Naidex opens its doors on Wednesday for its very special 50th edition
Naidex, the UK’s largest event dedicated to the disability community returns to the NEC Birmingham this week on Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 March.
This year’s event has got an action-packed programme of inspiring talks, seminars, activities to take part into and a fantastic selection of exhibitors with the latest products and services available on the market.
Celebrating its Golden Jubilee, the organisers of Naidex have planned some additional brand-new features promising to make it an unforgettable day out for all attending.
NEW for this year and in celebration of 50 years of Naidex, there will be a Comedy Hour with Aaron Simmonds and Lee Ridley ‘ Lost Voice Guy’ on the Main stage. One not to be missed!
The Village Green will feature live performances including dance workshop with Kate Stanforth Dance Academy, a football taster session with a special guest appearance from Arsenal Football Club, Basketball Wheelchair taster session with Make a Change and many more giving a chance to the visitors to have a go at something they may have never tried before.
Following its huge success last year, the Adaptive Climbing Wall will be returning. The amazing team from the Outdoor Education Company will be on hand to help attendees wishing to try climbing with traditional harness or ‘para harness’ suitable to wheelchair users.
Naidex Marketplace is another NEW feature coming to Naidex this year. In partnership with Disability Horizons, the organisers are pleased to be giving visitors the opportunity to shop for smaller and affordable daily aids, tools and resources. The Disability Horizons online shop was launched two years ago with the aim to achieve two things:
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To sell invaluable products that help to make the lives of disabled people easier and empower them to live the life they choose.
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Support disabled inventors, entrepreneurs and business owners, selling innovative products that truly help to change the lives of disabled people.
Naidex is delighted to offer this additional service at this year’s edition.
The 2023 agenda programme is featuring a stellar line-up of inspirational speakers. Ellie Simmonds OBE, Tommy Jessop, Lauren Steadman MBE, Steve Thompson MBE, Shani Dhanda & Samantha Renke will be sharing their experience and wisdom promising an enriching moment for all.
For healthcare professionals, there will be plenty of live demonstrations to help provide a person-centred approach in sourcing products and services for clients, ranging from mobility & assistive tech, care, education, sports & lifestyle and accessible living conditions.
Plus, the CPD accredited seminar agenda, will deliver valuable content for professional development.
New for this year, the Accessibility and Care theatre will feature sessions including Georgia Vine, ‘’Critically analysing occupational therapy through a disabled person’s eye’; Sally Clark, ‘’Artificial intelligence is transforming the way sign language users can access written and spoken languages’’; Steve Ford, ‘’Stepping up for Occupational Therapy – what progress are we making?’’
Naidex also offers a fantastic platform to the trade community to explore the latest technology and innovations in the industry. Trade Visitors will be able to access over 150 exhibitors and talk directly to the key manufacturers, retailers and distributors.
Matt James, Director at Precision Rehab says “Naidex has always been a great event for us as it is the perfect platform to showcase our range of bespoke powerchair solutions. As it is a national event, Naidex provides us with the opportunity to engage with end users, case managers and therapists from around the UK and demonstrate our powerchairs in a friendly and relaxed environment. As with everything, exhibitions are all about return on investment and we have always been pleased with the level of new enquires and assessments received as a result of being at Naidex. It is also a great chance to catch up with many exciting clients and show them the latest additions to our product range.”
Tom Jamison, Editor from Able Magazine says “Able Magazine has been an official media partner with Naidex for well over 10 years – and personally, the 2023 event will be my 14th trip to the NEC.
It’s really important for any business to understand its customers, or in our case, readers, and for Able Magazine, Naidex is too good an opportunity to miss. Plus, we also enjoy what is a rare opportunity these days, to speak with our advertisers and other partners.
Sometimes partnerships just work, and that’s the case with Naidex and Able Magazine. We share the same positive perspective regarding disability and independent living, best described by our motto: ‘What disabled people can do, not what they can’t’.”
Steve Clarke, Naidex Event Director says:’ We are so excited to be returning to the NEC in a few weeks and can’t wait to welcome the disability community and celebrate our Golden Jubilee together. The team has worked tirelessly to bring a very special edition and we are excited to meet our visitors, learn together and discover all the latest solutions to live a more fulfilled life.’’
For more information on event content, full agenda programme, exhibitors’ list and to pre-register please visit www.naidex.co.uk