The NEC (National Exhibition Centre) is the UK's largest exhibition venue, opened in 1976 and located in Solihull near Birmingham, beside Birmingham Airport and Birmingham International railway station. It offers around 186,000 sqm across 18 interconnected halls, hosts about 500 events a year and welcomes over 2 million visitors, making it one of the largest fairgrounds in Europe.
The venue
The 18 halls are complemented by 32 purpose-built conference suites, and the wider NEC campus includes arenas and hotels. With around 16,500 parking spaces and a free shuttle service, plus direct rail and air links, the NEC is built to move the very large visitor volumes of UK flagship shows such as Spring Fair, the CV Show and Autosport International.
Exhibiting and stand-building context
The NEC hosts an enormous range of trade and consumer fairs, so stand briefs span display-led retail stands, machinery builds and brand activations. Build-up runs through the venue's extensive dock and hall system, and the NEC operates its own technical rules and approved-contractor arrangements. Given the scale, exhibitors confirm hall placement and logistics well in advance.
Getting there
The NEC's connectivity is a defining strength: it is adjacent to Birmingham Airport and Birmingham International station, and beside junction 6 of the M42, giving direct air, rail and road access. This makes it one of the most accessible major venues in the UK for both domestic and international audiences.