Set The Stage - Issue 1 | August 2026
Welcome to Set The Stage – your bi-monthly update from the UK's leading venue for live events.
Whether you're launching a new exhibition, relocating an existing event or planning for future growth, we'll keep you up to date with the latest developments from across the NEC Campus.
Explore the stories, investments and partnerships helping organisers unlock new opportunities at the Nation's Experience Capital.
Upcoming milestones at the Nation's Experience Capital
Invictus Games countdown begins at the NEC
The NEC was proud to host the official one year to go milestone event for Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, welcoming Prince Harry, competitors, supporters, partners and members of the Armed Forces community. The event marked the beginning of the final countdown to the international sporting competition, which uses the power of sport to support the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans from around the world.
Visitors experienced a series of live sporting demonstrations showcasing the determination, resilience and camaraderie that sit at the heart of the Invictus movement. During the event, Prince Harry spoke of the wider impact of the Games, highlighting the strength of the Invictus community and the inspiration it provides to people around the globe.
As a host venue for Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, the NEC looks forward to supporting an event that will bring together thousands of competitors, families and spectators, while creating a lasting legacy for Birmingham, the West Midlands and the wider events industry.
Welcoming new events and organisers to campus
Pickleball makes its NEC Debut
One of the world's fastest growing sports has arrived at the NEC, with the English OPEN Pickleball Tournament making its debut at the venue this summer. The move to Birmingham marked a significant milestone for the event, enabling it to scale to its largest edition yet.
Having grown rapidly since its launch, the tournament has attracted thousands of players from around the world and continues to benefit from increasing popularity both in the UK and internationally. The NEC provided the space and flexibility needed to accommodate the event's continued expansion, with multiple halls combined to create one large competition arena featuring 60 courts and a dedicated vendor village.
The successful debut highlights the role major venues can play in supporting fast-growing events as they evolve. By providing the capacity, infrastructure and connectivity needed to welcome larger audiences and participants, the NEC helps organisers create ambitious experiences while planning for future growth.
As emerging sectors continue to grow and attract new communities, events like the English OPEN demonstrate how the NEC can support organisers looking to scale their event and unlock new opportunities.
Investing in experiences, spaces and infrastructure across campus
NEC Lakeside family fun this summer
With the launch of NEC Lakeside, the Nation’s Experience Capital has become a hub of family entertainment this summer, with a range of new attractions designed to encourage visitors to spend more time enjoying the wider Campus experience.
New additions include a free outdoor cinema, a dedicated play area and a programme of family activities taking place throughout the school holidays. The investment forms part of the NEC's ongoing commitment to enhancing the visitor experience and creating reasons for guests to extend their visit beyond the event they are attending. The Lakeside offering complements an increasingly diverse portfolio of attractions across the Campus, including Peppa Pig Space Adventure, iFLY, and a range of seasonal experiences.
By continuing to expand its leisure and family proposition, the NEC is creating additional opportunities for organisers to benefit from increased footfall, greater dwell time and a destination experience that attracts visitors throughout the year.
Showcasing the sectors attracting audiences, exhibitors and investment
Sector Spotlight: A region built for Healthcare events
The West Midlands is home to one of the UK's most established healthcare sectors, generating more than £18 billion in annual economic activity, supporting 185,000+ jobs and encompassing over 103,000 businesses across healthcare, life sciences, medical technology and care services. This concentration of expertise continues to make the region a natural home for industry events, bringing together professionals, suppliers, innovators and decision makers from across the healthcare landscape.
The NEC has played an important role in supporting the sector's events community for many years, hosting a diverse portfolio of healthcare exhibitions covering dentistry, therapy, rehabilitation, social care and care services. Events including the British Dental Conference & Dentistry Show, Therapy Show, Care Show Birmingham and UK Care Week bring together thousands of healthcare professionals each year.
Combined with the region's strong healthcare ecosystem, excellent transport connectivity and central location, the NEC continues to attract events serving some of the UK's most important and fastest-evolving sectors.
Growth stories from the NEC
Looking to grow your show?
When InstallerSHOW moved to the NEC in 2022, the ambition was clear: create the space and flexibility needed to support future growth.
Since relocating the event has continued to expand, welcoming more exhibitors, attracting larger visitor audiences and developing into one of the UK's leading events for professionals across the built environment sector. Hear from Mike Costain, Group Managing Director at Nineteen Group, as he shares how a partnership with the NEC has helped InstallerSHOW scale into one of the UK's leading exhibitions for the built environment sector!
Get in touch today to discover how we can grow your show!