021
In 2020 Interplas was postponed due to COVID-19, returning in 2021.2023
Interplas celebrates is 75th birthday…
Interplas through the Years
