The Christian Resources Exhibition, which has served the Christian community in the United Kingdom for four decades, rebranded last month as the Church Resources Exhibition (CRE). Leaders of the annual event announced the change as part of a strategic shift for the 2026 season.
The exhibition remains a popular platform for Christian businesses, charities, and other organizations to showcase their work. The upcoming event will take place at Sandown Park in Esher, Surrey, from Oct. 14–15.
James Batterbee, sales manager of CRE, called the evolution an exciting new chapter for the much-loved exhibition.
“The Church Resources Exhibition builds on CRE’s rich heritage while creating a clearer, more inclusive platform for today’s church leadership community,” Batterbee said.
This year’s gathering marks a significant milestone in a journey that began in 1985, when Gospatric and Diana Home founded the exhibition to provide a dedicated space for church resources. Over the last 40 years, their vision grew from a modest gathering into a vital fixture for the U.K. church.
A release from the organization explained that the development marks a natural progression in the event’s mission. The gathering seeks to support and equip churches as they navigate an increasingly diverse and dynamic landscape.
Batterbee noted that while the focus has evolved, the core heart of the event remains unchanged. He emphasized that the exhibition still brings churches and suppliers together in a welcoming space where practical needs meet creativity and experience.
“What has evolved is our focus — placing church leadership, decision-makers and ministry teams at the center of the event, and equipping them with the resources they need for today’s challenges,” Batterbee said. “We are passionate about serving churches well, and the response so far has been incredibly encouraging — this is very much the beginning of what’s to come.”
The revamped exhibition reflects a renewed commitment to serving the whole breadth of church life. According to the press release, the name change underscores a clear and inclusive focus on churches of all denominations. The event remains firmly rooted in the Christian values and relationships that shaped CRE from its beginning under the leadership of the Homes.
The rebrand reflects the changing realities facing churches today. It broadens the event’s appeal to leadership teams seeking practical solutions, inspiration, and trusted partners to support worship spaces, governance, mission, and community engagement.
“The Church Resources Exhibition aims to be a place where churches of every shape and size can find relevant ideas, expertise and encouragement,” the organization stated.
Exhibitors at the 2026 event will benefit from access to a highly engaged national audience. These visitors actively look for products and services in key areas including worship and music, digital and AV technology, and buildings and facilities. Other areas of interest include finance and governance, training, outreach, and social impact.
The event later this year will feature a significantly expanded program of content to equip churches for current challenges and opportunities. This includes a Leadership Development Conference offering practical insight for church leaders and youth pastors. It also features a Building Resources Conference tailored to those responsible for church buildings and facilities.
A new Youth Worship and Music Zone will combine speakers, live worship, and creative ideas to help churches engage younger generations. Additionally, the event will receive support from Leadership Connect, a year-round webinar series that extends the exhibition’s impact beyond the two-day show. This series provides ongoing inspiration and practical support for church leadership teams throughout the year.
