The Eikon Exhibition Centre outside Lisburn is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
Owned and operated by the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS), the venue effectively replaced the old King’s Hall in Belfast when the RUAS left the site more than a decade ago.
The relocation from the Kings Hall—home of the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) for over 80 years—to the purpose-built Eikon Exhibition Centre was a monumental undertaking, spearheaded by the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society with three key individuals at the forefront of this ambitious project: Theresa Morrissey, Group Executive Director; Rhonda Geary, Group Operations Director; and David Browne, Operations Manager. At the time, Colin McDonald, RUAS Chief Executive, played an instrumental role in overseeing the entire process, providing leadership and vision throughout the relocation. Under Colin McDonald’s stewardship, the project was guided to success, ensuring that the move to the state-of-the-art Eikon Exhibition Centre would serve as a fitting home for the future of the RUAS. His expertise and dedication were pivotal in navigating the complexities of the transition and positioning the society for continued growth and success in its new location.
The Eikon Exhibition Hall, the first building erected on the site, set the stage for this bold new chapter. This was followed by the development of the Logan Hall in 2018, a versatile addition that enhanced the venue’s capacity and functionality.
Reflecting on the journey, Theresa Morrissey shared her fond memories of the relocation process:
“Moving from Kings Hall was bittersweet. It was a place steeped in history and tradition, but the potential of Eikon Exhibition Centre was undeniable. The hard work and dedication of the entire team led by Colin McDonald, our Chief Executive at the time, made it possible to turn our vision into reality. His leadership was instrumental in steering us through every challenge. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how the venue has grown over the years.”
For Rhonda Geary, Group Operations Director and the driving force behind key agricultural events such as the Balmoral Show, Royal Ulster Winter Fair, and Royal Ulster Premier Beef & Lamb Championships, the priority was ensuring the new venue could meet the diverse needs of both agricultural and non-agricultural clients. Reflecting on the journey, she shared:
“Our goal was to create a space that not only embraced modernity and versatility but also upheld the rich traditions of the agricultural community we represent. Hosting events like the Balmoral Show alongside diverse gatherings such as Dubshed and the National Balmoral Championships has truly highlighted the adaptability and potential of the Eikon Exhibition Centre.”
David Browne, who oversaw many operational aspects of the transition, expressed pride in the result:
“The scale and complexity of the project were challenging, but we were driven by the belief that we were creating something extraordinary. The venue has exceeded all expectations, and we’re excited for what’s to come.”
President John Henning OBE, reflected on the Eikon Exhibition Centre’s journey, saying:
“The Royal Ulster Agricultural Society is incredibly proud of its flagship Eikon Exhibition Centre which also serves as the home of the RUAS. The Eikon has allowed us to continue our rich tradition while embracing new and diverse events. The transition from the historic Kings Hall to this new, modern facility at Lisburn elevates both the agricultural community and the wider region, and we look forward to many more successful years of growth”