The NEC

It’s fair to say a lot has changed since HM The Queen officially opened the NEC in 1976. We’ve grown significantly in size and reputation for starters, to become the UK’s number one venue of choice for organisers, exhibitors and visitors. We originally had seven exhibition halls - today we have 20. Not to mention 34 conference suites and a host of additional outdoor spaces.

It’s not been easy though. For 40 years we’ve challenged, questioned and pushed our industry to ensure we continue to evolve and embrace change because only by doing so can we ensure our customers can too. It’s an approach that works, as our flexible spaces now play host to over six million guests and 500 events every year. Some small, some big, some massive, but all delivered with the same attention to detail and drive for innovation as our first Spring Fair all those years ago.