Birmingham is more than just Britain’s largest working-class city. While London continues to dazzle with its bright lights and sheer scale, Birmingham equally impresses with its timeless charm and youthfulness. Add in some top transport infrastructure, public greenery, hotels, and restaurants, and you have the perfect recipe for a modern, event-friendly city.
So, if you’re a marketing manager, CEO, or event planner working in the UK or Europe, you’ll be pleased to know Birmingham offers a vibrant selection of business-to-business (B2B) trade show exhibitions. From automotive extravaganzas like Autosport International to the cutting-edge scientific displays at the Neuro Convention, Birmingham offers some unique and exciting business opportunities that stimulate company growth.
What are you waiting for? Join us as we take you through our top 25 exhibition events in Birmingham, the City of a Thousand Trades!
Best exhibitions in Birmingham 2024-2025
Unlike London, which boasts several major exhibition host venues, Birmingham is famous for one. The National Exhibition Centre (NEC) is located in Marston Green near Birmingham and Solihull, and is the largest trade fair venue in the whole country! It is situated next to several major transport hubs like the M42 motorway and Birmingham airport, making it easily accessible by car, train, bus or plane.
Autosport International A25
When: 9-12 January 2025
Where: NEC Birmingham
Average exhibitor count: 300+
A new name and refreshed branding meant that Autosport’s massive automotive trade show felt positively different in 2024. Previously known as the Autosport International Show, it is Europe’s largest motorsport trade fair that covers all forms of competition from karting to open-wheel racing. A25 will even feature a dedicated engineering area to showcase the latest developments in automotive design from potential suppliers. It is one of the most riveting shows on the annual calendar.
Spring Fair
When: 2-5 February 2025
Where: NEC Birmingham
Average exhibitor count: 1400+
Featuring major international brands like TikTok and Hasbro, Spring Fair is the UK’s premier home, gift, and assorted retail fair. Products on display for guests will range widely from jewellery to pet accessories and everything in between, so there are ample opportunities to network with potential suppliers. In addition, Spring Fair is also one of the oldest events in the country; the first show was held way back in 1950.
Solar and Storage Live UK
When: 24-26 September 2024
Where: NEC Birmingham
Average exhibitor count: 450+
As the UK and Europe push toward a greener and more environmentally sustainable future, so too has the popularity of the Solar and Storage Live series of global exhibitions. More than 30,000 people are expected to attend the UK show in 2024, which promises to unite more thinkers, installers, traders, and industry leaders from the renewables sector. Entry registration is free but happens only during a specific window, so don’t miss out.
UK Construction Week Birmingham
When: 1-3 October 2024
Where: NEC Birmingham
Average exhibitor count: 350+
A semiannual professional trade event hosted in both London and Birmingham, UK Construction Week is one of two leading construction trade fairs in Britain. As with its London counterpart, the Birmingham show always attracts thousands of trade visitors from all sectors of the UK construction industry which means plenty of business leads. Over 400 speakers will also be present to help inform guests about the latest industry trends and challenges.
The Security Event
When: 8-10 April 2025
Where: NEC Birmingham
Average exhibitor count: 350+
World-renowned brands and leading UK experts will once again be present for The Security Event in Birmingham for 2025. As the largest commercial and residential security event of its kind in the country, The Security Event gathers professionals from several relevant sectors like cybersecurity, surveillance, and access control. The event further features over 350 exhibitors showcasing their latest innovations and technologies, while simultaneously offering invaluable networking opportunities and insightful seminars.
The Installer Show
When: 24-26 June 2025
Where: NEC Birmingham
Average exhibitor count: 650+
New indoor energy appliances like solar geysers and air conditioners often tantalise guests at construction-related trade fairs, but what about the geniuses who install them? This is the question the organisers of The Installer Show had in mind when they created what is now one of the NEC’s leading annual events. Free tickets mean visitors can make the most of this vibrant heating, water, air, and energy event, which brings together manufacturers, installers, and specifiers all under one roof.
Solex
When: 9-11 July 2024
Where: NEC Birmingham
Average exhibitor count: 70+
The largest event on the UK’s outdoor living trade calendar, Solex is well-known in the industry for its captivating showcases of outdoor furniture products and upcoming industry leaders. Organised by the Leisure and Outdoor Furniture Association (LOFA), this trade show adds even more value with extra events like an award ceremony and afterparty for industry leaders.
Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show
When: 18-23 February 2025
Where: NEC Birmingham
Average exhibitor count: TBC
The Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show, held annually at the NEC Birmingham, is the UK’s largest showcase for outdoor leisure. With leading brands like Swift, Bailey, and Elddis in attendance, visitors will be able to explore the latest caravans, motorhomes, tents, and accessories. A few extra show features include live product demonstrations, expert-led seminars, and interactive caravan activities like towing and motorhome manoeuvring lessons.
National Wedding Show
When: 4-6 October 2024
Where: NEC Birmingham
Average exhibitor count: 200+
When the time comes to plan your big day, couples always have to ensure there are no last-minute organisational hurdles. So, what better way to ensure that you have everything you need by attending the National Wedding Show, the premier biannual wedding event in Birmingham? Over 200 exhibitors will be present, including top bridal boutiques, florists, wedding planners, cake decorators, and photographers.
Neuro Convention
When: 19-20 March 2025
Where: NEC Birmingham
Average exhibitor count: 50+
Sponsored by a variety of major healthcare organisations, Birmingham’s annual Neuro Convention highlights the latest and greatest in medical science. With a distinct focus on the complex field of neurology, the show aims to unite neurological experts and medical companies at the forefront of neurological science. It is an essential event for professionals seeking to advance their knowledge and network with industry leaders.
National Homebuilding Show
When: 20-23 March 2025
Where: NEC Birmingham
Average exhibitor count: 380+
Converting leads as a home construction or renovation supplier has never been easier with the help of the National Homebuilding Show. Dedicated specifically to self-builders and renovators who need just a few more things to complete their dream homes, this trade fair is a supplier’s dream with thousands of potential leads usually in attendance. Don’t forget, tickets must be purchased beforehand and get more expensive the longer you delay!
Commercial Vehicle Show
When: 29 April-1 May 2025
Where: NEC Birmingham
Average exhibitor count: 300+
Another popular automotive trade show in Birmingham is the Commercial Vehicle Show which, as the name suggests, highlights anything and everything from the UK road transport sector. From brand-new vans and trucks to trailer parts and vehicle cameras, it’s a highly comprehensive event not to be missed by anyone working in freight transport, distribution, or logistics.
The Baby Show
When: 9-11 May 2025
Where: NEC Birmingham
Average exhibitor count: 135+
Exclusive show-only discounts and thousands of new products are just a ticket away with The Baby Show, the UK’s premier annual baby and pregnancy show. Held over several cities, The Baby Show will return to Birmingham in 2025 to impress visitors again with new product demonstrations and expert parenting presentations. There’ll be plenty of free samples to try, so it’s not a show for new families to miss out on.
The Advanced Materials Show
When: 9-10 July 2025
Where: NEC Birmingham
Average exhibitor count: 300+
More than 700 VIPs and 5,000 trade attendees are expected to attend the next edition of The Advanced Materials Show, the UK’s leading modern materials technology exhibition. New product innovations visitors can expect to see include composites, coatings, and nanomaterials. Meanwhile, visitors will be able to enjoy other feature events like cutting-edge technology displays and over 100 expert-led seminars.
National Cycling Show
When: 22-23 March 2025
Where: NEC Birmingham
Average exhibitor count: TBC
From Trek to Shimano, only the National Cycling Show gives consumers access to everything bicycles and accessories under one roof. With a keen focus on accessibility and inclusiveness, this event unites mountain bikers, commuters, sports riders, and everyone in between. Hence the decision to run the exhibition at the NEC Birmingham, which is the one UK exhibition venue closest to more parts of the country than any other.
Classic Antique Fair
When: 12-14 July 2024
Where: NEC Birmingham
Average exhibitor count: 70+
For those with an interest in history, the Classic Antique Fair may just be the exhibition for you. A frequently recurring event hosted in both Birmingham and Farnborough, the Classic Antique Fair is a professional experience where visitors can buy or sell precious items. Exhibitors are usually varied and visitors are generally able to explore art, glass, furniture, silver, porcelain, pottery, jewellery, and sculptures.
UK Metals Expo
When: 11-12 September 2024
Where: NEC Birmingham
Average exhibitor count: 300+
A new year means another exciting edition of the UK Metals Expo in Birmingham. Sponsored by Tata Steel, British Steel, Van Leeuwen, and others, this trade show is the country’s leading exhibition that focuses on the entire metals supply chain from manufacturing to construction. It is an essential visit for professionals in the metals sector, in no small part due to the engaging seminar talks and other education opportunities.
The Print Show
When: 17-19 September 2024
Where: NEC Birmingham
Average exhibitor count: 100+
The most important printing exhibition event in the UK is set to return to Birmingham for 2024. Beyond its impressive speaker lineup, The Print Show 2024 further impresses with more than 20 free specialist business coaching, sales training, and technical insight sessions that industry professionals can attend to exploit to drive their careers forward. There’s even a special show gala party too, although professionals will need to buy a ticket to attend it.
Grand Designs Live
When: 2-6 October 2024
Where: NEC Birmingham
Average exhibitor count: 150+
A potential companion to the National Homebuilding Show, Grand Designs Live is one of Britain’s premier home design and renovation events. The show is sponsored by major brands like Anglian Home Improvements and Häfele, while simultaneously hosting talks from renowned designers and architects like Kevin McCloud. Overall, it’s a valuable and rewarding experience for anyone looking to spruce up their homes.
The National Franchise Exhibition
When: 4-5 October 2024
Where: NEC Birmingham
Average exhibitor count: 100+
As the only trade shows endorsed by the British Franchise Association (BFA), The National Franchise Exhibitions are the leading trade fairs for the franchise business model in the UK. Another edition of the popular Birmingham show will happen in 2024 and promises to please with a host of famous exhibitors in attendance, including the likes of Subway, McDonald’s, and Vodafone. There’ll be some famous speakers too, with Piers Linney and Anton Ferdinand having attended in the past.
Care Show Birmingham
When: 9-10 October 2024
Where: NEC Birmingham
Average exhibitor count: 200+
The UK’s leading event for care professionals, the Care Show will return to Birmingham again in 2024. Featuring over 200 exhibitors, it will draw attention to the latest products and services in healthcare, residential care, and domiciliary care. Other interesting show features include hands-on training sessions, live demonstrations, and over 60 expert-led seminars covering best practices and innovative care solutions.
The Pharmacy Show
When: 13-14 October 2024
Where: NEC Birmingham
Average exhibitor count: 300+
A special trade event for healthcare professionals only, the Pharmacy Show is one of Britain’s main trade and education events for the pharmacy care sector. This event, which is supported by the NHS and sponsored by the Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education (CPPE), offers unbeatable industry insight for pharmacy professionals by pharmacy professionals. There will be over 150 educational sessions at the 2024 edition of the show.
Automechanika Birmingham
When: 3-5 June 2025
Where: NEC Birmingham
Average exhibitor count: 500+
With over 500 major brands in attendance, Automechanika Birmingham is yet another highly successful chapter of Automechanika, the world’s biggest trade fair for the automobile aftermarket. As with other Automechanika shows, Automechanika Birmingham is usually packed with new products, demonstration zones, training hubs, and a special keynote conference. Whether you’re a retailer, dealer, engineer, or mechanic, it’s a must-attend event.
Therapy Expo
When: 27-28 November 2024
Where: NEC Birmingham
Average exhibitor count: 120+
The Therapy Expo is the leading UK event for musculoskeletal therapy professionals. With more than 100 exhibitors showcasing the latest products and services in physiotherapy, sports therapy, and rehabilitation, it’s no surprise Therapy Expo is so popular. Key features include hands-on workshops, live demonstrations, and over 50 CPD-accredited seminars led by industry experts. The expo also hosts renowned speakers such as top physiotherapists and sports scientists.
IRX & eDX
When: 13-14 May 2025
Where: NEC Birmingham
Average exhibitor count: 100+
Held annually at the NEC in Birmingham, our last entry is the Internet Retailing and Digital Commerce Expo (IRX & eDX). Key features of the event include insightful keynote speeches, interactive workshops, and panel discussions; these are further supplemented with unparalleled networking opportunities and cutting-edge strategies to enhance online and in-store retail performance.
Final thoughts
That’s a wrap! With so many positives, it’s no wonder Birmingham is a beacon for some of the UK’s most interesting and important exhibition events. It also happens to be one of the locations we as Booth Exhibits™ have a long track record of helping clients exhibit at.
So, if you’re planning on showcasing the best of your company at the famous NEC in Birmingham, we’d love to assist you along the way. Check out our easy online price calculator, or send us a more in-depth query here.
