Your Guide to NEC Birmingham

From how to get there, where to park and what’s on, we provide you with the best guide to the NEC Birmingham.

It took five years to build but since the original site was opened in 1976, the venue has grown, as has the list of impressive events it plays host to year after year. But it hasn’t all been plain sailing and it is this chequered and determined history that makes the NEC Birmingham what it is.

What is the NEC Birmingham?

The concept of the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) Birmingham was an idea first muted in the early 1970s.

Taking five years to complete, the hall was completed five years later. It boasted an impressive 89,000 m² and was architecturally designed by Edward Mills.

Buildings added in the late 1980s boosted the capacity of the NEC to 125,000m². Yet more were added a decade later with the capacity standing at nearly 200,000m² of prime exhibition and concert space.

It hasn’t stood still. In the 21st century, as well as improving and upgrading the venue, including signage, seating and catering, it has also strengthened is eco credentials.

What events are held at NEC Birmingham?

Today’s NEC is fit for the modern age. Nineteen exhibition halls and 34 conference suites are in demand throughout the year for small and large events that bring people flocking through its doors.

As well as BBC Gardeners’ World Live and BBC Good Food Show, the NEC Birmingham also welcomes over 500 shows a year. Some are small events, whilst others are large events such as;
* Crufts Dog Show
* Education Show
* The Caravan and Camping Show
* Horse of the Year Show
* The Cycle Show
* And more!

It is also a popular business meeting venue, with many household brands holding company events within its conference halls.

How do I get to the NEC Birmingham?

Centrally situated, you can reach the NEC via road, rail and plane;
* By car – close to major motorways, access via the road network is simple and easy, and with 16,500 parking spaces available, finding a spot on site to park isn’t a problem.
* By rail – less than a five-minute walk from Birmingham International railway station, taking the train is a hassle-free option.
* By air – Birmingham Airport is not many minutes away so if you need to fly in, you are not faced with hours travelling by road once you’ve landed.

The NEC is also on major bus and coach routes, as well as accessible via taxi.

What facilities are there at the NEC Birmingham?

Whether you are a visitor to one of the events held here every year or an exhibitor, the NEC Birmingham has everything you need;
* Cashpoints – when you need to access cash on the go or during an event, you can use one of the many cash points (charges may apply).
* Disabled facilities – recently improved, access and disabled facilities are not in short supply.
* A prayer room and chaplaincy – acknowledging the diverse and multi-cultural society that is Britain, there is a prayer room available for use as well as access to chaplaincy services.
* Phone charging points – technology is a part of life and sometimes, we need to plug in our phone or give the laptop a boost. With charging points suitable for most tech, this facility at the NEC is one of the busiest.
* Free wi-fi – almost a standard these days, the NEC Birmingham boasts free wi-fi for everyone at an event, from exhibitors to attendees.

Stay in touch with what’s on at the NEC by subscribing to their mailing list. And when you see NEC Exhibition Staff at an event, pop along and say hi!

[su_box title=”GET IN TOUCH” box_color=”#0671A9″ title_color=”#000000″] [/su_box]