75 Years of Interplas
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
1948The first dedicated plastics section was introduced at the British Industries Fair at Earls Court in May 1948. 
1951Inspired 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. 
1953Postponed 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. 
1957In 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.
1961Interplas 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.
1973Interplas 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
1981Interplas is the first UK trade show to use computers for visitor registration both ahead of the show and onsite. 
1993The nineties saw a series of new features debut at the show including the Hi-Tech and Learning Centre and the USA Pavilion.
2011In 2010 Rapid News Group acquired Interplas under licence from Reed Exhibitions and, the 2011 edition was the first show managed by RNG. 
2014Rapid News Group completes the acquisition of Interplas housing it in a dedicated company Interplas Events Ltd. 
2017Interplas expanded outside of Hall 4 for the first time since 2008.
2021In 2020 Interplas was postponed due to COVID-19, returning in 2021
2023Interplas celebrates it's 75th birthday 