We are counting down the days until Naidex at The NEC Birmingham on the 19th and 20th of March 2025. We are thrilled to be the official Accessibility Partner for Naidex 2025. 

Naidex is the UK’s leading event for disability, accessibility, and independent living. Whether you’re living with a disability, a caregiver, or a professional in the field, Naidex is your gateway to a world of invaluable support, resources, & inspiration. The Naidex Main Stage will host a great line up of exciting panels and engaging sessions.

Enjoy inspiring talks from leading voices in diversity & inclusion, CPD-accredited sessions, empowering stories, and more. View the full programme here.

 

Key Features of our Detailed Access Guides for The NEC

The National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham is one of the UK’s premier venues, hosting a wide range of events from exhibitions and conferences to concerts and sporting events. However, navigating such a vast space can be overwhelming, which is why we have worked in partnership with The NEC to create Detailed Access Guides to 28 areas, including all exhibition halls, car parks, The Atrium, The Gallery, The Piazza, and The Skywalk. So, that you know what to expect when you get to the NEC, and feel prepared for the big event.

The Guides are 100 per cent facts, figures, and photographs to help people plan their visit to The NEC. We know everyone’s accessibility needs are different, which is why having detailed, accurate information is so important. It’s why all of the details you’ll find in the Guides have been checked in person, on site, by trained surveyors.

You can view all the Detailed Access Guides we have created for The NEC here.

 

1. Getting Help and Assistance

There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.

Wheelchairs are available to hire for £5 for all visitors. The number of wheelchairs available is limited, so if you’ve got your own, the venue advise to bring it with you. Scooters are available for £20 per hire for all visitors. For further information on booking accessibility equipment, please click here.

All pre-bookings will be held until 1300hrs on the day they've been booked for, unless otherwise advised. For any visitors who have not pre-booked equipment and arrive on the day, any remaining stock will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis.

Induction loop audio systems are fitted in various locations. Assistance dogs are welcome to the show and there will be a dedicated area for them to rest, rehydrate and access outside.

 

2. Getting Here

On the Getting Here guide, you'll find details on travelling by road, bus and train. The venue is easily accessible by road, located near the M42, A45, A446, and A452, with several car parks offering Blue Badge spaces.

There is a bus stop within 150 meters and the Birmingham International train station is directly connected to the NEC via a bridgelink with step-free access.

A shuttle from the train station to atrium 3 (just outside hall 20) will be running from 9am-5pm on show open days.

View the Getting Here Guide here.

 

3. Parking

We have Guides for each parking area, which include details on location, surfaces, blue badge parking bays, electric charging points, accessible toilets, ramps, slopes and walkways.

Blue badge parking is free and will be located in Hall 16, Hall 16A, Hall 17A and grassy bank, and Hall 18. If you have a blue badge, please ensure this is clearly displayed as you approach the venue. You do not have to prebook blue badge parking.

All Guides for parking areas can be viewed here. 

 

4. Hall 20

Naidex takes place in Hall 20 at The NEC, and we have a Guide specifically for this event space. The Guide will let you know about the entrance way, access to the room, and signage. 

There is a Quiet Space located in concourse 34. This is a space with sofas, tables and chairs, where anyone can go to take some time out if needed.

BSL sign language interpreters will be at every Main Stage seminar and are available to request for other theatres. Hearing loops system is in operation on all stages. There will also be live captioning available.

There is more information on the accessibility page of thee Naidex website.

View the Detailed Access Guide for Hall 20 here.

5. Accessible Toilets

There are accessible toilets available across the NEC, as well as additional accessible toilets and Changing Places facilities available by Hall 20, on the Atrium side of site and by Hall 2, on the Piazza side of site (both of these are accessible with a radar key). Our Guides contain photos and detailed descriptions on location, access, toilet features, additional fixtures as well as baby changing facilities. 

View more information on accessible toilets located throughout the venue here.

 

6. Eating and Drinking

There are plenty of food options available at the NEC during Naidex, with a variety of food and refreshments conveniently located inside Hall 20.  The food hall is located on the far wall as you enter Hall 20. Our Guide will tell you all about the service counter, tables and seating, the service and menus and lighting levels. 

View accessibility information for the Eating Area in Hall 20 here.

 

Meet the AccessAble Team on Stand G202

Our friendly AccessAble team will be out in force at Naidex. This year, we are on Stand G202, and we’d love you to come along and meet us. Visit us to hear more about AccessAble’s latest developments and how we aim to support you and to take the chance out of going out.

 

How to Register

Securing your spot at Naidex is as easy as 1-2-3!

1. Click here to access the registration page
2. Select what best describes you & fill in your details
3. Get ready to embark on a transformative journey towards a more inclusive future!

There is an option to register carer tickets – if you’re not sure who your carer will be you can fill out at a later date.

Please contact the Naidex team if you have any questions – the team are happy to help.