The International Composites Summit (ICS) will open its doors next week at The Drum, Wembley, positioning itself as a focused business acceleration platform for the global composites community rather than a traditional trade show.
Taking place from 2-3 December 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,” said Gemma Hardy, Managing Director of Fluency and Organiser of the International Composites Summit. “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,” explained 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.
Structured Networking and 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 organisations or people, the organisers will actively invite those companies and, where possible, make introductions onsite. 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 2 December 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.
“We did not want a formal sit-down dinner where you only speak to the same few people all night,” said Hardy. “The networking evening is about creating an informal, enjoyable atmosphere where people can move, talk, and build relationships. Many of the best ideas and partnerships start with relaxed conversations.”
Christmas in London: Composites Plus City Break
With ICS taking place at the start of December, visitors can combine two days of focused industry engagement with time in London during the festive season. Wembley’s London Designer Outlet is located next to The Drum, while central London shopping districts such as Oxford Street and Bond Street, the Christmas lights, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, and West End theatres are all within easy reach by tube.
Black Friday Offer
ICS will also introduce a Black Friday offer available from Friday and running until the end of the year. Companies will be able to secure a pod on the ICS Innovation Hub at JEC World 2026 with a substantial discount. The standard pod package will be reduced from £4,750 to £3,750, and the pod package with a TV will be reduced from £4,950 to £3,950. Bookings can be made online from Friday or directly with the team during the summit.
Call to Action
“The industry asked us for this event, and we have put our heart and soul into making it happen,” concluded 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.”
Registration for the International Composites Summit 2025 is free for visitors.
“We know from feedback that ICS delivers proven return on investment,” noted 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, hassle-free 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 organising team if required.
“Exhibitions can be hard work. We wanted to remove as much of that headache as possible,” stated 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 floorplan 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 the event’s most international conference program to date, 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.
- Ginger Gardiner of CompositesWorld, 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 fibre production and participate in the sustainability panel.
“When I started in composites, we were largely telling our stories to each other,” said Hardy. “Today, end users are listening. They want to understand lifecycle 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.”
For more information and to register, visit the ICS website.
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For further information:
The Fluency Business Group
+44 1246 792003
info@fluency-group.com
About the International Composites Summit (ICS):
The International Composites Summit (ICS) is a global platform for accelerating advanced materials growth, investment, and innovation. It is owned by Composites Connections and organised by The Fluency Business Group Ltd. ICS brings together the full composites supply chain, from material innovators and start-ups to OEMs, Tier 1s, and investors.
With its UK-based flagship event and international Innovation Hubs, ICS is designed to create commercial impact, foster strategic connections, and support companies in scaling their technologies and global reach. Focused on high-value networking, investor engagement, and applied innovation, ICS is where the future of composites takes shape.