- Visitors
- Organisers
- Exhibitors
The programme includes new wayfinding signage, upgraded digital infrastructure, a new ANPR car parking system, and a host of food and beverage improvements which have been delivered in partnership with Levy UK + Ireland.
With 18 halls and more than 186,000 square metres of space, the NEC campus regularly hosts multiple events and welcomes thousands of visitors who need clear guidance. To create a cleaner, more appealing environment, the venue has worked with a wayfinding consultant to simplify its signage. Streamlined maps, plain language, and universal symbols have been introduced to make navigation easier for everyone.
With the aim to improve customer experience, the digital infrastructure has also been enhanced, with over 40 brand new screens installed and 61 existing screens being upgraded. Plus, five new large-format (10m x 3m) LED “hero” screens are to be installed in the Atrium, which will provide brands the opportunity to reach thousands of visitors each year.
Through its partnership with Levy, the NEC campus now has refurbished food units in Halls 4, 5, and 20, introducing self-order kiosks to speed up service. Menus have been upgraded to include a new grab-and-go range featuring Pure sandwiches, alongside freshly prepared dishes such as steak sandos and Levy’s signature burger. Menus will flex throughout the year to suit the event programme.
The improvements will continue into the new year, as Levy enters phase three of its mobilisation plan.
To improve the event parking experience, the NEC campus has invested £1.5 million in a new hybrid ANPR-enabled barrier system will be in place to help streamline the parking process. Not only will this mean effortless access to the NEC campus car parks, but it will also mean increased security and a more reliable payment process.
Elsewhere, visitors will benefit from refreshed facilities in the Atrium, including accessible facilities in Halls 17–20.
Ian Taylor, Exhibitions Managing Director, at the NEC Group said: “Everything we’re doing is about making visits to the NEC campus feel easier, more enjoyable and more memorable. We’ve listened to what our customers tell us they want – from clearer signage and faster service to better food choices – and we’re acting on it. As we head towards our 50th birthday, it’s important that the NEC continues to evolve with our visitors and deliver experiences they’ll keep coming back for.”