CONTROLLED

COVID-status checks : The health and safety of everyone who visits the NEC Group venues remains our top priority. As with other large UK venues, we have implemented COVID-status checks at agreed entry points to keep visitors and staff safe.

The accepted methods of showing COVID-status at all of our venues are as follows:

• NHS COVID-19 Pass via the NHS App or downloaded and saved to your phone’s wallet.

OR

• A lateral flow or PCR negative test result confirmation text or e-mail received within 48 hours prior to attending the event.

OR

• An EU Digital COVID Certificate. International visitors can show their equivalent COVID Pass from their country of origin.

Whilst we only ask for one of the above pieces of COVID-status certification, we always encourage those who are double vaccinated/had their booster to also take a lateral flow test before entering the venues.

Children under the age of 18 do not need to provide any form of COVID-status certification at entry points, but in the interests of creating the safest possible event environment, we’d always encourage them to take a lateral flow test, if possible, before arrival at the venues.

We ask visitors to please bear with us as these checks take place, as there may be a slight delay in accessing our venues.

These are our standard venue measures for proof of COVID- status. We ask visitors to also check their event’s website directly though before arrival. Some organisers may list specific measures for their event. If this is the case, we will adhere to them on the organiser’s behalf. If they don’t list alternative measures, our venue measures remain in place.

NEC Group staff are also completing twice weekly tests to ensure that they are free of infection. Our partners are expected to implement the same testing regime.

Known audiences: As the hosts of organised events with ticketing and registration already in place, our audiences are ‘known’ meaning that contact tracing is usually possible if needed. We continue to work collaboratively with all organisers and promoters to publicise pre-registration and advance ticket sales ahead of their events.

Contact tracing and check–in: We continue to support contract tracing through promoting use of the Government’s NHS COVID-19 Track and Trace app. The NHS QR code is also displayed at the entrance to our venues, so visitors can use this facility on arrival.

Codes of behaviour: Health and safety risk assessments are undertaken for every event. This includes but is not limited to, the consideration of international travel and audience demographics. We also ask individuals to take personal responsibility for their health and those around them by adhering to COVID-19 safety measures in place and NOT attending our venues if they…

• Are displaying symptoms of COVID-19 (a high temperature, new and persistent cough, or a loss of/change in sense of taste or smell), even if these symptoms are mild.
• have been asked to self-isolate because they have been exposed to a person with COVID-19
• or live with an individual who has symptoms of COVID-19

Communication: The Group is providing clear, effective communications for all stakeholders to ensure compliance with our Venue Protect measures, both in advance and on-site. This can include providing details to visitors before their event via our websites and social media channels, whilst they are on-site via venue signage or our helpful and full trained staff.

Safe

Face Coverings: Visitors and staff must wear face coverings in our venues (and on the NEC shuttle buses) unless they are medically exempt. Children under 11 are exempt from having to wear face coverings in any setting.

Air Quality and Ventilation: In line with government guidelines, we provide the optimum amount of fresh air to all spaces to minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission. This includes a recent, full recommission of our mechanical ventilation equipment and the upgrade of our filtration to ensure clean and safe air is circulated throughout the venues. All areas are being supplemented with natural ventilation through the opening of doors and windows as necessary.

Space: Being amongst groups of people can be overwhelming, so we ask that visitors are considerate of others and provide space when queueing etc where possible. We have also created spaces in and around our venues for people to have a break. Whether it’s relaxing in our Zen garden at the NEC, in our mall at the ICC, around Centenary Square or by the canal, we encourage visitors to take advantage of the large spaces around us to re-energise, get some fresh air or indulge in some alone time.  

Touch-free customer journeys: Human interaction is what we do but we understand that convenience is key and that many people will want to minimise unnecessary contact. We have taken advantage of tech solutions to provide contactless options. So, to minimise contact points when in our venues, visitors can pre-pay parking online, use our cashless options for payment at all food and drink outlets and even pre-order food via an app.

Clean

Enhanced venue sanitisation: Our thorough cleaning regimes have been extended. All communal areas are cleaned frequently, and we continue to maintain the cleaning of high contact surfaces throughout event days along with deep cleans in all public areas.

Focus on hygiene: Good hygiene is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and others from infection. Our focus continues with clear reminders about washing hands frequently and using the sanitiser stations that are available for use throughout our venues.