In The Area: Birmingham NEC
Regardless of whether you’re an organiser, exhibitor or a visitor, one of the best things to take away from an event or exhibition is the memory of a fantastic experience.
Of course, this is mainly achieved by the successful organisation of the event, interaction with like-minded professionals in your field or the talks, workshops and presentations on display that peak your interest as a consumer. But have you ever considered what’s around you outside of the four walls of the exhibition hall, just to put the cherry on top of what is already a pretty great cake?
The NEC in Birmingham is home to a number of large-scale events from public shows including Crufts and Clothes Show Live, to international trade exhibitions such as Spring Fair. It is the UK’s largest exhibition venue and is visited by over four million people each year.
If you’re visiting Birmingham specifically for an event at the NEC, we can appreciate that it may not necessarily seem like the ideal time or place for a romantic weekend away or an exciting cultural break with your pals. But with more canals than Venice and an atmosphere buzzing with diversity and culture, there is so much more to see in Britain’s second city.
So, while you’re in town, here’s a few ideas just in case you fancied a pre or post-event adventure…
Resorts World
If you need a cocktail to soothe your aching feet, or a “cheeky Nando’s” with your colleagues, Resorts World is home to an array of bars, restaurants, activities and outlet shops. You don’t even have to leave the NEC complex.
Cadbury World
Free samples, personalised gifts and an abundance of Cadbury’s most delicious creations that more than make up for the price increase of Freddo’s, Birmingham is the official residence of the Godfather of chocolate.
Black Country Living Museum
Peaky Blinders fan? Well, all 4 seasons have had scenes filmed here. Or for those interested in history, culture or fancy living in the 1830s for a day, you experience all of that and top your day off with fish and chips. Delightfully brummy.
The Bullring
With over 140 shops, a Selfridges building made up of 15,000 spun aluminium disks and a big bronze bull, the Bullring is difficult to miss when you’re visiting Birmingham.
ThinkTank Science Museum
Steam engines, talking robots, historical collections, a science garden and planetarium; ThinkTank Science Museum is out of this world… (see what I did there?)