NEC Birmingham: trade fairs & events 2026–2027

18 upcoming trade fairs & events at NEC Birmingham, starting with Euro Bus Expo (3–5 Nov 2026).

The NEC, opened in 1976 next to Birmingham Airport and Birmingham International station, calls itself the UK’s largest event venue. It has 18 halls, 32 conference suites and 186,000 m² of covered space, with seven hotels on the campus.

Address: North Avenue, Birmingham B40 1NT, United Kingdom

Visitor and exhibitor guide

Official NEC Birmingham website ↗

November 2026

Expo	Dates
Euro Bus Expo	3–5 Nov 2026
Lab Innovations	4–5 Nov 2026
Advanced Engineering	4–5 Nov 2026
UK Metals Expo	4–5 Nov 2026
Farm Business Innovation	4–5 Nov 2026
Simply Christmas	5–8 Nov 2026
Cake International and Bake International	6–8 Nov 2026
Automotive Management LIVE	11 Nov 2026
Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show	13–15 Nov 2026
Festive Gift Fair	19–22 Nov 2026
Classic Antique Fairs	20–22 Nov 2026
The National Festival of Railway Modelling	21–22 Nov 2026
Festive Good Food Show	26–29 Nov 2026
Christmas Party World 2026	27 Nov – 20 Dec 2026

January 2027

Expo	Dates
Low Carbon Agriculture	20–21 Jan 2027

March 2027

Expo	Dates
National Homebuilding & Renovating Show	11–14 Mar 2027

April 2027

Expo	Dates
The Security Event	27–29 Apr 2027
National Cyber Security Show	27–29 Apr 2027

Stay near NEC Birmingham

Search hotels close to the venue for your fair dates. You book directly with the provider.

At a glance

18 halls, 32 conference suites for up to 700 people and 186,000 m² of covered space. The NEC’s own hall list shows 17 halls, so the count differs between pages. Source ↗
The largest hall, Hall 5, is 24,870 m² with a 15.5 m ceiling; Hall 4 is 16,700 m² and Hall 1 is 14,010 m². Source ↗
Halls 1–5 open off the Piazza (by the station walkway) and Halls 6–20 off the Atrium; both concourses have cloakrooms, catering, charging points, a convenience store and meeting rooms. Source ↗
The campus also includes bp pulse LIVE (a 15,685-capacity arena), Resorts World, and over 440 acres of outdoor space around Pendigo Lake. Source ↗

Getting there

Birmingham International station is a five-minute covered walk from the halls, via the Bridgelink from the Piazza. Source ↗
Birmingham city centre is about 10 minutes by train or 14 miles by road; the NEC gives 6 trains an hour to London. Source ↗
From Birmingham Airport, the free Air-Rail Link leaves the upper level of Terminal 1 every two minutes and takes 90 seconds to the station, from where you walk straight through to the NEC. Source ↗
The Air-Rail Link runs daily from 03:30 to 00:30; outside those hours a courtesy bus leaves from stop C at the terminal. Source ↗
By road, follow signs from the M42, M40 or M6. Use B40 1NT in a sat nav to reach the site, then follow the signs to your event’s car park. The NEC is not in Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone. Source ↗
Official taxi partner TOA Taxis has ranks at the main entrances (card payments carry a 10% + VAT charge); Veezu is the official private-hire partner. Source ↗
During show open days, free shuttle buses link all car parks with the halls, usually from an hour before opening until an hour after closing. Source ↗

Parking

More than 16,500 spaces; charges apply at most events and vary by event. Source ↗
Car parks are cashless and use number-plate recognition. Booking online before midnight the day before saves £5 on the on-the-day rate. Source ↗
Express parking guarantees a space close to the halls at most shows; motorcycles park free outside the Express car parks. Source ↗
EV drivers can pre-book 150 chargers in the bp pulse Gigahub (East 3 car park) or use over 30 ultra-fast chargers near the Starbucks drive-thru. Source ↗

On site

Free Wi-Fi covers the whole venue with no code, but it is not meant for connections a stand depends on. Source ↗
Cloakrooms next to the halls cost £2 per coat and £3 per bag and close when the event closes; there is no overnight storage. Source ↗
Trained first-aid staff are always on site. The nearest cash machine and bureau de change are at Birmingham International station. Source ↗
All levels are step-free via lifts, entrances have automatic doors, and Changing Places toilets are by Hall 2 and Hall 20. Wheelchairs and scooters can be hired during open hours. Source ↗
You may bring your own food and drink but not alcohol; expect bag searches and security arches. Smoking and vaping are only allowed in marked outdoor areas. Source ↗

Where to stay

Seven hotels on the campus offer over 1,950 rooms between them. Source ↗
They include the Hilton, the Crowne Plaza and the four-star Genting Hotel at Resorts World. Source ↗
The NEC’s Find a Hotel page books event rates reserved for people attending shows at the venue. Source ↗

For exhibitors

The NEC Rules and Regulations (December 2024) apply to all exhibitors and contractors. Contractor details, including the lifting and stand-electrics contractors, come from your organiser’s exhibitor manual. Source ↗
The NEC does not build stands and recommends finding a builder through ESSA. Source ↗
Venue Services sells rigging, internet, AV, graphics, cleaning, electrics, furniture and stand catering. Orders placed within 28 days of the first build day cost 20% more, and on-site orders 30% more again. Source ↗
Deliveries to the back of the halls during build need a slot booked in Voyage Control, and everyone in the offloading area must wear a high-visibility bib. Source ↗
Exhibitor parking is free during build and breakdown once validated. Source ↗
Fire risks must be declared as a Special Risk at least 28 days before the event. Hall floors take up to 20 tonnes per m², less near catering pods in Halls 1–5. Source ↗
Under-16s are not allowed in the halls during build and breakdown, and the NEC does not hire out trolleys, pump trucks or porters. Source ↗

Questions visitors ask

How do I get from Birmingham Airport to the NEC?

Take the free Air-Rail Link from the upper level of Terminal 1. It runs every two minutes, takes 90 seconds to Birmingham International station, and you walk straight through to the NEC.

How far is the NEC from Birmingham city centre?

About 10 minutes by train to Birmingham International, or about 14 miles by road.

Is parking at the NEC free?

Usually not: charges apply at most events and vary by event. Booking online before midnight the day before saves £5.

Is there Wi-Fi at the NEC?

Yes, free across the whole venue with no code needed.

Can I stay on site?

Yes. Seven hotels on the campus have over 1,950 rooms, including the Hilton, the Crowne Plaza and the Genting Hotel.

Venue facts checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Confirm opening hours and transport with the venue or organiser before you travel.