Rules & regulations

Please see the event timetable for show access times.

The organiser reserves the right to refuse to admit or to expel from the exhibition hall, any person at any time not withstanding that person’s possession of any official badge or pass. The organiser will issue official badges of admission and no other form of admission badge or pass will be valid.

No Exhibitor shall allow any animal or pet (including birds,fish and insects) on their stand or within the show without the express permission of the organisers in writing. Permission for the relevant licenses will be passed to exhibitors who are reminded that they must comply with the requirements of the Pet Animals Act 1951. Guide Dogs are permitted entrance to the venue during show hours only. 

The organisers reserve the right to make public address announcements in the exhibition hall for notifications, meetings, seminars and other events. No unauthorised announcements will be made.  

The exhibitor must ensure its products comply in all respects with the Rules & Regulations. The organiser reserves the right to reject for inclusion at any time before or during the show, any exhibit or services which in its view or that of other authorities is unsafe or unsuitable for inclusion, or which in the organisers’ opinion is not germane to the exhibition. The decision of the organiser as to such exclusion and/or removal of exhibits will be final and binding.  

Exhibitors

Exhibitor badges are valid throughout the whole period of the show. In the interests of security, it is imperative that exhibitors wear identity badges at all times during the show including build up and breakdown. Security will check the badges of everyone wishing to enter the show floor and will not admit anyone without a valid pass.

You will need to register for exhibitor badges for every member of staff that will be on your stand throughout the show. To register for your badges please go to the Exhibitor Badges form within the compulsory tasks section of the manual.

Contractors

Contractors will be issued wrist bands and are only valid for build up and breakdown. Contractor wrist bands can be collected on arrival from security posted on the entry doors to the hall. CDM regulations insist all personnel requiring access to the hall during build up and breakdown will be required to have read the show rules document. This document will be issued as part of the contractor bulletin which is sent out 3 weeks prior to the build-up of the show.

SHELL SCHEME STANDS
All goods must be packed up and removed by 7.00PM on Thursday 19th March. Failure to do so will incur removal costs and disposal or storage costs for which the exhibitor will be wholly responsible. The organiser cannot be held responsible for goods uncollected within this time. No exhibitor is permitted to build up or pull out outside the specified times. Breakdown will not commence until 17:30 or sooner if the hall is clear of visitors.

SPACE ONLY STANDS
Space Only stands have until 10.00PM on Thursday 19th March for breakdown.

SECURITY DURING PULL-OUT
We strongly recommend that you breakdown, pack up and remove your goods from the stands by 7.00PM on Thursday 19th March to reduce any possible security risk.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE NEC DO NOT PERMIT THE USE OF LPG AND OTHER FLAMMABLE GASES WITHIN THE EXHIBITION HALL.  

Helium cylinders are permitted but are subject to specific conditions.

See Helium Balloons

Gas run appliances including free-standing units must be run off mains gas, which can be provided on all stands and ordered through the venue. 

Tel: +44(0)844 338 8338

Email: [email protected]

See Gas, also Food Safety and Water & Waste 

The NEC no longer has a Business Centre, however a printing service is still provided on the Piazza. Please contact the NEC for any enquiries –

Tel: 0121 780 4141

Email: [email protected]

Car parking at the NEC is free of charge during the build-up of the show. On arrival to the NEC, please follow signposts to the designated car parks.

To gain free of charge parking during the open days of the show, please visit the organisers’ office onsite to collect your vehicle pass. Each exhibitor will be issued a limited supply of car parking passes for the open day of the show, which can be validated in the atrium of the venue, outside the halls, prior to returning to your vehicle. If you do not validate your parking using the code provided by the organisers, there will be a £25 charge to exit the car park, payable to the NEC.

The NEC charges £13.95 per vehicle per day for parking (including disabled parking) if you register in advance. If you don’t book in advance then the charge is £18.95 per vehicle per day for parking.  If you are registered disabled, you can gain access to the disabled car parks.

The NEC offers disabled parking spaces, located within close proximity of the venue. Spaces are available to blue badge holders only and badges must be displayed at all times. Parking for disabled visitors is charged at the normal rate. Please visit the NEC website for more information.

Please contact the NEC for any enquiries
Tel: +44 (0)844 338 8338
Online information: www.thenec.co.uk/visiting-us/car-parking

During the build-up, open and breakdown periods of the show there will be sufficient retail outlets open in the Atrium and Piazza of the NEC. Compass/Levy are the catering partners at the NEC. Their services must be used to supply all food and beverages required on exhibition stands. Compass/Levy provide exhibitor catering via the following means:

Served To You – offering a full hospitality service
Food To You – a convenient drop-off service for delivery only

In specific circumstances Compass/Levy may allow exhibitors to sample or retail foods for immediate and/or offsite consumption. This is only permitted if the product is relevant to the show profile and prior application is required in every instance. Applications will be reviewed and assessed in line with food safety regulations and applicable charges levied. An Intent To Supply Stand Catering For Hospitality form must be completed and returned to the relevant show Catering Account Manager at The NEC least 2 weeks prior to the show.

Please contact Charlee Churchill at the NEC for any catering enquiries or to place an order.
Tel : +44 (0)7926 237 820
Email : [email protected] 
Online information :   http://www.thenec.co.uk/exhibitors/exhibitor-food-and-drink/ 

All articles for human consumption, whether for eating or drinking within the exhibition hall or which are dispensed or given away must be the exhibitors’ own product. Other than in respect of samples permitted, no articles of food or drink may be given away other than from the official caterers.

To comply with health & safety regulations, no persons under the age of 16 will be admitted to the show halls during build up and breakdown. 

The gangways, aisles and public areas will be cleaned daily. Waste bins will be emptied and where required; floors of the stand vacuumed daily. Clear rubbish sacks should be used in the hall at all times. We strongly suggest that you bring with you some clear waste refuse sacks. The cleaners will only remove rubbish in refuse sacks that has been placed in the aisle of the show floor at the end of build-up day and show days. Food waste MUST be separated from other waste by the exhibitors prior to leaving in refuse sacks. 

All other goods must be removed by the exhibitor at the end of show. Exhibitors are responsible for the provision and use of waste bins on their own stands and for ensuring that the stand and exhibits are maintained in a clean state throughout the show. They are reminded to make sure no items or materials are left onsite after the show. Recycling facilities will be provided, please recycle goods wherever possible.  

For additional stand cleaning please contact The NEC .

Tel: +44 (0)844 338 8338

Email: [email protected]

Any exhibitor wishing to hold any competition, raffle, prize draw, lottery or similar activity must obtain permission from the organiser 4 weeks before the show, in order that any necessary licenses can be obtained. The organiser reserves the right to withdraw any consent whereupon such competition, raffle, prize draw, lottery or similar activity shall not take place. Exhibitors are reminded that they are responsible for compliance with the Lotteries and Amusements Act 1976 and the Gaming Act 1968 and any other relevant legislation. All competitions, raffles, prize draws, lotteries or similar activities shall be drawn on the final day of the exhibition by or in the presence of an authorised representative of the organiser and full details of the winner shall be notified to the organiser in writing immediately following the draw or judging of the competition.  

There are strict regulations governing the use of pressurized gases within the exhibition hall. Compressed air may not be used during the open hours of the exhibition and may only be used at other times under supervision. If you wish to use compressed air, please notify Operations with details. 

Also see Gas and Helium Gas  

The exhibitor and all persons for whom it may be considered responsible in any way whatsoever, must conduct itself in such a manner as shall not in the view of the organiser cause disturbance to any other exhibitor, any visitor or the organiser, and shall not create any disturbance, loud noise or obstruction which is, in the view of the organiser, unnecessary or unacceptable. The exhibitor and all persons engaged or employed by them must present a clean and tidy appearance and maintain a polite and sober demeanour at all times. Any person who does not comply with these requirements shall be liable (at the discretion of the organiser) to have their badge revoked and shall be removed from the exhibition hall and refused re-admission. This shall also be applicable to any person deemed in the opinion of the organisers, to be intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.

The exhibitor must conduct its business only from its own stand and must not, under any circumstances, canvas visitors in the aisles or in any other part of the show. 

See also Distribution of Promotion Material 

Exhibitors must comply with all relevant provision of the Copyright Design & Patent Act 1988. 

See Musical Entertainment and Liability. 

For any exhibitors importing goods for the show we recommend that they use our appointed freight services company GES Logistics who can arrange all necessary customs and excise papers on your behalf. Please contact GES directly –

Tel: +44 (0)121 782 433

Email: [email protected]

Website : Expresso by GES

See also freight services

All exhibitors, contractors, sub-contractors and all other personnel must comply with the COSHH Regulations (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health). Listed below are some of the main provisions of these Regulations.  

• No naked lights or oil lamps may be used in the exhibition hall.  (see Fire Safety Regulations)

• No petrol, poisons, corrosive chemicals, flammable substances or other dangerous substances or materials are allowed into the exhibition hall.  
• Gas requirements must be obtained from the nominated supplier only. (See compressed Air and Gas)

• The exhibitor must conform to and observe all regulations and requirements concerning dangerous materials and substances as laid down by the authorities and comply with all applicable laws.  
• All stands must comply with Class 1 Fire Regulations. 

 see also Fire Safety Regulations, Health & Safety  

It is vital that all exhibitors and couriers are aware that deliveries can only be accepted within the following hours:

Wednesday 18th March: 8.00AM – 6.00PM
Thursday 19th March: 8.00AM – 9.30AM (prior to show open)

NO DELIVERIES CAN BE ACCEPTED BEFORE WEDNESDAY 18TH MARCH 2026

All deliveries should be addressed to:

Company Name

Stand Number

BTTS 2026

Hall 8

NEC

Birmingham

B40 1NT

All exhibitors and their contractors wanting vehicle access to the hall must apply for access via the NEC’s Voyage Control System.  This system requires you to book in to gain access to make a delivery.  Please visit the compulsory forms section of the manual for the link to log on to Voyage Control.

A representative of the company will need to accept delivery on the stand. The organisers cannot be held responsible for any deliveries. The exhibitor or their representative needs to be onsite to accept delivery. Alternatively, the appointed show freight company GES will be able to do this for you and put your goods into appropriate storage, but you MUST arrange this directly with them.

Any exhibitor wishing to carry out demonstrations on its stand must obtain prior written consent of the organisers 4 weeks before the show, giving details of the intended demonstration. All demonstrations or efforts to advertise, promote sales and operate exhibits must be conducted so as not to cause any annoyance or inconvenience to other exhibitors and visitors. Any such activity which, in the opinion of the organiser is dangerous, causes annoyance to any other exhibitor or visitor or is otherwise inappropriate may be prohibited. The organiser may in the case of serious or persistent breach of this requirement, exclude the exhibitor or terminate the exhibitor’s contract. Demonstrations must not block or hinder passage of the gangways or aisles.  

Product demonstrations 

Product demonstrations can attract crowds and it is recommended that such activities are strictly limited to essential demonstrations only.  

If a demonstration (on the basis of demonstrating to more than two people) of your product is vital, you will need to provide the organiser with evidence of how you intend to manage and monitor your audience to ensure that over-crowding does not occur, gangways are kept clear and physical interactions are minimised. An accompanying risk assessment will be required.  

Consider increasing the number of demonstrations throughout the day, with a controlled and reduced viewing capacity at any one time. 

As an alternative, consider offering a virtual demo/walk through instead. 

Also see Fire Safety Regulations, Conduct of Exhibitors & Musical Entertainment  

The exhibitor is responsible for the cost of making good, restoring or renewing all damage or dilapidation to the exhibition hall or any part thereof, caused by the exhibitor or any person employed or engaged on its behalf. Dilapidation includes (by way of example only) marks caused by paint, distemper, mortar or any other adhesive substance (including carpet tape, bolt, screw or nail holes, battens, boarding or any other material or substance attached or adhering to walls, floors or any part of the building; loose wire, waste, rubbish or other items left behind). The cost of making good will be assessed by the organiser or the owner and charged to the exhibitor by the organiser. In their own interests exhibitors should satisfy themselves as to the condition of their site, both before stand erection and after clearance. Exhibitors occupying shell stands are also responsible for the cost of making good, restoring or renewing any damage or dilapidation to shell stand structures, floor coverings, light fittings, or any part thereof, whether caused by themselves or by any persons employed or engaged on their behalf. The cost of making good any damage will be assessed by the shell stand contractor and advised to the exhibitor. 

The NEC have a list of approved carpet tape as follows – 

The current approved tape supplier list is as follows;

• Le Mark Self Adhesives https://www.lemark.co.uk
• ISA Tape https://www.isatape.co.uk
• Formulex Ltd
• GES carpet tape

Also see Helium Balloons  

Disabled exhibitors and visitors in wheelchairs and pushchairs are welcome. However, for safety reasons an able-bodied adult should accompany them, and it is possible to hire a wheelchair from the NEC. Please visit the NEC website for more information. https://www.thenec.co.uk/visitors/accessibility/

ACCESSIBILTY 

Disabled persons must be afforded the same opportunities as able-bodied persons – please note that your stand should be easily accessible to visitors in wheelchairs and with other disabilities – i.e. include ramps on stands with platforms.

Ensure any changes to your stand layout do not make your stand inaccessible for those with access requirements.   

Under no circumstances are exhibitor’s own staff or any other non-approved persons permitted to carry out electrical installation work within the exhibition hall. All work is to be carried out by the official contractor, GES (contact details can be found on the Useful Contacts Page).

All shell scheme stands are complete with a 5ft fluorescent light depending on the size of the stand, but to brighten individual stands and make the most of your stand area, you are advised to consider extra stand lighting. If you request no fascia board on your stand then you will not receive a light as these are attached to the back of the fascia. If you require power point(s) for either single or 3 phase electricity or ANY OTHER electrical supply Please complete the Electrical Order Form in the Stand Extras section of the online manual and send directly to the contractor. All equipment & practices must comply with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. Please note the following: –

• Any fittings connected to circuits previously completed, and any electrical appliances brought to the show will be subject to testing by the appointed electrical contractor. The electrical contractor has the right to disconnect any equipment that they feel is either dangerous, in faulty condition, liable to cause danger, installed without their authority or consent, connected to or ancillary to any equipment installed or maintained by them.
• Exhibitors’ equipment must conform to all current electrical and safety standards otherwise it will be disconnected.
• Exhibitors are warned that under no circumstances can 13-amp adaptors be used, nor extension leads in excess of 1.5 meters.
• The NEC will switch off all power 30 minutes after show has closed. Therefore, exhibitors with fridges etc must order 24-hour power supply.

For further enquiries please contact GES. Click here for link to Electricity guide. See Health & Safety at Work Act.

To view a copy of the NEC’s ‘Emergency Procedures, please click here. 

The organiser will seek to ensure the supply of all the services mentioned in this manual, but where the supply of such services is not within its reasonable control, the organiser shall not incur any liability to any exhibitor for any losses, costs or damage if any such service shall wholly or partially fail or cease to be available, nor shall the exhibitor be entitled to any rebate or allowance in respect of charges due or paid under the contract.

Only handheld, battery operated equipment is allowed during opening hours of the event. Aisles/gangways are to be kept clear of all cameras, cables and other equipment. It is important that you notify the organisers of any TV, filming, video or radio broadcasting that you anticipate being carried out at the show as there are certain health & safety regulations to be adhered to when using broadcast media. If you are planning or allowing any filming or recording for television or radio, please contact the organisers 4 weeks before the event. 
Also see Photography 

ALL stands must conform to BS 476-Part 7 class 1 Fire Regulations. If you have any queries, please contact the NEC Fire Safety Officer or the organisers. 

If there is a need for medical attention, please contact the organisers onsite, there is dedicated First Aid cover, please also make contact with NEC security. Please contact the NEC for assistance or in the case of emergencies.
Tel: +44 (0)121 767 2222

Floral decorations can considerably improve the appearance of a stand. If you buy your own plants, you can take them home at the end of the show. Please note: Artificial and cellulose plants are not permitted due to the fire safety regulations. However, dried flowers, fresh flowers and flame-proofed silks are permitted.

Our recommended floral supplier is Penny Johnson Floral, who are local to the NEC.

For transporting your goods either across the UK or from overseas we have appointed the services of GES Logistics. If you wish to use their services, please contact them directly, their details can be found on the Useful Contact Details page of this manual.

If you would like to rent furniture for your stand, this year’s recommended furniture supplier is GES – click here – Furniture

The gangways in the venue are the minimum permissible in law. Under no circumstances will exhibits, stand dressings, tables, chairs etc be allowed to encroach into the gangways. It is the responsibility of the exhibitor to ensure the gangways adjacent to its stand are kept free from obstruction during the whole time the exhibition hall is open and so far as practicable during the setting up and the dismantling of the exhibition.  

The organiser reserves the right to require any exhibitor who, in the opinion of the organiser, is using his stand for demonstrations in such a manner as to cause or to be likely to cause congestion in the gangways, to arrange for a counter or other stand structure to be set back 1.2m (4ft) from the front limit of the stand.  

No exhibitor or any person for whom the exhibitor has responsibility shall:  

1. Lecture from his stand or address visitors in such a way as to collect a crowd in or cause congestion in the gangways. Demonstrators must work from the normal stand platform level.  
2. Be allowed to perambulate or use any of the gangways, foyer or forecourt of the exhibition hall for the purpose of exhibiting, promoting, demonstrating, selling, giving away, or advertising any goods or services.  

Any person breaching this requirement, unless previously given permission by the organiser in writing, is liable to be removed from the exhibition hall and refused re-admission. In case of serious or persistent breach, the organiser may exclude the exhibitor or terminate the exhibitor’s contract.  

See also Demonstrations 

PLEASE NOTE THE NEC DO NOT PERMIT TO USE OF LPG OR OTHER FLAMMABLE GASES WITHIN THE EXHIBITION HALLS. Gas run appliances (including free-standing units) must be run off mains gas, which can be provided by the venue on all stands. The NEC Regulations specify that all gas connections must be made by the NEC, and all gas appliances must be situated well away from any combustible materials. Gas burners or similar open flames shall be mounted on suitable non-combustible bases e.g. 2” stone slabs which must be not less than 2’ 6” above floor level If you require gas, please contact the NEC, see below details.

Tel: +44 (0)844 338 8338
Email: [email protected]
http://www.thenec.co.uk/exhibitors/order-services

The official graphics contractor GES can offer a comprehensive service from a small text sign to a complete stand display. Please contact GES for any enquiries or to place an order click here –  Graphics

Petroleum spirit, paraffin or other mineral oil may not be used in a lamp, stove or other appliance or exhibit without special prior permission. Please contact the organisers 4 weeks before the event. 

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 applies to all plans of work, including exhibition halls and anybody at work irrespective of status. Exhibitors and contractors have a duty under this legislation to ensure the health, safety and welfare of themselves and others by what they do or fail to do. See also Health & Safety at Work Act.
All personnel must comply with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974. Some principal areas for the attention of all exhibitors & contractors are:-

• An understanding of the Fire & Emergency procedures and location of First-Aid centres. (Click here for a copy of the NEC’s Emergency Procedures)
• First Aid – contact NEC Security or the organisers office
• A need to maintain emergency exits and keep aisles/gangways clear.
• Ensure good housekeeping in order to minimise hazards, and allow any remaining hazards to be identified.
• Working at height must be done safely, e.g. using steps, mobile scaffold towers or powered access equipment etc.
• All powered equipment (cranes, forklift trucks, electric tow tugs, hydraulic access equipment etc) must only be operated by fully trained and certified personnel.
• A written health & safety policy is in place within the company (if more than 5 people employed). A suitable risk assessment should be completed with respect to tasks carried out at build-up, break-down and during the show.
• A suitable risk assessment is mandatory for all exhibitors building on their stand or site.
• Only acceptable substances are allowed onsite to comply with the COSHH Regulations. (see Hazardous Substances below)
• Portable power equipment must be used only for the purpose for which it was designed, with the correct safety guards and devices fitted and used. Trailing leads must be kept to a minimum and not cross gangways unless protected at source by a residual current device.
• Petrol powered equipment must not be used.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be used where other protective measures have been considered unrealistic. PPE must be suitable and sufficient for the job and personnel trained in its use and limitations.
• All contractors, particularly from outside UK must be aware of the need to identify suitable & sufficient tools & equipment. The borrowing of tools and equipment from the venue or organisers is not a consideration.

Also see Fire Safety, Food Safety, Risk Assessments, Stands & Health & Safety a Work Act

Helium gas is permitted in the exhibition hall but is subject to the following conditions: –  

1. Only one cylinder at a time is allowed on the stand and this must be secured to the stand with either cable ties or chain.  
2. Helium cylinders may only be used prior to the opening of the show, not during show hours.  
3. The venue will store any spare cylinders in their secure site.  

The NEC and the local authorities need to be aware of any gas usage and therefore any exhibitor wishing to bring helium gas cylinders into the exhibition hall needs to notify the organisers 4 weeks before the event with details. Helium balloons must be secured properly. A dilapidation charge to cover retrieval will be made to the exhibitor if any become loose and float into the roof structure or ventilation system.  

See also Gas  

Event Express can assist in helping you find hotel accommodation. Please contact them directly.

Below you will find the accommodation booking link for BTTS 2026.

LINK

Or contact Event Express via email – [email protected]

or Tel: 01905 732737

A charge has been made to all exhibitors as part of your contract to cover the cost of each exhibitor’s insurance. If you already have an Insurance Policy please send a copy to Lloyd Jones [email protected].

The organiser shall not be liable for any liability the exhibitor may sustain in respect of the infringement of any copyright, trade mark, service mark, patent, trade name, registered design, designs or other form of intellectual or industrial property or any know-how, inventions, formulae, confidential processes or information, or computer programmes and software and any other protected rights, assets or interest arising out of its participation in the exhibition. The exhibitor shall not acquire or receive any right, or entitlement to, or in connection with the exhibition or its name through exhibiting in the exhibition and agrees not to seek or claim any such right or entitlement. 

Also see Copyrights/Musical Entertainment 

Exhibitors with stands likely to accumulate litter during the day, e.g. food and drink cartons, paper and card etc MUST provide themselves with non-combustible litter bins for this waste.  

Please hand in any lost property found on your stand or elsewhere either to the organisers office or to the event security team.  

If you propose to use audio/visual equipment to play sound recordings, show films, receive visual images or sounds conveyed by any electronic means, or if you propose a live performance, it is your responsibility to obtain all appropriate licenses at your own expense. There are 2 types of licenses. You may need both, please click on the following link –

https://pplprs.co.uk/restore-the-rhythm/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=BAU_pplprs&creative=458641034045&keyword=ppl%20license&matchtype=e&network=g&device=c&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8fr7BRDSARIsAK0Qqr6t6d92q6qAbf9oNDNz5Lux9JZXY37GDctNeY8z2gskHHTwugs9g9oaAtVbEALw_wcB

If any exhibitor wishes to use night sheets these shall be of inherently non-flammable material or of material treated to render it non-flammable to the satisfaction of the licensing authority. While stands are in use, night sheets shall be kept in position where obstruction is not caused. They can be ordered from GES, please see the Stand Extras section within the manual.

Volumes for pre-recorded or live performances must be of an acceptable level with speakers facing inward towards the stand. All stands must be able to switch off the power if the noise is excessive. In cases of dispute the decision of the organisers is final. 

See Musical Entertainment, Demonstrations & Stands. 

You can order the majority of your exhibiting requirements via our official suppliers within this online manual. All service providers for the exhibition go through a rigorous process to ensure that our clients receive only the very best of exhibitor services at competitive prices. Each and every team is devoted to ensure that you – the exhibitor – is guaranteed a smooth operation throughout the build period and the show itself.

• Animals/pets on stands  (including insects)
• Children on stand (not permitted during build and breakdown)
• Competitions, prize draws, raffles etc  
• Demonstrations 
• Helium gas/air/balloons  
• Special effects/lasers  
• Special treatments/’hands on’ treatments 
• Banner/flags/logos  
• Construction of space-only stand  
• Dangerous materials or exhibits 
• Filming  
• Risk assessments  
• Sub-letting of stands  
• Working machinery
• Water features 

Rigging refers to any work required to be carried out within the roof. All rigging is to be carried out by the NEC. Please contact the organisers as soon as possible for further details.
Exhibitors are permitted to hang advertising banners or other objects above their stand from venue rigging points by the approved venue riggers, however certain conditions apply.

In all cases, Diversified Communications must give prior  approval of the size and positioning of the banner/hanging object.

Under no circumstances must the banner/hanging object exceed the width of the exhibitor’s stand.

If you wish to include a lighting rig (with or without a banner attached) on your stand you must contact the organisers. Approval of the use of a banner, lighting rig or similar rigged structure is at the organisers discretion.   Rigging refers to any work required to be carried out within the roof. All rigging is to be carried out by the NEC ONLY.
All rigging should be clearly shown on plans showing sizes and heights.

Please contact the NEC for any enquiries or to place an order
Tel : 0844 338 8338
Email : [email protected]

Direct retailing of goods from stands is NOT permitted although trade orders may be taken. 

The organisers will be providing round the clock security from the duration of build-up, show open and breakdown. The management cannot be held responsible for any loss, damage or accident which may occur to any exhibitor’s contractor’s personal property.

Please note the following advice: –

• Your stand should never be left unmanned at any time – make sure you have sufficient staff for your stand during the show so that it is always staffed. During build up and breakdown especially, and once exhibits are on your stand it is very important to keep someone on the stand.
• Consider bringing or hiring a lockable cabinet to secure briefcases, mobiles laptops, handbags and other valuables during the day – even when you are on your stand you may get busy and not notice someone taking them.
• Consider ordering night sheets for your stand- please see the GES link in Stand Extras section of the manual
• Ensure you are adequately insured
• If you have any queries – contact either security or the organisers at the show.
• We strongly recommend that you breakdown, pack up and remove your goods from the stands before 7pm on the final show day to reduce any possible security risk.  

Also see Insurance.

The show organiser’s office is located on the exhibition floor to the front of the halls.  An onsite contact number for this office will be available and will be provided closer to the event.

No excess stock, literature or packing cases may be stored on, around or behind the stand.  There is NO storage available within the hall.  If you require items to be stored you should contact GES Logistics directly.  

Exhibitors are permitted to have one stand sharer per 2sqm of stand space booked. For additional stand sharers there will be an additional £500 + VAT fee per additional stand sharer. This fee covers entry into the Show Guide, access to free marketing opportunities, and exhibitor badges. The contract exists between Diversified Communications and the exhibitor and therefore all costs incurred is the responsibility of the exhibitor.

Telephones and hard-wired internet access can be ordered for your stand at the show.
Please contact the NEC for any enquiries or to place an order
Tel : +44 (0)844 338 8338
Email : [email protected]
http://www.thenec.co.uk/exhibitors/order-services

Wi-Fi can be accessed free of charge within the halls, Atrium and Piazza of the NEC. To use this service you will be asked to complete a simple registration process.
Please note: although Wi-Fi is available, the NEC strongly recommends that if you are using an internet connection as a vital part of your stand – eg to demonstrate products or to run software overnight, a hard-wired connection is the most stable and secure source of internet for your stand.

International companies are able to reclaim VAT on expenses incurred in the UK on items such as exhibitions, conferences, hotel accommodation, car rental and fuel. For further information you can contact our appointed VAT reclaim agents Euro VAT Ltd (who can reclaim your tax for you).
Alternatively you can contact HM Customs VAT Overseas Repayments who can help your company reclaim its own tax.  

Examples of water features can include showers, spas, garden ornaments and fountains, washing equipment and pools. Any water feature that produces a water spray (however minor) poses a particular risk to public safety with regards to bacteria and specifically Legionella Pneumophila the bacteria responsible for Legionnaires Disease.
EXHIBITORS MUST IDENTIFY ANY WATER FEATURES ON THEIR STAND with or without spray and notify the organisers prior the show. All exhibitors with proposed water features on their stand must complete a detailed risk assessment, and return this by 4 weeks before the event.
Also see Risk Assessments 

The NEC has underground ducts and the floors above these have appoint loading of 12 tonnes per sqm.  Exhibitors building stands should take note of the above.  Please note when designing the layout of your stand that the ducts providing utilities (water and waste) are not continuous and can consequently have a bearing on the placement of sinks, waste etc. within your stand.  We advise you check your stand layout with the NEC beforehand to iron out any potential problems.

If you require water supply/ waste facility, please order directly from the NEC using the information below –

Tel: +44 (0)844 338 8338
Email: [email protected]
http://www.thenec.co.uk/exhibitors/order-services