ICS 2025 brings high-impact format with focus on business acceleration, global collaboration

The International Composites Summit (ICS) is opening its doors next week at The Drum, Wembley, in the U.K., positioning itself as a focused business acceleration platform for the global composites community rather than a traditional trade show.

Taking place Dec. 2-3, 2025, ICS will bring together international leaders and decision-makers from across the composites supply chain, including raw material suppliers, manufacturers, technology providers, OEMs and end users from sectors such as aerospace, automotive, marine, construction and energy.

“We do not see ICS as just another trade show. We are building it as a business acceleration platform for the composites industry,” says Gemma Hardy, managing director of Fluency and ICS organizer. “Our goal is not simply to fill exhibition stands. It is to create connections that move forward into projects, partnerships, investment and real growth across the whole supply chain.”

Strategic move to Wembley

After several successful editions in Milton Keynes, ICS has relocated to The Drum at Wembley, situated adjacent to the iconic Wembley Stadium. The move is a strategic response to exhibitor and visitor feedback, reflecting the event’s increasingly international footprint.

“Based on feedback from previous years, we knew we needed a venue that matched the scale, professionalism and global outlook of the composites industry,” explains Hardy. “Wembley offers excellent national and international transport links, making it easier for overseas delegates to attend, and gives us a setting that reflects the ambition of our community.”

The Drum is embedded within Brent Civic Centre, a modern circular building, a short walk from Wembley Stadium station. Delegates arriving by train follow the same route used by football fans heading to the national stadium, with views of the famous arch framing the event environment.

A boutique show with big ambitions

ICS deliberately positions itself as a focused, boutique event rather than a large generalist expo. The emphasis is on quality of interaction and targeted networking rather than scale for its own sake.

Past editions have already delivered tangible outcomes for participants. Companies have reported securing international distributors, new R&D partners and multi-million pound contracts based on connections made at the summit.

Registration for ICS 2025 is free for visitors. For more information and to register visit the ICS website.

“We know from feedback that ICS delivers proven return on investment,” notes Hardy. “What excites me most is seeing small innovators meeting major OEMs and turning ideas into tangible outcomes through collaboration and joint development. That is exactly what this platform is designed to enable.”

Hassle-free exhibiting

To reduce the burden on busy teams and make it easier for startups and SMEs to participate, ICS has adopted a simple exhibition format. Exhibitors are offered a standard pod-style stand with a branded backdrop, optional screen and integrated storage, with design and production handled by the organizing team if required.

“Exhibitions can be hard work. We wanted to remove as much of that headache as possible,” states Hardy. “Our plug-and-play pods mean exhibitors can arrive with a laptop and some literature, then focus on networking and meetings instead of stand build logistics.”

This level, low-cost entry format is intended to create a more inclusive floor plan where early stage innovators and global groups share the same visual footprint, encouraging genuine dialogue across the supply chain.

International forum program and sustainability focus

ICS 2025 will feature an international conference program, with speakers and panellists from Europe, the Middle East and North America. Keynotes and panels will explore themes such as sustainability, circularity, market development, investment, construction and smart materials.

Confirmed contributors include:

• Mjed Hashem from NEOM in Saudi Arabia, who will share insights on the role of composites in flagship projects such as The Line and wider smart city developments.
• CW’s Ginger Gardiner, who will chair the sustainability panel and lead a practical session on how companies can raise their profile and “get into the press” more effectively.
• Chris Skinner, VP marketing and R&D at Owens Corning, who will deliver a keynote on sustainable glass fiber production and participate in the sustainability panel.

“When I started in composites, we were largely telling our stories to each other,” says Hardy. “Today, end users are listening. They want to understand life cycle cost, sustainability and performance. ICS is about bringing the industry together to shout about what we can achieve and to connect that innovation with real applications.”

Structured networking, active matchmaking

Networking is built into the ICS format consciously. The exhibition space features open seating and meeting areas, and the Fluency team provides participants with proactive matchmaking support before and during the event.

If an exhibitor or visitor shares a wish list of target organizations or people, the organizers will actively invite those companies and, where possible, make introductions on-site. This tailored approach has already delivered results, with companies reporting new contacts and ongoing discussions following introductions facilitated by the ICS team.

An informal networking evening on Dec. 2 at The White Horse, a short walk from The Drum, will bring together exhibitors, sponsors and ticket holders for relaxed conversation, live indie acoustic music and a seasonal buffet in a pub setting.

“The industry asked us for this event, and we have put our heart and soul into making it happen,” concludes Hardy. “I would encourage everyone across the composites supply chain to join us at Wembley, help us grow the network and use ICS to accelerate your business and your own development.”