What facilities are there for people with disabilities?
As a world class exhibition venue, the NEC is fully accessible. For more information visit the NEC accessibility page.
For more information, visit the Naidex accessibility page
BSL Interpreters
BSL sign language interpreters will be at every Main Stage seminar and are available to request for other theatres. Hearing loops system is in operation in all theatres.
Quiet space
We understand the event can become overwhelming for some of our visitors, that’s why we have a Quiet Space available for those who wish to take a break. The Quiet Space is located in Concourse 34 – This is a space with sofa’s, tables and chairs, where anyone can go to take some time out if needed.
Arriving and access / train and car
Goodmaps Navigation is available for those arriving from the train station and into the venue.
By train: from Birmingham International Railway Station, access to the NEC is via a covered ‘Bridgelink'.
By car: the NEC has recently upgraded its facilities for parking and getting to your venue. There's more information on the Travel and Accommodation page.
Wheelchair access: all levels of the NEC are accessible to wheelchair users, via lifts, and have wheelchair friendly toilet facilities. The Piazza and Atrium main entrances have automatic doors.
Drop off/pick up arrangements / taxis and parking
Please note, you should bring your Blue Badge with you, even if you are arriving by taxi.
If you are arriving by taxi and have your Blue Badge with you, you will be able to be dropped off at the main entrances. If you also require a pick up, please advise the taxi firm that you have a blue badge and the taxi will be permitted to pick you up from the main entrances. If you are using a T.O.A black cab you will be picked up at the ranks by the main entrances.
Assistance dogs
We welcome assistance dogs to the show and have provided a dedicated area for them to rest, rehydrate and access outside. We kindly ask that they are recognisable by a harness, lead or jacket, if possible, to avoid our other friendly visitors wanting to pet them when they are hard at work. Please don’t let them wander freely around the show as it can be busy in places.
Disabled facilities / what's here
Accessible toilets are available across the venue. A Changing Places toilet is also available within Naidex.
Mobility Equipment Hire
Wheelchairs - available free of charge for blue badge holders and £5 for all other visitors. The number of wheelchairs we have available is limited, so if you’ve got your own, please bring it with you.
Scooters - £15 per day for all visitors.
We strongly advise visitors to pre-book equipment to avoid disappointment. We operate a telephone booking line Monday to Friday 0900hrs-1600hrs on 0121 780 4141 (Option 2 and then Option 7), or alternatively you can email at InfoEmailAccount@necgroup.co.uk
For any visitors who have not pre-booked equipment and arrive on the day, any remaining stock will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis. As collection location varies from show to show, please check the collection point when making a booking.
What catering facilities are there at the NEC?
There is a wide range of catering facilities at the NEC. Please see here for a full list of places to eat.