A snapshot of the NEC, Birmingham

nec birminghamThe NEC is one of the most prestigious exhibition and conference centers in the UK, if not the world.

It has been hosting events for well over 30 years now, and some of the most exciting and renowned events in the world are hosted there on a yearly basis. It is one of the reasons that why Birmingham is one of the most exciting destinations in the world.

So what goes on at NEC?

Every year there are upwards of 140 events happening at the NEC. This adds up to around 2 million people going through the doors on an annual basis. If you are at the NEC for one event, then it’s quite likely there is another event going on simultaneously.

This makes it especially popular with families as when the little ones become tired of one event they can be taken along to a different event next door, not to mention all the restaurants that are available.

The national exhibition centre hosts everything from Crufts, to BBC Gardeners World, and The Clothes Show Live. It is an incredible place to visit an industry niche event or a wider event spanning multiple industries. The announcement of a resort that will rival Vegas means that even more visitors will be heading to the NEC.

How do you get there?

The exhibition centre is only moments away from the M42 and M6. It is also linked on the main line from London and to most big cities in the UK.

If you are flying in to Birmingham, then there is a free monorail from the airport to the Birmingham International rail station. From there you are only a few minutes’ walk from the NEC.

There is no doubt that the NEC is superbly well located. There are a number of official car parks which start at £10 per day, with an alternative being the driveways on offer nearby. Local residents often offer their driveways for rent – the cost of booking one of these spaces is lower but you will usually have to walk further to The NEC.

It’s not just for business

The NEC is not purely a commercial and business site hosting suits all year long. It is a fantastic place to enjoy the best modern entertainment of the day, and houses a 15,000 seat venue.

You can see everyone from Beyonce to Tom Jones, to Coldplay, to Green Day. The Horse of the Year Show is here every year as well.

So what’s coming up that might interest you?

You can find out the things that are coming up at the NEC on the NEC website on their What’s On page.

What are the highlights?

Each year you can expect to see the same names, events such as The Gadget Show Live, the Internet Retailing Expo, A Place in The Sun Live, and the Festive Gift Fair. Plus, of course, there are plenty of one off events and shows to visit, from small industry trade shows to general internet motoring ones and large-scale music concerts.

It can be a refreshing and a renewing experience to get amongst people in your industry, or even get network with people in a completely different niche. Take a look on the NEC website and see what may be of interest to you.