Exhibitor FAQs

The NEC is the UK's best connected venue so by whether travelling to us by air, rail or road - the choice is yours. Simply head to our Getting Here page for more information.

For all the information you could ever need on charges, passes and opening times, simply head to our Exhibitor Parking page.

<p>We operate a free shuttle bus service between all car parks and halls during exhibitions. These usually start running one hour before the event and stop one hour after the event. This means buses might not be running for your build and breakdown but may be running for other shows that are open.</p>

Yes. There are 22 slow charging EV points in selected car parks. This free service is available on a first come first served basis. There are 14 across our car parks, with two located in North 2, six in East 1 and a further six in South 7. We also have 8 pre-spaces in Express 1 (charges apply), for those wanting to guarantee a spot.  

Normal parking fees apply  
Please note:  The charge points require a type 2 connector lead and the use of the Centrica EVS App- downloadable from app stores.

The NEC is located a five-minute covered walk from Birmingham International Railway Station. Follow signage from the Piazza concourse past Hall 2 and up the escalator to the bridge link - which directly links to the railway station.

To reach the airport on foot, follow the signs from the NEC to Birmingham International Station. Walk across the covered bridgelink and carry on until you reach the Air-Rail Link. This will take you to the airport on the first floor.

From luxury resorts to simple rooms to please, you’ll find a host of hotels right on our doorstep. Head to our Visitors page to view your nearest options. 

It's approximately 14 miles by car or a 10 minute train ride from the NEC.  Buses are also available from Birmingham International Rail station.

Please speak with our traffic team when you arrive at the NEC, it may be possible to leave your commercial vehicle overnight, although not for every show.  Please be aware spaces are limited and subject to availability. Unfortunately, overnight sleeping in commercial vehicles is not permitted, however you can find a host of hotels right on your doorstep.

Low on fuel? Fear not, the nearest petrol station is on the A45 next to the Arden Hotel. Download our site map for details.

You’ll find toilet blocks in the lorry parks at North 12 and South 2, with fresh drinking water available on tap to keep you refreshed. If you’re looking to fuel up on food, you’ll find a host of dining options inside the main buildings.

Our black cab partners TOA Taxis are available 24/7 at the NEC. To book, simply call 0121 427 8888 or 0800 0142 729, visit toataxis.co.uk or use their handy TOA app.

We understand the need to stay connected, which is why we provide free visitor Wi-Fi across the NEC - no code required. NEC Free Wi-Fi is ideal for browsing the web, checking emails or using social networks. This free service should not be used where the connection is integral to the operation of your event or exhibition stand. If you're an Organiser or Exhibitor and looking for a faster connection, please contact our Venue Services Team on 0121 767 3253 who will be happy to talk you through your options.

You’ll find portable cash dispensers (withdrawal fees apply) around the venue, while free cash machines can be found at the train station.

If you’re looking to take the load off and leave your coat or bags for the day, take advantage of our cloakroom facilities that are available next to our halls (cloakrooms are open 30 minutes prior the event opening and close when the event closes). Items are charged at £2 per coat and £3 per bag. Unfortunately, we’re currently unable to offer overnight storage lockers or 24 hour cloakroom facilities. 

Toilets are located in every hall plus on the Piazza and Atrium concourse. 

It happens to us all, so if you’ve lost something at the NEC head to our Security Office at either the Piazza or Atrium and we’ll do our best to help. Alternatively, call our Lost Property Department on 0121 767 3883.

Smoking areas are located outside the Piazza main entrance, in the Piazza gardens and outside the Atrium main entrance.

Yes. We have a number of charging points and lockers across the venue for you to recharge your phone during your visit.
There is a charging station by the green piano in the Piazza and chargers opposite Hall 8 in the Atrium.

Yes. Londis newsagents offers a variety of everyday essentials with two across the venue, one located in the Piazza and the other in the Atrium. Alternatively, there's a Spar at the airport which is accessible from the NEC via a walk and 90 second mono rail link.

We always have trained first aid staff available in the event of an accident or incident. Just ask the nearest member of staff for immediate assistance.

While we don’t offer the service ourselves, we highly recommend our friends over at ESSA. Trusted, reliable and friendly to boot, you can find out more at essa.uk.com

Sorry, but as our halls are busy working environments we don’t allow anyone under the age of 16 in the halls during build and breakdown.

Absolutely. Every hall has a painters’ cupboard with a water supply and large sink available during build and breakdown. We’re sure you’ll keep it clean, but in the event of a spillage simply let our security team know and they’ll get it cleaned up. Please note, we don’t permit exhibitors to connect hoses to these sinks.

We’ve all done it, so don’t worry. Just ask your organiser to arrange for our cleaning team to visit your stand.

We don’t currently provide or offer for hire trollies, pump trucks or porters, but you’re very welcome to bring your own. Every event we host does however have a nominated lifting contractor who’ll deliver materials to your stand in double-quick time. Ask your organiser for details.

In the interests of safety we’re unable to provide our own storage facilities at the NEC, however the lifting contractor at your event will be able to help you out. You’ll find all the details in the Exhibitor Manual your organiser provided.

Simply contact your organiser and they’ll let us know you need some bags, which we’ll then deliver straight to your stand.

It's always best to check with the organiser directly before visiting as you may need permission.

We have two Visitor and Business Centres, which are information points. They also offer a number of business services and stationery. For further information, call us on 0121 780 4141 or email [email protected]   

From luxury resorts to simple rooms to please, you’ll find a host of hotels right on our doorstep. Head to our Visitors page to view your nearest options. 

Resorts World Arena is located on the NEC campus. It is located next to The Bear Grylls Adventure which sits between the NEC and Resorts World. If you visit the NEC campus, the Arena will be clearly signposted.

The Bear Grylls Adventure, Resorts World Birmingham and Resorts World Arena are all on located on the NEC Campus. Resorts World Birmingham is home to a broad range of places to eat and drink, from favourites like Miller & Carter and Zizzi to somewhere a little more special like Sky by the Water. 

Keep up to date with our travel updates. 

Yes. For further information, call us on 0121 780 4141 or email [email protected]   

Whether you're looking for a healthy snack on the go, a posh sit down Italian or a burger, we've got you covered. Visit our food and drink page for more tantalizing details. 

Yes, we have restaurants available across the venue, within your event halls and across the NEC campus for a range of food options to suit your budget. Whatever you fancy, the campus has a range of delights from Sky By The Water to the Gourmet Burger Kitchen to TGI Fridays or Nandos. Whether it’s food on the go or fine dining, there is something for everyone.

There's food and drink outlets located around the concourse areas near to where your event is taking place. For coffee in particular, this includes Starbucks which is located in the Piazza by Hall 5 and one in the Atrium opposite Hall 7.

At the NEC we are constantly reviewing our measures to ensure that they remain effective and proportionate. West Midlands Police and Counter Terrorist Security Advisors work in partnership with us at the venue, often deploying a variety of resources to work alongside those of our team. These include a number of overt and covert security measures, so whilst you may not see all operational security activity, you should be assured that it is on-going, often behind the scenes to prevent crime and keep you safe whilst you enjoy your visit.

It happens to us all, so if you’ve lost something at the NEC head to our Security Office at either the Piazza or Atrium and we’ll do our best to help. Alternatively, call our Lost Property Department on 0121 767 3883.

Alcohol is not permitted, as we are a licenced premises.  Also other items which may be classed as a security issue should not be brought into the venue.

You may be searched, as we do carry out random bag searches.  Security arches are also in operation at the venue.

Our security teams work hard to keep you safe, please help them by co-operating with their requests. You have an important role to play in helping us by reporting anything that doesn’t feel right, for example any unattended items or someone acting suspiciously. You can report anything suspicious to any of our security officers or the Police.

Absolutely. We’ve worked tirelessly to make our venue fully accessible to all our guests. Head to our Accessibility page for further details. And if you can think of any other ways we could improve our accessibility, we’d love to hear them.

In addition to our standard disabled toilets we have Changing Places toilets, which provide additional space for up to two carers. They also includes height-adjustable changing benches and a hoist system.

We have a fleet of mobility equipment available to hire on a first come, first serve basis. We therefore recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.

Unfortunately due to the current circumstances, we are unable to facilitate telephone bookings at this time.  However, you can email your enquiry to [email protected], and a member of our team will contact you within three working days.

Wheelchairs are available free of charge for blue badge holders and £5 for all other visitors. The number of wheelchairs we have available is limited, so if you’ve got your own, please bring it with you.

Scooters are available for £15 per hire for all visitors.

All pre-bookings will be held until 1100hrs on the day they've been booked for, unless otherwise advised.

For any visitors who have not pre-booked equipment and arrive on the day, any remaining stock will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis. As collection location varies from show to show, please check the collection point when making a booking.

Please note: Mobility equipment hire is only available during show open times and we only accept payment by card for any equipment hired. 

Yes, assistance dogs are permitted on our premises, though we do not recommend that you bring them to events where noise levels are high.

We ask visitors to make sure their dog is either identifiable as a trained assistance/guide dog or that they can provide the necessary training paperwork for them if requested. Dogs should be kept on a lead/harness at all times.

Lifts are located and signposted on the Atrium and Piazza concourses and by all the escalators.

Yes. For more information on Disabled parking please visit on our Parking page.

Yes. Induction loop audio systems are fitted in various locations around the venue. 

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Call us: tel: +44 (0) 121 767 2780

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Call us: tel: 0844 338 8338 (Opt 1)

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Call us: tel: +44 (0) 121 644 6041

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We love to receive feedback to help us better the NEC experience. If you'd like to leave feedback, follow the 'feedback form' link below. Alternatively you can:

Email us: [email protected]

Call us: tel: +44(0)121 780 4141