Venue Protect

Reducing transmission by creating controlled events

COVID-status checks:

The health and safety of everyone who visits the NEC remains our top priority. As with other large UK venues, we are implementing COVID-status checks at agreed entry points to keep visitors and staff safe. 

Visitors will be asked to show proof of their COVID-19 status.

The accepted methods of showing COVID-status are as follows:

• NHS COVID-19 Pass via the NHS App or a paper copy. (It is advised individuals apply no later than 48 hours before attending their event to allow for the application to be processed in time.)

OR

• Proof of immunity shown by a positive PCR test result for COVID-19, lasting for 180 days from the date of the positive test and following completion of the self-isolation period.

OR

• Lateral flow or PCR negative test results text or e-mail, received within 72 hours prior to attending the event. However, we would encourage visitors to complete their test within 48 hours as some organisers/promoters may request the shorter timeframe.

OR

• If visitors would prefer not to use the NHS App or do not have a smartphone they can obtain a NHS COVID-19 Pass letter (proving vaccination status only) by calling 119 or visiting the NHS website.

OR

• EU Digital or paper COVID Certificate. International visitors can show their equivalent COVID Pass from their country of origin.
  
  Children under the age of 18 do not need to provide any form of COVID-status certification at entry points, but in the interests of creating the safest possible event environment, we’d always encourage them to take a lateral flow test, if possible, before arrival at the venue.

These are our standard venue measures for proof of COVID- status. Please don’t forget to also check your event’s website directly though before you arrive. Some organisers may list specific measures for their event. If this is the case, we will adhere to them on the organiser's behalf. If they don’t list alternative measures, our venue measures remain in place.

We ask visitors to please bear with us as these checks take place, as there may be a slight delay in accessing our venues. If possible, please ensure visitors to your event download a copy of this information and save in their photos, email, wallet or have a printed hard copy. This will help make it quicker and easier for checking and accessing on arrival at the venue. 

For those visitors who cannot provide their COVID-status, our Venue Protect team will offer the option to take a lateral flow test on-site. If the result is negative, you will be able to enter the venue. The lateral flow test costs £12 per person. This charge covers the costs of staffing the testing, the on-site arrangements and the cost of purchasing the test. The NEC does not make a profit from the test charge.

NEC staff are also completing twice weekly tests to ensure that they are free of infection. Our partners will be expected to implement the same testing regime.

Known audiences:

As the hosts of organised events with ticketing and registration already in place, our audiences are ‘known’ meaning that contact tracing is usually possible if needed. We continue to work collaboratively with all organisers and promoters to publicise pre-registration and advance ticket sales ahead of their events.
 

Contact tracing and check-in:

We continue to support contract tracing through promoting use of the Government’s NHS COVID-19 Track and Trace app. The NHS QR code is also displayed at the entrance to our venues, so visitors can use this facility on arrival. 

Codes of behaviour:

Health and safety risk assessments are undertaken for every event. This includes but is not limited to, the consideration of international travel and audience demographics. We also ask individuals to take personal responsibility for their health and those around them by adhering to COVID-19 safety measures in place and NOT attending our venue if they…

• Are displaying symptoms of COVID-19 (a high temperature, new and persistent cough, or a loss of/change in sense of taste or smell), even if these symptoms are mild.
• have been asked to self-isolate because they have been exposed to a person with COVID-19
• or live with an individual who has symptoms of COVID-19

Communication:

The NEC is providing clear, effective communications for all stakeholders to ensure compliance with our Venue Protect measures, both in advance and on site. This can include providing details to visitors before their event via our websites and social media channels, whilst they are on-site via venue signage or our helpful and full trained staff.

Ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for our visitors

Face Coverings:

Whilst wearing a face covering isn't mandatory, we strongly encourage visitors and staff to wear them in the venue and on the NEC shuttle buses.

Air Quality and Ventilation:

In line with government guidelines, we provide the optimum amount of fresh air to all spaces to minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission. This includes a recent, full recommission of our mechanical ventilation equipment and the upgrade of our filtration to ensure clean and safe air is circulated throughout the venues. All areas are being supplemented with natural ventilation through the opening of doors and windows as necessary.

Space:

Being amongst groups of people can be overwhelming, so we ask that visitors are considerate of others and provide space when queueing etc where possible. We have also created spaces in and around our venue for people to have a break. Whether it’s relaxing in our Zen garden or out by Pendigo Lake, we encourage visitors to take advantage of the large spaces around us to re-energise, get some fresh air or indulge in some alone time.  

Outside space for visitors 

Touch-free customer journeys: 

Human interaction is what we do but we understand that convenience is key and that many people will want to minimise unnecessary contact. We have taken advantage of tech solutions to provide contactless options. So, to minimise contact points when in our venue, visitors can pre-pay parking online, use our cashless options for payment at all food and drink outlets and even pre-order food via an app.

Focusing on hygiene and increased cleaning across the venue

Enhanced venue sanitisation:

Our thorough cleaning regimes have been extended. All communal areas are cleaned frequently, and we continue to maintain the cleaning of high contact surfaces throughout event days along with deep cleans in all public areas.

Focus on hygiene:

Good hygiene is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and others from infection. Our focus continues with clear reminders about washing hands frequently and using the sanitiser stations that are available for use throughout our venue.