Opened by the Queen in 1976, the NEC is the largest exhibition centre in the UK, comprising of 20 halls and the Resorts World Arena. The first event to be staged at the venue was the International Spring Fair, which has returned every year since along with a whole host of other exhibitions and conferences. BBC Good Food Show, Clothes Show Live; Crufts Dog Show, and Horse of the Year Show are just some of the biggest and best events that have taken centre stage at the NEC.And if you’re in town for an exhibition, why not make life a bit easier by booking into the Premier Inn near the Birmingham NEC?
Birmingham National Exhibition Centre
The Birmingham NEC
Resorts World Arena
Essential Information
The NEC may be the busiest exhibition centre in Europe, but it’s easy to get around.
Layout
Set in grounds of 611 acres, including a lake, the NEC is made up of 20 interconnected halls. This flexible space can cater for exhibitions, conference and meetings, as well sports events and live music in the 16,000 capacity Resorts World Arena. Check out the NEC website to find out what the venue will look like for your event
Accessibility
With dedicated ticket hotlines, designated parking, wheelchair accessible viewing areas and plenty of disabled toilets, the NEC has full disabled access. Let the venue know about your special requirements when you book and they’ll arrange everything you’ll need on the day.
Eating and Drinking
If wandering around exhibition stalls leaves you feeling peckish, there are plenty of places for you to refuel.
As you’d expect from a huge venue like the NEC, there’s plenty of restaurants, cafés and bars. The Edge offers sandwiches, hot meals, pizzas, pastas and a grill. And why not explore the 661 acres surrounding the NEC? You’ll find plenty of options including Resorts World. This leisure and entertainment complex sits inside the NEC complex. There's a selection of restaurants and bars, as well as a casino, spa and IMAX cinema.
Getting to the NEC
The NEC complex sits on the outskirts of Birmingham but is at the centre of a transport hub. If you're jetting in, Birmingham International Railway Station is just minutes away from Birmingham Airport on the free and fast Air-Rail Link.
By car
With over 16,000 parking spaces, driving to the NEC is no problem. Follow the signs for your event to find the closest available car park.
By bus
Hop on any bus heading to Birmingham Airport and you’ll only have a short walk to get to the NEC.
By train
Take the train to Birmingham International Railway Station and you’ll be right at the heart of the NEC in no time.