new shows and relocations

Birmingham’s NEC has had a record breaking 12 months as organisers continue to make the venue their first choice for exhibitions. The venue hosted 156 in 2016 and held a staggering 99% retention rate of annual shows.

As the team reach the halfway point of 2017 they are on track for even more success in the next 12 months, and with several major launches already under their belt, including This Morning Live, demonstrating the appeal of the venue – the NEC keeps going from strength to strength.

The NEC continues to be a popular choice for new shows, demonstrated by an astounding 36 launches in 2015 and 2016. Moving to the NEC is proving to be a formula for success too as, on average, relocated shows grow by 17% in their first three outings at the NEC, while new launch events grow by 30% in their first three years.

Richard Mann, Market Development Director for the NEC, said: “One of the most pleasing things about our new business wins is that they demonstrate our ability to deliver an audience across all sectors, whether trade or consumer.

“We are welcoming tech-based trade events like Channel Live in ICT, major consumer brands like Destination Star Trek relocating from London, plus new launches such as Commercial Kitchen. We then have the return to the NEC of shows like IPEX, and, of course, the big new adventure experience Dinosaurs in the Wild.”

So much activity has had a positive impact on the NEC Venue Sales team as they have expanded to continue to grow this area of the business.

Promotions have been given to New Business Development Manager David Gallagher and Account Executive Louise Cash, who now take the roles Senior Business Development Manager and Account Manager respectively, and a further two new Account Executives – Hannah Jones and Helaena Aston, have also joined the team.

Exhibition Sales Director, Janine Smith, said: “It has been a fantastic time for the Venue Sales team. We have been in the very exciting position that not only are we promoting within the team but we are generating so much activity we have grown the team to continue this momentum.

“As a business, we are committed to talent development with the team and I am absolutely thrilled that both David and Louise have been recognised for their hard work. We are also very pleased to recruit two exceptionally talented Account Executives who bring with them fantastic experience.

“With so many great shows already with the venue, and with the additional resource we now have on the team, we are completely focused on pushing for even more activity.”