I had a really good experience here at the VR hall in this great big exhibit centre. It was kind of hard to find our way around but me, my mom and my sister found our way to the hall we were lookijg fir. We did some vr stuff, all three actually. I fantasy walking one, and sitting down animal one and one that we were standing up in but weren't actually moving (a nepolean one). The only reason this is 4 star is because the last 2 kinda gave me a small headache. read more

The NEC in Birmingham is a cool, large exhibition centre. It hosts multiple big and well-known events throughout the year, if an event is happening in England, outside of London, this is pretty much the place to be. The location is brilliant, it is attached to Birmingham International, where you can catch a train into Birmingham New Street, for the city centre which takes 10-15 minutes, from here you can also use the Air-Rail link which is a free monorail to get to Birmingham Airport in only 90 seconds. There is also Resorts World for shops and restaurants, which even includes a cinema, casino and a couple of hotels across the way. The security staff seem friendly who patrol the walkways, even on a non-event day, on an event day do expect queues for COVID/bag checks, on a normal day it isn't too bad. A couple of small outlets are located here such as WHSmith, Subway and Starbucks, all of these are slightly overpriced but still useful to have. The layout is clear and easy to follow, I do think the signage could be a little clearer upon leaving the main building. Parking is highly expensive so I would recommend the use of public transport due to the fantastic links on that front using National Rail and the Air-Rail Link. 4* read more

The NEC is a vast exhibition space in Birmingham. It's very easily accessed by train or bus, and is only one stop away from Birmingham New Street (in the Centre of town). The train is very busy over the weekend when an exhibition is on (on Saturday for MCM, I couldn't physically move), but if you go on a weekday it's much better. It's easy to get to by car, but the parking charges are extortionate; try to get public transport if you can! Once you get into the train station or the car park, the way to the exhibition halls is clearly posted and the staff are quite helpful for directions too. There are shows all through the year at the NEC. From Gardening to Motorcycles to Good Food to Comic Conventions, it's all going on. And that's just the shows! There are also large scale gigs at the venue showcasing everything from Rammstein to visiting pop superstars. The venue itself is very dated. The decor is a bit shabby (the ole' NEC is getting on in years now) and it's not always the cleanest due to the thousands of people that descend on it. Saying that, it's laid out in a fairly easy to understand way with each of the different halls being numbered and plenty of maps are dotted around to find your way. Obviously tickets for events vary greatly, but the venue is costly. There is a Wetherspoons in the Venue (The Avion), but this is priced like an airport Wetherspoons rather than a regular bar. It's pretty big and there is an outdoor smoking area (for when you really need to take a break from the crowds). If you are looking to buy a beer or merch at a gig, you very well may need to remortgage your home. From memory, a beer at a gig is around £7 (!?) for a Carling. There is definitely a need for the NEC in Birmingham, but it's not a cheap day out! read more

Went to the Gadget Show at the NEC as I managed to get free tickets for entry to the exhibition by applying online via latestfreestuff Facebook page. I don't actually watch the show but for those that know me I do like gadgets like cameras and iPhone attachments! But as I had only got back from Hong Kong the day before I was rather jet lagged! I just wanted to walk round and look ... Plus seek out any freebies!!! I did manage to get freebies (see photo) plus free massage. I bought some heat neck n shoulder pads to ease tension and pain etc. They let you try them out before buying and I managed to get more discount on two as I said I could do with two but only buy one, so he knocked off more money! Food wise, the popular stalls like the hotdog, pork baps etc had long queues so I went for the shortest one which was like the health food style food! It was okay but I would preferred a hotdog!! Lol they need a proper food court so people can sit down!!! read more

NEC - Freebies I picked up from the Gadget Show! The entry tickets were free too!!! - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Birmingham, ABE

Having never been to the NEC before, I wasn't sure what to expect but knew the place would be vast and it was! My reason for visiting was to visit the BBC Good Food Show. Arriving into Birmingham International train station, it took me about 10 minutes to reach one of the many entrances. Outside the main hall space there are a number of food and drink chains such as Wetherspoons and Starbucks, however I avoided these as I wanted to support the food traders - I was at the Good Food Show after all! I was surprised to see that some of the restaurants were not open, but perhaps these are only open on weekends when it's likely to be busier. All day car parking is £10 for a car, which of course can add to the cost of your day. A shuttle bus is provided which cruises round to all the car parks. There are cash machines located around the halls, but they do charge you to withdraw your dosh - cheeky! There is a Crown Plaza hotel located on site, which is handy if you are exhibitor and don't want to stray too far away from the venue. A good exhibition space. read more

NEC - Good Food Show / Gardeners World Programme - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Birmingham, ABE

I've had a great day out at the NEC with my brother at the Photography Show. It's our second time there and we love to geek out. Problem with this venue is it's great for trade events but would not recommend for gigs or live music....years ago I saw Jamerquire who I thought was great but you lose the atmosphere at the back, I much prefer smaller venues for music. Other thing is it's so expensive! Food vendors are either crap or chain stores so not great for food. I did enjoy the photography show and I think that's what this place is good for. read more

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This vast, sprawling complex is the biggest exhibition centre in the UK and (by floor area) the 7th largest in Europe. Sprawling over 650 acres and with 200,000 square metres of exhibition space in its 21 halls, it is however Europe's busiest by exhibition numbers (160 last year), and has over 4 million visitors a year. It hosts the Crufts dog show and the annual Motorcycle Show, as well as a host of international trade fairs. On the plus side, it has level access throughout, and plenty of facilities, although in my view some of these are in need of some upgrading now - more ATMs and better mobile phone reception would help - and some of the public areas fee a bit impersonal - it's really just a series of posh sheds rather than anything that could remotely be called architecture. There are a fair number of shops, although not all of these are open for all events, especially at week-ends. The halls include the LG Arena, (formerly the NEC Arena), a major venue for touring rock and pop groups. It seats 11,000, so it's not the most intimate of venues, but fine if you like the 'big rock' feel without being in a football stadium. This is currently undergoing major refurbishment, with new hospitality facilities being created. It's located right next to Birmingham International station, with frequent trains to central Birmingham, Coventry and London. It's also surrounded by main roads and close to the M6 and M42, but although it has loads of car parking, this is quite expensive. I've not been impressed by the nearby hotels either - captive markets are never good for service in my experience - so I've taken to staying elsewhere and getting the train in. The other tip is to remember that the sheer scale of it - it's a good 15 minute walk from one end to the other, taking longer if its crowded, so don't leave getting there too late if you've something specific to get to. read more

This is a great venue that hosts a huge variety of different things - music concerts, wedding fairs, baby shows I was here recently for the Classic Car Show and although it was a long drive down to Birmingham it was definitely worth it! The entrance fee was very reasonable and i even got a pensioner discount which was good. Everyone also got a goody bag with a few promotion bits and bobs in and a car magazine. This is a superb venue and i am looking forward to next years car show already! read more

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Amazing venue for concerts but check out the Christmas Gift Fayre that comes mid-november every year. I promise you won't be disappointed! Yes, it does get packed, ideally I would advise not to bring buggies and pushchairs. Ideal for one of gift ideas, food available and really puts you in the christmas mood. What's more, you can go to a desk and put all your shopping in a box for £2 so you can continue shopping with empty hands - just make sure you can carry all your bags back to the car once you pick them back up again! read more

NEC - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Birmingham, ABE

I feel like people rating this place as anything less than five stars either drove (which I have no opinion on), or have never been to an American convention center. This place has decent little shops, reasonably priced food (and beer!), and it's directly connected to the train station and airport. Seriously, I don't know what more you could ask for in a convention center. read more

So however much this is a good venue on the whole it also suffers from poor organisation and being a bit too big for its own good. There are a lot of car parks and getting to each of the venues is always a bit difficult from each car part, if the show you are going to is popular then go early and hope to be able to get on one of the shuttle buses (then need bigger shuttle buses because they are to small often for the number of visitors). Luckily for me I went to the BBC Good Food Show, so I did not need to buy food this visit from one of the onsite vendors, but I have had to in the past and it feels very much like you are paying above what I like to call airport prices for food that would cost you half as much on the street. If you are going to the shows to buy something I strongly suggest taking cash with you as all the onsite cash machines charge which feels a bit cheeky really. Also take comfortable shoes you will be walking around a lot. read more

I've been to NEC couple times and this thing is massive. I always get lost and gets crowded so it's crazy trying find where to go and long walks. Great to know Birmingham has facilities capable of hosting many events. The halls are big, I've always imagined Birmingham Comic Con here The Gadget Show Live takes place here every year and many other events too. There's LG arena next door which is the competition but doesn't hold as big events. Mainly concerts and smaller shows. If you do plan on going make sure you go early. Parking is kind of a distance. I haven't been on a train but I assume it's about 5-10minute walk from Birmingham International Station. It does look weatherd and needs a bit of facelift/refurb read more

There is a reason it is the "national" exhibition centre---this place is HUGE. Seriously. It took a good 20 minutes to walk from the entrance to the other side of the hall. It is HUGE. Be sure to plan your "commute" accordingly and if you are a wheelchair user or have a pram it will take even longer as there are several series of escalators you'll have to use lifts instead. It is extremely handy for the airport and rail station which are both connected to the front end. The free wifi is easily over-loaded and don't expect your 3G to work on site. For such a large venue it is unfortunate they don't have better internet capabilities. Food on site is extortionate. A baked potato and Coke Zero cost me £7.50; definitely pack your own food if you are needing to eat while on site. read more

Not a pleasant place however it serves a purpose. Large exhibition halls, food on-site and free wifi. They have small subway franchises in house along with bars and a cornish pasty stand, none of them are cheap though. Weatherspoons restaurant and costa coffee in the atrium area outside the main halls Good connections with Birmingham International Airport and onto the rail network. Easy access to the motorway however the car parking is hellish and can queue up for hours to get in or out. Lots of nearby hotels and right next door to the LG arena. If you are working here you have hard floors, harsh lighting to look forward too. Make use of the free wifi though it can be a life saver. read more

I find the NEC slightly weird. I guess because it's like being stuck in an airport that doesn't go anywhere and because all the exhibition halls are so big and samey. It's pretty dated but they can't exactly knock it down and start again. I think I'm just fed up with trudging round crappy exhibits and not being able to find anywhere decent to get food. read more

The NEC and the NEC Arena are two distinct things. The NEC is where you go for the big trade shows and exhibitions. The NEC Arena is where you go to watch big stadium rock and pop concerts. They are part of the same complex, but they offer quite a different experience. The arena tends to be louder and darker for a start. The exhibition halls are spread across a huge complex, linked by depressing walkways and escalators. Getting to the halls is always a nightmare, whether you travel by car or train. Either way, it involves a LOT of walking. I've been to several big shows here, including the Good Food Show, Wedding Show and Clothes Show Live. I find them largely soul destroying - hideous artificial lighting, steep admission fees and people pushing and shoving to get puny free samples. The admission fees are what really bug me, especially with Clothes Show Live - why pay £30.00 to enter what is essentially a glorified shopping mall? Rant aside, a visit to a NEC show is never complete without waiting in a mile long queue for the toilets and paying way too much money for a lukewarm Panini and bottle of coke. Top tips: try to blag your way in, take a picnic and do some bladder control exercises in preparation. read more

too much like Wembley. Too large and security guys are a nightmare. Getting out of the car park takes about two hours unless you want to leave early. read more

This is one huge exhibition centre. Adjoining the Birmingham international airport and train station for easy access via public transport and plenty of places to park. Catering facilities inside the halls and also at the beginning where it joins the train station The size of this place rivals some airport terminals in terms of never ending walks from one end to the other which was whee the science fair I was going to was being held. Even had a long set of travelators to help with the long connecting corridors Equipped to host anything of any size read more

Aah the NEC... Once Britain's finest exhibition venue, an 80's symbol of national pride. Sadly it feels like this place is stuck in 1985. It could do with a flying DeLorean to fast forward to 2015 and London's Excel to see how it should be done. The NEC is well connected, having its own train station, but it is in the middle of nowhere and if you're driving you end up having to park really far away and either walking forever or taking a shuttle bus. Inside the layout doesn't work so well. There are a few dodgy food places outside the exhibition halls but definitely not enough of them. The food on offer isn't exactly great either. And the whole place feels a bit run down. It hasn't been redecorated since Margaret Thatcher was in power and Jimmy Saville was advertising the age of the train. We've moved on since then, and it's about time the NEC got with the programme. read more

It's quite hard to review the NEC as it is so many things. The place is giant! I've been to many gigs and events here over the years but hadnt realised the scope of the place until it took me 20 minutes to get from the train station to the Good Food Show recently! There are many halls with giant lengthy walkways and esculators between each one. There are lots of chains like Wetherspoons just in case you start to starve on your walk. The halls themselves are massive and souless. I suppose this is so the different events can put their stamp on it. There is a really great range of events throughout the year, something for everyone! When I was at the Good Food Show there was also a motorbike show on. The Clothes Show was also there recently. Easy to get to by car or public transport though I would not recommend driving as I hear the car park can be a nightmare. read more

Over the last year I have gone to see High School Musical on ice, Crufts, Avril Lavigne am going to see Mcfly soon all at the NEC. It is a great venue, each of the events I have taken children to(gone for them!) and it always feels safe even when you are walking out after a concert in the dark. My personal favourite from the above is Crufts which I have gone to over the last two years and will again in 2009. It is easily accessible from Birmingham International train station, just a short walk indoors. The drinks are fairly pricey and would recommend bringing your own to drink whilst you are waiting for the doors to open for concerts. Seats are comfortable and have sat all over the arena and always get a good view read more

The NEC is great for large exhibitions and shows. It is very spacious, clean and not dingy. It is much easier to access the NEC by getting a train from New Street to International however you will have to walk to the NEC then through a tunnel, so not that good if you have mobility problems. However if you dont midn paying parking thats ok as its plentiful and not that much. All the staff were helpful with any questions you had. read more

I was at the NEC for the National Wedding Show last week. It's years since I've been and I'd forgotten how massive it was. We walked over 10 minutes to get to the hall and that was once we were inside so be prepared for a bit of a trek! We had coffee in a couple of different shops and was surprised how reasonable the prices were for the type of venue. Not cheap, but comparable with any other conference rates. Parking was easy, rail way station is very close as is the airport, and the staff were dead helpful - guiding us and pointing out where we could nip outside to smoke. read more

The NEC is one of the UK's biggest concert arena, and never fails to impress. The arena is massive, and they interchange the seating arrangements depending on ticket sales and if the stage is at the front of the arena or not. The food is always really good but be prepared for a long wait and queues as long as the arena! read more

I've seen quite a number of concerts here over the years, and haven't really had a terrible experience. I've sat nearly everywhere in the venue, from right at the back, to the side, to standing at the front, and my experience has been just as enjoyable. The staff on the door are always quite helpful, and do their job professionally. I've never really experienced a big queue here; whether that's because I turn up late or because the staff are quick at their job, I don't know! The food and drink prices are extortionate, I might add. Although in my experience concert places like this always are! It is a bit of a trek to the concert hall from the train station, and the car parks can get very busy - don't always rely on the shuttle bus. The queues for it can be massive after a concert! Cash points are quite plentiful around the venue which is always a bonus! read more

I must say this place knows how to put on a show. We visited here for the BBC Food Show, but the arena also holds concerts, events and shows. Infact the day we were going there was also a large motorbike show also going on! The place is massive so its easy to get lost, but thankfully everyone there was helpful and there are plenty of staff to help with directions. The food and drinks are expensive as to be expected, so eat before you visit and bring a drink! Its easy to find by car, and the train station is a brief walk through halls. This is a great place to visit for a concert or show, and I would reccomend it. read more

There's one key feature of the NEC that earns it the four stars: it's ease-to-get-to. Going by train is an absolute doddle. Birmingham International station is part of the complex itself and once you get off there you never actually have to experience the "outside world" as you walk easily from platform to show entrance. I risked driving there once but found it to be an equally simple experience. Once on-site you are guided to a car park area by helpful staff and your route to the show is well-signposted. It's much older than ExCeL but much, much easier to get to. For everybody. read more

The NEC is brilliant, there is always something on there and always a range to suit all. I went to the baby show last year and it was brilliant, even if they did charge £8 for parking it was still a cheap ood day out read more

Ok so the NEC is home to so many shows a year it would be mad to write them all down but to name a few we have Crufts, the clothes show live, the good food show and then many many more. It is one of Birmingham's premier venues and a fantastic one at that. I visit quite often as there is always something on that I want to go and see and every time I think it is great so in this review I will tell you a little of what the NEC is all about and why it is worth checking what goes on there. First where to find it: The National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, B40 1NT Now the NEC is not right in the city centre so don't think you will be able to get into Birmingham and simply walk there but you can get a very short ten - twenty minute train ride to get there and you are in the middle of the action. By car you can go on the motorway and end up there quite quickly so it is easily accessible which of course for a place this big it is a good job it is so accessible. When you are there it is a massive place. The car park can fit hundreds of cars and parking varies depending on the shows so expect to pay anywhere between £5 - 10. Train tickets are only a few pounds. When you are there via train or car you will be able to get shuttle buses to where you want to go from the car parks and everywhere is signposted from the train station. Now the NEC is a huge building but very well looked after it is extremely clean. You will see posters on the wall for all of the exhibitors that are there or coming soon and there is also pictures that people have made locally. There are escalators and lifts available for those who need it and plenty of staff are always on hand if any help is needed while you are there. The building has several show areas so you have to go to the one you need. You will have to show tickets to staff there and before you go into any exhibition there are toilets, newsagents and cafes there so you have everything you need. Now of course the exhibitions have huge rooms but are always clearly signposted so you know where you are going. In each exhibition you will find several toilets, cafes and stalls to get drinks and food in case you need them. The shows depending on what they are will have different layouts but there are theatres for the main shows which are clearly displayed and there will be a lot of stalls there whatever you see. From my experience whenever you go to a show there, it is a good atmosphere and it is put on very well indeed with lots to see and do. The staff there are always helpful and the NEC is always a good laugh to visit. If you check the website for what is happening there and just go. Tickets for things all vary and I have spent as little as £8 or as much as £90 to go to something. It is always busy and lots of people go so I suggest that if you are driving to the NEC to start of quite earlier than you would usually as we always get stuck in traffic. The building is fabulous and hosts many events so I really do recommend checking if there is anything you fancy on. Also the NEC has good links to the airport and there are hotels nearby so you shouldn't really get stuck. A fantastic place and definitely somewhere great to keep updated with in Birmingham. Thanks for reading. xxx P.S This has been posted on other sites but always by me katygriff read more

The NEC is great, it has a great location in the centre of the country and has good public transport links. The NEC has many shows on, from Music to events like the clothes show and good food show. It has a large capacity and is very well organised. Many of the events are well managed and there are all the facilities that are needed. read more

I've been at the NEC for trade fairs and the Horse of the Year Show and it is really handy for the airport or train station. The food and drink is expensive and the temperature warm, no need for warm coats or jacket. Comfortable seats. Only downside is the over zelous security staff who are a nusiance constantly checking tickets. read more

The NEC is a great venue for all major events, from music gigs, to sporting events, and shows such as The Clothes Show and Good Homes. It is easily accessible and it sign posted really well from all major roads as you near the city - its quite hard to miss it actually. There is plentiful parking at the NEC arena and there is a park adn ride bus service which will ferry people to and from the venue and their cars. The NEC is quite out of the way from B'ham city centre, so travelling here is quite a mission and will take up most of your evening, so its not wise to watch a show and then head into town as getting out of the NEC can sometimes be a little perturbing. read more

The NEC is well positioned with good motorway links I have always found the NEC to be kept well, clean and the events on at the different parts of the venue are always very well signposted. On the downside is the inevitable parking. It seems you park further and further away from the venue every time you go - As well as being charged around £6 I think for the priveledge you are left facing the dilemma of a fairly long walk across rough ground or a bus journey which isnt great - but hey ho Apart from the fact I live in the midlands I would choose the Birmingham NEC over other venues just due to the transport issues. Wheras driving into Wembley and parking up is a nightmare - leaving train and tube as preferable option, you can reach the NEC without driving through a large town - or for non drivers there are great train connections - the location is brilliant. I would recommend read more

This was my first visit to the National Exhibition Centre and I have a few observations to make. 1. Care Parking. I recognise that there is a need to charge for parking but remember that this is an out of town location. To charge 8 pounds for a car park visit (regardless of length of stay during the day) seems a little excessive. Had a mixed experience on the shuttle bus from the car park to the centre - one driver was rude, the other very helpful. 2. Eateries. I was rather disappointed with the range of food outlets and the quality of food available. There was one ATM I could see which also was insufficient for the amount of people at my exhibition. In all, it was ok but I was expecting somewhere with better facilities - would rather attend at some of the venues in London read more

A good or a bad venue depending on what you are going for. It is not the best place for gigs - a lot of big bands who play here do so because they know they will sell it out on problem, but the atmosphere for the avergae fan isn't great - a bit lifeless and souless. The sound and visuals are usually good though. It is better when used for more laid back events like the Motor Show and Crufts - a much better use of the space and a better customer experience all round. The NEC is very convenient to get to whether by car, train or plane because of its central location and close proximity to motorways, rail stations and airports. read more

Good Food show 2013 - Lots of food and drink to sample. Also get access to Gardeners World Exhibition. Well worth a visit. Take good walking shoes though as its a bit of a walk :) read more

For such a massive venue there's a great atmosphere, and the tiered seating is well laid-out. Easily accessible too. Good for a larger-scale gig experience! read more

A big exhibition hall with good parking and not too far from the motorway.

Fantastic Venue pulling some of the biggest acts to Birmingham, I would say it's a little too big if you've got seats right at the back for gigs/shows though. Some of the biggest events are the Clothes Show Live and the Good Food Show which are both worth the money if you're interested in that sort of thing. Good transportation to and from as well with Trains running from Birmingham International Station read more

This is a great place for huge concerts but it looses much of its atmosphere compared to smaller venues for seeing bands. If you are watching someone at least try and get standing tickets or seating as near as possible to the front because with such a big arena you really loose out on the experience. Of course there is more to the NEC than just concerts there are also many exhibitions and every time I have been they have been very well organised. The easiest way to get to the NEC is probably via train depending on where you are coming from. read more