FAQs

What is a tradeshow? 

At a tradeshow exhibitors offer their products at wholesale cost to visitors. This means that products are sold in bulk and at a lower price than the RRP. Visitors (retailers) are then able to sell those products in their stores directly to the customer.  In the case of Spring Fair, exhibitors are often companies that manufacture their own gift and home products and visitors often own or work at independent retail stores, multiples, department stores or online stores. 

Why go to a tradeshow? 

A tradeshow offers exhibitors the opportunity to display their products to a large audience over a short period of time, to take wholesale orders at the show, and to build industry contacts and leads for future sales. A tradeshow offers visitors the opportunity to meet their existing suppliers, discover new exhibitors and products and to place orders at the show or at a later date. 

Wholesale trading 

At Spring Fair there will be 1,400 exhibitor stands located through the NEC’s halls, they will be grouped together in their appropriate sectors. Each business owns a stand and will use this to display their products as they choose. Our 35,000 visitors enter the arenas and walk around to trade and do business with exhibitors whose products they like.

Keynote speeches and seminars 

Visitors can attend seminars from successful names in the industry. All seminars are free of charge and based on a first come first serve basis.  The only exception may be if we are running specific workshops, as these spaces are limited.  Once those wishing to attend have registered for the exhibition they will also be required to book a slot for their workshop of choice via the show website. 

The Everyday sector is a destination for volume and bulk wholesale gift and home products. There are many categories of products in the Everyday sector including day-to-day household items, outdoor activity products, and baby care. 

Register to attend. Start planning your visit today.

Students of Undergraduate level and above (individuals and groups) on relevant courses of study are welcome to attend the show, but will not be permitted to trade. Students will be asked to show an NUS Identity card or equivalent student identity. Please register via the normal registration process, ensuring to select yourself as a student.  

We advise that children under 16 do not attend the event as this is a trade only, and there are no crèche facilities available. If you are attending with a child, and they are under the age of 16 years, they will require a Child's wristband – these can only be picked up on site, from the registration desks in the main entrances. Anyone over the age of 16 will be required to register for the event via the normal process. 

Entry is free to all trade visitors (or those looking to open a new business in the next 12 months).

Yes, you may register on arrival to the show. However, for a better experience we recommend registering in advance. As a pre-registered visitor you could enjoy fast entry and other visitor perks. 

You can print a copy of your badge as it is attached to your badge email (this will be sent to you a week prior to the show). If you are unable to print your ticket, don’t worry – just show us your confirmation email at the registration desk on arrival to the show. 

If you wish to edit or update your details, please use the registration form to complete a new registration form.

NB: You may change the details on your badge at the exhibition venue. Simply walk to the registration desks and request the change on your badge.

Registration for the show is non-date specific. Once you have registered and have printed your ticket you are able to attend the show on any of the show open days and as many times as you wish. 

Your ticket allows you access to the whole show unless stated otherwise. For example, if your badge states ‘Press’ you will also have access to the show Press Lounge.

Please go to the registration desks and they will print your ticket for you. Please have a form of ID with you as you may be asked for proof of company name as the show is only open to trade visitors. ID can be in the form of a business card.

2-5 February 2025  

The NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT 

Sun 2 Feb - 9:00 - 18:00 
Mon 3 Feb - 9:00 - 18:00 
Tues 4 Feb - 9:00 - 18:00 
Wed 5 Feb - 9:00 - 16:00 

To find out more about how to get to the Spring Fair, please see our dedicated  travel page here.

There are national train strikes expected from January 30th until February 5th which may affect certain routes. Take a look at the NEC's latest updates to see which routes are affected, alternatively you can explore other easy ways to travel to the NEC Birmingham. 

Parking is available in the NEC car parks, with regular shuttle buses to take you from these car parks to the halls. Standard parking is not pre-bookable, but will be free of charge for all visitors to Spring Fair, you will just need to follow the signs when you arrive.

To find out more about where to stay during your visit to Spring Fair, please see our dedicated  accommodation page here.

Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the NEC. To connect, select ‘NEC Free Wifi’, and fill in the information form on your browser page.

Cafés, bars and restaurants serving light snacks, meals and refreshments can be found within the halls. There are also a number of outlets outside of the halls, offering anything from a quick drink to a more substantial meal. For more information, click here.

Cloakrooms are situated by the hall entrances.  

Opening hours 

• 08:30 - 18:00

• Except Wednesday 5th February, when they will close at 16:00hrs.

There will be a charge of £2 per coat or umbrella and £3 per bag or luggage item. Payment is by card and items are left at your own risk.

ATMs are located within the Piazza and Atrium however you will incur a usage fee. There are free ATMs located at the Birmingham International train station and within Resorts World

Yes. To find out more details about the NEC’s accessible facilities click here.

The number of exhibitors you can see in a day depends entirely on your show objectives. For example, you may see only 4 exhibitors in a day and spend at least an hour on each stand speaking with the business owners and placing an order for your retail store. On the other hand, if you are attending to browse product and be inspired you may spend less time at each stand and cover dozens of exhibitors in a day.

Yes, seminars are free to attend.

NB: Please note that as well as seminars, there will be workshops running. Some workshops will require additional registration/booking due to limited spaces being available. These workshops will be advertised as requiring additional registration on the show website. 

No, our seminars are run on a first come, first served basis. All we advise is that visitors arrive at the seminars in plenty of time to avoid any disappointment.