Accessibility

Purple Accessable logo with green icon

The NEC has worked in partnership with AccessAble to create Detailed Access Guides to 28 areas, including all exhibition halls, car parks, The Atrium, The Gallery, The Piazza, and The Skywalk.

The Guides are 100 per cent facts, figures, and photographs to help people plan their visit to The NEC.

We know everyone’s accessibility needs are different, which is why having detailed, accurate information is so important. It’s why all of the details you’ll find in the Guides have been checked in person, on site, by trained surveyors.

You can view The NEC’s Accessibility Guide here: https://www.accessable.co.uk/the-nec

AccessAble is here to take the chance out of going out. To give you the accessibility information you need to work out if a place is going to be accessible for you. We've surveyed 10,000s of venues across the globe, including shops, pubs, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, railway stations, hotels, colleges, universities, hospitals and more.

Whether you need step-free access, ramps and lifts; a hearing loop and staff trained in sign language; information in Braille, large print or audio formats; or simply need to know the distance from the car park to the entrance of a building, or what the lighting and noise levels will be like – we’ve got it covered.

All the information is on the AccessAble website – www.AccessAble.co.uk - where our Detailed Access Guides tell you all about a venue’s access.

Person looking at phone scrolling through the AccessAble app

The NEC is a world class exhibition venue. Here is a breakdown of the facilities available to Naidex visitors:

Venue Information

Naidex & Business without Barriers - Hall 20

The NEC Birmingham, B40 1NT

There are a number of ways to get to the NEC, and we’ve got all the key information below to help make your journey as easy as possible.

The 2026 show opening times are:

Wednesday 25th March - 09:30am to 16:30pm

Thursday 26th March - 09:30am to 16:00pm

Free parking for blue badge holders

There are enough parking spaces at the NEC for all Naidex visitors. You do not need to pre book blue badge parking, when you arrive please ensure your badge is clearly displayed as you approach the venue and the onsite team will direct you to the best car park.

For all other parking you can save, by pre-booking.

Carer tickets

If you selected yes to adding a carer ticket to your booking we are sending out the link to sign up your carer. Please note all carers and PAs need their own ticket. If you do not yet know your carer's details, please pick them up a ticket on the day at the registration desk at the NEC.

If you have any questions about tickets please email: tickets@naidex.co.uk.

Seating & Food and Drink

When it comes to food options, there are a lot of different choices available at the NEC inside of Naidex where you can get food and refreshments in hall 20. Inside the catering area at Naidex visitors can use the QR code on the tables to order the food to the table.

For more information about what’s on offer, by clicking on the button below.

Click Here for More Info

Mobility Equipment Hire

The NEC have a fleet of mobility equipment available to hire on a first come, first serve basis. These can be booked online in advance, normally 3 months before the event. We recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.

Wheelchairs are available to hire for £5 for all visitors. The number of wheelchairs we have available is limited, so if you’ve got your own, please bring it with you.

Scooters are available for £20 per hire for all visitors.

All pre-bookings will be held until 1300hrs on the day they've been booked for, unless otherwise advised.

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.

Please note: Mobility equipment hire is only available during show open times and we only accept payment by card for any equipment hired.

Book here

Accessible Facilities

Disabled Facilities

Accessible toilets are available across the venue. There is a changing places toilet on the atrium between hall 20 and hall 19. This is larger than the disabled toilets and provides space for additional carers as well as hoist and including height adjustable adult sized changing bench. example - https://www.changing-places.org/

There will be 2 HDU’s again this year. There will also be 4 trailer mounted disabled toilets next to the HDU’s.

Quiet Space

Quiet Room

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. This is a space with sofa’s, tables and chairs, where anyone can go to take some time out if needed. The quiet room is located in concourse 34 which can be accessed through the atrium.

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.

For toilet breaks use VE Door 20.4. Paws and Pause can be found at the front of Hall 20 opposite the marketplace.

Vision & Hearing Impairments

Vision and Hearing

BSL sign language interpreters will be at every Main Stage seminar and are available to request for other theatres. We will also be using SpeakSee - automatic live captioning software.

Message speakers@naidex.co.uk with any questions regarding BSL.

Wishlist

Event Accessibility

Proud to announce our official accessibility partner!

AccessAble is here to take the chance out of going out.