The move by Clarion Events comes after much debate on the matter at this year's fair, and the 2016 version will now run from June 27 to July 3.
Fair director Mary Claire Boyd said 86% of 2015 exhibitors participated in the poll. "The results were close but came out in favour of a seven-day fair," she said. "We see this as an exciting development for Olympia and one that will strengthen the fair and create a more dynamic event."
Aside from a handful of events such as TEFAF Maastricht, which has an 11-day run, Olympia's long format is at odds with most others in the contemporary fairs world, where shorter, typically between three to seven days, has become the norm.
On pricing, Boyd said: "Following the closure of Earls Court as a venue, the pressure for space and days at Olympia has increased and this has meant an increase in fixed costs for the length of the occupancy.
"With the decision from the dealers to shorten the dates of the fair, we have been able to ensure the standard rates for existing exhibitors will remain the same.
"The shorter run will also, hopefully, enable those exhibitors based outside London to save on their accommodation costs during the fair."
Following this year's event, two exhibitors commented to ATG on Olympia's lengthy format. "Most of us still think Olympia is too long, a shorter time focuses attention more," said Clive Loveless. Thomas Woodham-Smith added: "Setting up your stand at Olympia and taking it down are 10 long days apart."
Others, however, were against the idea, because it would mean the fair runs only over one weekend rather than two, and so some clients might miss it by being away.
• This week's ATG print publication includes a preview of the 2015 LAPADA fair, now extended by a day.
