Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL ENQUIRIES

When and where is the IMF?

The IMF is on Sunday 4 October and Monday 5 October at Excel London.

What are the opening times?

Show opening times:

Sunday 4 October 10:00 - 17:00 GMT
Monday 5 October, 10:00 - 16:00 GMT

 

Registration for Professional Beauty London is required alongside your Delegate Pass. You must show a valid entrance ticket on arrival to be permitted into the show.

How do I purchase an IMF Delegate Pass?

IMF London takes places at the Professional Beauty London show. You must also be registered for Professional Beauty London (entrance tickets are free) in order to access the IMF London forum. 

You can register for Professional Beauty London 2026 here.
You can book your one-day or two-day IMF delegate pass here.

 

How much is an IMF Delegate Pass?

IMF Delegate Pass Prices:

One Day Delegate Pass is £195* (Sunday or Monday)
Two Day Delegate Pass is £295*

*Prices are inclusive of VAT.

 

You can book your one-day or two-day IMF delegate pass here.

Where is the forum held?

IMF London is held alongside the Professional Beauty London show at Excel London.

You can find further information on how to get to the venue here.

Who should attend the forum?

The International Manufacturers and Distributors Forum (IMF) welcomes all industry professionals from the beauty and hair sectors, including senior buyers, salon owners, brand owners, wholesalers and investors.

What is the IMF about?

The International Manufacturers and Distributors Forum (IMF) is a specialised event dedicated to the beauty and hair industry, bringing together a select group of global manufacturers, distributors, and brand owners. The forum aims to foster meaningful collaboration, innovation, and growth within the beauty and hair sectors by creating a space for open discussion and idea exchange.

 

Set over two days, the forum serves as an intimate gathering for industry leaders to address the current challenges and opportunities within the market. Delegates gain insights from inspiring panels led by high-profile speakers, explore strategic networking opportunities, and connect with brands seeking new business partnerships.

 

 

 

Where can I view the programme?

You can see the IMG 2026 programme here.

To receive the latest announcements make sure to follow us on socials:

• Connect with us on LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram

Where can I find the speaker line-up?

The 2026 line-up will be coming soon!

What is the entrance policy?

Entrance Policy: The International Manufacturers and Distributors Forum is taking place at Professional Beauty London. The Forum is for professionals only and a delegate pass is required for entry. Due to the professional nature of the event, nobody under 16 years of age is allowed entry into Professional Beauty London. This includes babies, and prams are also not permitted on the premises. As a busy event, we need to maintain a safe and professional environment for our trade visitors. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Do I need a badge or ticket to access the show?

We have digital tickets. Please come with your digital ticket ready to be scanned on entrance. You will be able to view your tickets when you log in into the event platform (Showhub) in the the 'My tickets' section of your profile.

You can download your digital ticket from your browser on the Showhub website or alternatively you can download the Showhub app on Google Play Store or Apple Store and log into your account there to access your tickets there too. 

Is there an app I can download to get my tickets and more show information?

Yes, we have an app for you to access all your exhibition and conference digital tickets easily from your phone. Plus explore what's on at Professional Beauty London, the education programmes, brands exhibiting and offers available at the show, and send connections to other delegates attending the show.

 

You can download the Showhub app on Google Play Store or Apple Store.

INTERNATIONAL VISITORS

Can you arrange my visa to attend the IMF?

For further information regarding visas please email info.pb@thepbgroup.com

Is it worthwhile for me to come to the IMF?

IMF London is an exclusive forum for beauty and hair industry professionals, held alongside Professional Beauty London, the UK’s premier beauty and spa trade show. This two-day event is carefully designed to connect global manufacturers, distributors, and brand owners, offering an invaluable opportunity to engage with influential industry players and potentially meet your next business partner. A delegate pass is required for entry. You can book your one-day or two-day IMF delegate pass here.

 

With a strong emphasis on international networking, IMF London enables delegates to deepen their industry connections, gain insights on emerging trends, and explore partnership opportunities in the Networking Lounge. The forum’s curated panels feature high-profile speakers who provide insights into the beauty and hair industry’s current landscape and anticipated future directions. This intimate roundtable setting allows professionals to exchange ideas, tackle shared challenges, and uncover new business avenues.

Attendees can also visit the International Brands Pavilion in the Professional Beauty London exhibition, connecting with leading brands across the beauty, spa, and hair sectors. Please note that you must also be registered for Professional Beauty London (entrance tickets are free) in order to access the IMF London forum. You can register for Professional Beauty London 2026 here.

For those focused on expanding their networks, building relationships with global manufacturers and distributors, or learning directly from successful industry leaders, IMF London presents a unique opportunity with the potential for significant return on investment.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

How do I get to the show?

London Excel is easily located by public transport. For more information on how to get there, click here.

Is there a parking facility?

Parking is available at Excel. For more information click here.

What hotels are there nearby?

There are many hotels available close to the show venue. For more information about the accommodation click here.

ACCESS & FACILITIES

Can I access an internet connection?

There is free wifi at the Excel which is suitable for browsing, social media, and email.

What disabled facilities are available at Excel?

Excel London aims to be as inclusive as possible for anyone working or visiting the venue with access needs. You can read more here.

Are pushchairs allowed into the exhibition halls?

No. Professional Beauty London is a Trade Only event. Children are not admitted. All visitors are strongly recommended to find alternative childcare arrangements for their children.

Will there be anywhere to buy food while I'm at the exhibition?

There are food facilities within the show halls and many food venues at Excel to suit all tastes.

GLOBAL SCALING & DISTRIBUTION FAQs

How does IMF London help brands find international distributors?

IMF London is a closed-door B2B forum designed specifically to strip away general foot traffic and connect market-ready brands directly with elite global buyers. By using the ShowHub matchmaking platform before the event, brands can filter through the profiles of registered international distributors, view what specific product categories they want to buy, and pre-book face-to-face commercial meetings in our dedicated B2B lounges.

I am an international distributor. Why should I attend IMF London?

If you are looking to expand your portfolio, the IMF provides exclusive access to pre-vetted, retail-ready beauty, hair, spa, and cosmetics brands looking to scale. Alongside the main forum, your pass gives you entry to the International Brand Pavilions at Professional Beauty London and Salon International, allowing you to source cutting-edge product innovations, and discover the next big global trends before the rest of the market.

How can the IMF help my brand launch in the UK beauty and salon market?

Launching a brand in the UK requires a strong route-to-market strategy, an understanding of regional compliance, and established retail networks. The IMF brings together the UK’s leading beauty and hair wholesalers, salon-chain buyers, and premium distributors in one room. Attending the forum allows you to bypass cold outreach, pitch your brand directly to established UK partners face-to-face, and learn the exact regulatory and logistics infrastructure needed for a successful British market launch.

Will the forum cover how to structure distributor pricing and profit margins?

Yes. Protecting your profit margins across multiple global territories is a core focus of our educational programme. The IMF features unfiltered, expert-led panel discussions and peer-to-peer roundtables with industry veterans. These sessions deliver a real-world blueprint on how to build a watertight multichannel pricing architecture, manage international shipping logistics, handle fluctuating freight costs, and structure sustainable distributor discounts without undercutting your brand online.

QUESTION NOT ANSWERED?

What can I do if my question has not been answered by any of the above FAQs?

If your question has not been answered by any of the above, please contact us via email info.pb@thepbgroup.com

What can I do if I have questions onsite at the event?

If you have questions at the show, please visit the Info Point where our customer service team will be able to help with any enquiries.