October Special — 50% off Spotlights and exhibitor listsSee prices

    Dates

    12–14 Apr 2027

    City / country

    Birmingham, United Kingdom

    Venue

    National Exhibition Centre (NEC)

    Time

    10.00 – 17.00 on April 12 – 13, 10.00 – 16.00 on April 14

    20 Floor Picks

    Matched booths for International Forecourt & Fuel Equipment Show/IFFE- Convenience Retailing Show/CRS

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    Notable exhibitors

    Companies exhibiting at International Forecourt & Fuel Equipment Show/IFFE- Convenience Retailing Show/CRS include 'grette, *Shopt, 10 Squared & Pixel Inspiration, 1180 Drinks and 3D Candy.

    • 'grette
    • *Shopt
    • 10 Squared & Pixel Inspiration
    • 1180 Drinks
    • 3D Candy

    Event overview

    Overview

    The UK’s biggest event dedicated to the forecourt and fuel market.

    The 2026 Forecourt Show put forecourt innovation centre stage, bringing together top suppliers and distributors from across all fuel types, vehicle care and convenience retail.

    It proved unmissable for symbol groups, independent forecourts, oil companies and dealers, delivering standout new products, bold ideas and smart solutions to help sites stay ahead of the curve.

    TL;DR

    1. 1Scale: Around 30,000 visitors and more than 1,500 exhibitors are expected at the 2027 edition of the Forecourt Show, IFFE and Convenience Retailing Show.
    2. 2Co-Location: Five shows run together under one roof at the NEC Birmingham, covering forecourt equipment, fuel technology and convenience retailing.
    3. 3Dates And Venue: The show runs 12-14 April 2027 at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham, United Kingdom.
    4. 4Free Entry: Visitor passes are free, with registration handled online through forecourtshow.com.
    5. 5Programme: Three days of networking and industry insight for fuel distributors, forecourt operators and convenience retail buyers.

    Why visit

    Attendees will gain insights into the latest products and services in the forecourt sector, network with industry leaders, and explore new business opportunities. The event showcases innovations that can help businesses stay competitive. 30000+ visitors expected. 5 co-located shows. The UK’s biggest event dedicated to the forecourt and fuel market. The 2026 Forecourt Show put forecourt innovation centre stage, bringing together top suppliers and distributors from across all.

    Why exhibit

    Exhibitors can connect with key decision-makers from major retailers and fuel companies, showcase their products to a targeted audience, and enhance their brand visibility in the industry. Scale: Around 30,000 visitors and more than 1,500 exhibitors are expected at the 2027 edition of the Forecourt Show, IFFE and Convenience Retailing Show. Programme: Three days of networking and industry insight for fuel distributors, forecourt operators and convenience retail buyers.

    Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

    Who this event is for

    Visitor profile

    Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

    Retail private-label buyers
    Fuel distributors
    Convenience store operators
    Oil company representatives
    Vehicle care product suppliers
    Industry consultants

    Exhibitor profile

    Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

    Fuel equipment manufacturers
    Convenience retail suppliers
    Vehicle care product companies
    Oil companies
    Technology providers for forecourts
    Logistics and supply chain firms

    Product categories

    Key solution areas showcased across the event.

    Fuel dispensing equipment and technology
    Convenience retail products
    Vehicle maintenance and care products
    Payment solutions for forecourts
    Sustainability solutions for fuel stations
    Retail technology and software

    Location & Facilities

    Venue

    Halls & areas

    1
    Hall 4

    National Exhibition Centre (NEC)

    National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham, West Midlands, B40 1NT

    Attend

    Entry & tickets

    Trade-only
    Free registration

    Event days & opening times

    DayOpening hours
    10.0017.00 on April 12 – 13, 10.00 – 16.00 on April 14
    Register

    Who runs the show

    Organisers

    William Reed

    How the last edition performed

    Previous edition

    Current edition

    2027 · 30,000 visitors · 1,500 exhibitors

    Forecast — not final

    Exhibitors

    300

    Testimonials

    There's so many different companies showing their wares in one place so we don't have to go out and visit them, we can just go from stall to stall, and we can also compare like for like.

    David Weaver · Roadside Services truck Stop Manager · Certas Energy UK

    It's one of the best shows I have been to. It's unique in the way it was structured, the atmosphere was great, a lot of buzz around us, and we were busy.

    Yinon Raviv · Global Sales · Nayax Energy

    It's really good to come to the Forecourt Show. It's worth everybody coming, just to see what's available in the future and to get that insight and share that knowledge that's out there.

    Andrew Cawley · Ops Manager · Tesco

    We chose to exhibit at the Forecourt Show because we believe that this is the trade show for excellence. I think that it’s fantastic - very well attended and very professionally run. We have made tremendous connections.

    Carlos Rojas · Chief Marketing Officer · Essar

    There's loads of different things here at the Forecourt Show, it's got everything that we want under one roof and more.

    Brooke Kirsopp · PFS Specialist · Sainsbury’s

    We've had multiple buyers come and visit the stand. Including the likes of Tesco, Motor Fuel Group - so large dealer groups as well. We've had Sainsbury, BP, Asda, so really the length and breadth of the forecourt business within the UK.

    Anthony Norris · Key Account Manager · Gilbarco Veeder-Root

    There aren’t many events in the industry where you can guarantee to meet this kind of business decision makers. This is this is the show for it.

    Jessica Lilley · Retail Marketing Manager · Certas Energy/Gulf

    Impact

    A bigger and stronger platform

    The UK’s biggest event dedicated to the forecourt and fuel market. The 2026 Forecourt Show put forecourt innovation centre stage, bringing together top suppliers and distributors from across all fuel types, vehicle care and convenience retail. It proved unmissable for symbol groups, independent forecourts, oil companies and dealers, delivering standout new products, bold ideas and smart solutions to help sites stay ahead of the curve. The Forecourt Show is crucial for industry.

    Audience quality

    High-value decision-makers

    Visitors typically include Retail private-label buyers, Fuel distributors, Convenience store operators, Oil company representatives. Scale: Around 30,000 visitors and more than 1,500 exhibitors are expected at the 2027 edition of the Forecourt Show, IFFE and Convenience Retailing Show. Co-Location: Five shows run together under one roof at the NEC Birmingham, covering forecourt equipment, fuel technology and convenience retailing. Dates And Venue: The show runs 12-14 April 2027 at the National Exhibition Centre.

    Exhibitor outcomes

    Real business growth

    Exhibitors can connect with key decision-makers from major retailers and fuel companies, showcase their products to a targeted audience, and enhance their brand visibility in the industry. The Forecourt Show is crucial for industry professionals to discover the latest innovations and trends in the forecourt and fuel market. It serves as a platform for networking and collaboration among suppliers, distributors, and retailers. Exhibitor categories include Fuel equipment manufacturers, Convenience retail suppliers,.

    Intelligence

    Market context

    Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

    Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom

    Why it matters

    UK forecourt retail is mid-transition: fuel volumes are declining while EV charging, forecourt convenience and food-to-go expand. The Forecourt Show brings its fuel-equipment and forecourt-technology side (IFFE) together with the convenience-retailing side (CRS) at NEC Birmingham, so a single visit covers both the pump-and-tank infrastructure and the shop that has to replace lost fuel margin. For suppliers and operators alike it is the practical UK meeting point for specification, compliance and category buying.

    Industry trends

    Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

    01

    Digital buyer journeys

    Professionals expect pre-show agendas, product finders, and meeting tools; suppliers align demos and literature to short on-stand decision cycles.

    02

    Sustainability in procurement

    Energy use, recyclable materials, and carbon reporting increasingly appear in RFPs and exhibitor scorecards across industrial trade fairs.

    03

    Automation and labour efficiency

    Visitors benchmark machinery, software, and services that reduce downtime, staffing pressure, and total cost of ownership.

    04

    Regional supply-chain resilience

    Buyers diversify suppliers across Europe, MENA, and Asia while favouring vendors with local service, spare parts, and training.

    05

    Hybrid engagement models

    Live demonstrations remain decisive, but follow-up webinars, digital catalogues, and year-round supplier portals extend the commercial window after the show.

    Forecourt, fuel and convenience retail circuit

    12-18 months ahead for stand space; 3-6 months for visitor travel and hotel bookings.

    The Forecourt Show / IFFE / CRS sits in a small international circuit of forecourt-equipment and convenience-retailing events. European buyers typically pair it with UNITI expo in Stuttgart, UK compliance and engineering teams also use APEA Live, and global operators benchmark against the NACS Show; EV-charging buyers increasingly add Power2Drive Europe in Munich.

    October

    NACS Show

    Spring, biennial

    UNITI Expo

    Autumn

    APEA Live

    June

    Power2Drive Europe

    Peer events identified from listing context and category knowledge; confirm dates, venues and websites with each organiser before publishing.

    Plan your trip

    Travel & logistics

    Local currency · GBP

    Arrival airports

    Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

    LHR

    London Heathrow Airport

    Elizabeth line and Tube serve most London exhibition venues.

    to venue

    45–75 min off-peak

    by car

    Hotel tiers

    A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

    Budget
    NEC perimeter and Birmingham Airport (Bickenhill / Marston Green)

    USD 75–115 / night

    Walking or short-shuttle distance to the halls; book early as the NEC calendar fills the perimeter hotels.

    source
    Mid-range
    NEC campus and Birmingham International station

    USD 125–190 / night

    On-campus or one stop by train from Birmingham International; best balance of transfer time and rate for a 2-3 night stay.

    source
    Premium
    On the NEC campus and central Birmingham

    USD 200–330 / night

    The Metropole is the only large hotel physically on the NEC campus; central Birmingham options trade a 15-20 minute train ride for city dining and evening networking.

    source

    Local transport

    Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

    taxi

    Estimated costGBP 60–90 (taxi to ExCeL or Olympia)
    Best forLondon Heathrow Airport (LHR) to National Exhibition Centre (NEC)

    Elizabeth line and Tube serve most London exhibition venues.

    taxi

    Estimated costGBP 35–70 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
    Best forBirmingham Airport (BHX) to National Exhibition Centre (NEC)

    taxi

    Estimated costGBP 35–70 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
    Best forCoventry Airport (CVT) to National Exhibition Centre (NEC)

    taxi

    Estimated costGBP 35–70 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
    Best forEast Midlands Airport (EMA) to National Exhibition Centre (NEC)

    taxi

    Estimated costGBP 35–70 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
    Best forLondon Luton Airport (LTN) to National Exhibition Centre (NEC)

    Plan your trip

    Visa & entry documents

    Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

    Visa required
    ATA Carnet: accepted

    Visa-exempt nationals (EU, US, Canada, Australia, Gulf states and others) travel without a visa but must hold a valid ETA before boarding.

    The UK accepts ATA Carnets for the temporary import of exhibition stands, machinery and professional equipment. Arrange the carnet through your national chamber of commerce and carry it with the goods documentation when shipping to the NEC.

    Official visa page

    Weather

    April in Birmingham is mild, changeable and often showery: expect daytime highs of roughly 12-14C and overnight lows of 4-6C, with around 45-55 mm of rain spread across the month. Pack layers and a waterproof jacket for the outdoor walkways between NEC halls and the station.

    Plan for the climate

    Check temperatures and pack accordingly

    Venue connectivity

    UK mobile networks offer prepaid SIM and eSIM options for visitors; venue Wi‑Fi availability varies — confirm with the organiser.

    Ride-hailing

    Taxis

    Public transit

    Car rentals

    Cultural notes

    Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

    Business dress

    Smart casual is typical at UK trade shows unless meetings require formal attire.

    Arrival

    Arrive early on day one for badge collection and venue orientation.

    Tipping and etiquette

    Restaurants in Birmingham often add a 10-12.5% service charge; otherwise 10% is customary. Round up taxi fares. A firm handshake and first-name informality are normal in UK business settings.

    Practical guides

    Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

    Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

    Flights

    Destination: BHX

    Book flights to BHX when possible for the shortest transfer to the venue; compare CVT only if fares are materially lower.

    Visa

    Every international visitor must either hold a UK Standard Visitor Visa or, if visa-exempt, a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Visa-exempt nationals (e.g. EU, US, Canada, Australia, Gulf states) need an ETA before travel. Attending a trade show, negotiating and attending meetings is permitted on a visitor visa, but paid work is not. Apply several weeks ahead — visitor visas are usually decided within about 3 weeks and ETAs normally within 3 working days.

    Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).

    Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.

    Published fee is GBP 127 for a 6-month visa (approx. USD 160). Covers tourism, business meetings and attending trade fairs; paid employment is not permitted. Published fee is GBP 16 (approx. USD 20). Valid for multiple short visits; linked to the passport used, so reapply if the passport is renewed.

    Official

    Hotels

    Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.

    Check-in (recommended)

    2027-04-11

    Check-out (recommended)

    2027-04-15

    Areas to stay

    NEC campus and Birmingham International station · NEC perimeter and Birmingham Airport (Bickenhill / Marston Green) · On the NEC campus and central Birmingham

    budget

    $75-$115 USD/night

    Book

    mid range

    $125-$190 USD/night

    Book

    premium

    $200-$330 USD/night

    Book

    Transport

    Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

    Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Birmingham Airport (BHX): Gateway airport for Birmingham.; Coventry Airport (CVT): Gateway airport for Birmingham.; East Midlands Airport (EMA): Gateway airport for Birmingham.; London Luton Airport (LTN): Gateway airport for Birmingham.. Allow road or rail time to National Exhibition Centre (NEC); on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.

    Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near National Exhibition Centre (NEC): NEC perimeter and Birmingham Airport (Bickenhill / Marston Green): Premier Inn Birmingham NEC/Airport, ibis Styles Birmingham NEC and Airport, Holiday Inn Express Birmingham NEC; NEC campus and Birmingham International station: Crowne Plaza Birmingham NEC, Novotel Birmingham Airport, Arden Hotel & Leisure Club; On the NEC campus and central Birmingham: Hilton Birmingham Metropole (on NEC campus), Park Regis Birmingham, The Grand Hotel Birmin

    Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Birmingham; confirm local availability before travel.

    Public transit: Check local bus/metro options for routes to National Exhibition Centre (NEC).

    Parking: On-site parking is available at National Exhibition Centre (NEC); confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.

    Weather

    Plan and pack for the event climate.

    Month: April 2027

    Temperature: 12-14C daytime highs, 4-6C overnight lows (April, Birmingham)

    Seasonality: April is a changeable, showery month in the West Midlands — around 45-55 mm of rain across roughly 12 wet days, with sun and showers often in the same day.

    Packing: April in Birmingham is mild, changeable and often showery: expect daytime highs of roughly 12-14C and overnight lows of 4-6C, with around 45-55 mm of rain spread across the month. Pack layers and a waterproof jacket for the outdoor walkways between NEC halls and the station.

    Plan your trip

    Planning

    Best day to visit: Day 2 — Tuesday 13 April 2027

    Mid-show days carry the fullest exhibitor staffing and the strongest seminar line-up on a three-day UK trade-show pattern: day one is partly consumed by setup, badge queues and arrivals, while day three sees stands packing down early. A Tuesday visit also allows a Monday arrival and a Wednesday follow-up, and it sits between the busiest travel days. Confirm the final seminar timetable on the published schedule closer to the show.

    1

    Confirm UK entry requirements for your nationality and start any visa or travel authorisation application needed. — Check published processing times before booking non-refundable flights.

    2

    Register for free visitor passes for the Forecourt Show, IFFE and Convenience Retailing Show at forecourtshow.com. — Registration is free; keep the confirmation email for badge collection at the NEC.

    3

    Book flights to Birmingham Airport (BHX) or another UK gateway for arrival on 11 April 2027. — Arriving the day before opening gives time for badge collection and venue orientation.

    4

    Book a hotel in Birmingham for 11-15 April 2027 and confirm the cancellation policy. — Three show nights (12-14 April) plus the arrival night; check whether the property offers NEC transfers.

    5

    Plan airport to venue and hotel to venue transport for the National Exhibition Centre (NEC). — Pre-book taxis or check rail and shuttle options for the 12-14 April show days.

    6

    Download the hall plan and exhibitor list to shortlist fuel, forecourt and convenience retailing suppliers. — Target fuel dispensing equipment, payment technology and vehicle care suppliers.

    7

    Request B2B meetings with priority exhibitors and build a meeting schedule for 12-14 April. — Leave travel gaps between halls at the NEC to keep meetings on time.

    8

    Review the conference programme and select the sessions you will attend. — Show hours run 10.00-17.00 on 12-13 April and 10.00-16.00 on 14 April.

    9

    Check passport validity, save booking confirmations and carry a copy of any invitation or registration confirmation. — Keep digital and printed copies for travel and badge collection.

    10

    Pack business attire plus a light waterproof layer and comfortable shoes for walking the NEC halls. — April in Birmingham is changeable; smart casual is typical for UK trade shows.

    11

    Prepare meeting documents: product requirements, budget notes, business cards and lead capture notes. — Agree internal follow-up owners before travelling.

    12

    Arrive in Birmingham, collect your badge at the NEC and confirm your Day 1 route for 12 April 2027. — Allow extra time on the first morning for registration queues and hall orientation.

    Side trips

    3

    Birmingham city centre

    Bullring shopping, the Jewellery Quarter, Gas Street Basin canal-side dining and the Library of Birmingham — the easiest evening or half-day extension.

    Stratford-upon-Avon

    Shakespeare's Birthplace, the Royal Shakespeare Company theatres and Tudor town centre — a practical half-day or evening trip.

    Warwick and Warwick Castle

    Castle, medieval town centre and riverside walks; the closest heritage day out to the venue.

    Networking spots

    4

    Exhibitor and buyer networking zones on the show floor

    Central coffee and B2B meeting areas inside the IFFE/CRS halls are where supplier and operator conversations start between stand appointments.

    Seminar and keynote theatre

    Post-session Q&A and coffee breaks put speakers and operator delegates in one place — the easiest route to sector peers.

    On-campus hotel bars (Hilton Birmingham Metropole / Crowne Plaza NEC)

    Most exhibitors and visiting operators stay on or beside the NEC campus, making these bars the default evening networking venues.

    Central Birmingham dining (Colmore Row / Brindleyplace)

    For pre-arranged dinners with distributors or buying groups, the city centre offers better venues than the NEC campus.

    Budget

    Costs & budget

    Cost reference

    Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

    visitor_ticket

    visitor · trade registration

    —

    official

    visa_fee

    visitor · UK Standard Visitor Visa

    GBP 127 / per person

    official

    visa_fee

    visitor · Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

    GBP 16 / per person

    official

    hotel

    visitor · mid-range

    GBP 100–150 / per room per night

    estimate

    per_diem

    visitor · incidentals and meals

    GBP 60–90 / per person per day

    estimate

    exhibitor_stand

    exhibitor · shell scheme / space only (minimum footprint)

    GBP 2500–6000 / per stand (approx. 9-12 sqm, space and basic build)

    estimate

    exhibitor_insurance

    exhibitor · public liability cover

    GBP 120–350 / per event

    estimate

    visa_fee

    visitor · Entry visa

    USD 160 / per application

    official

    Decision

    Visit, exhibit, or skip?

    Should you go?

    Pick the closest answer for each. Your recommendation updates live.

    QUESTION 1 OF 6

    What is your primary role?

    Decision matrix

    Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.

    visit

    You want supplier shortlists, category insight and technical sessions without committing to a stand.

    Best for

    Fuel retail, forecourt convenience and EV-charging buyers benchmarking UK suppliers, plus first-time entrants scouting the UK forecourt market.

    Min. budget

    $600.00

    Timeline

    2-4 weeks (registration, flights, NEC-area hotel)

    Risks

    Budget estimate from listing cost signals — confirm live rates.

    Visa or ETA approval timing can disrupt travel if left late.

    The NEC sits outside central Birmingham — build transfer time from the airport/station into meeting schedules.

    exhibit

    You have UK/Ireland distribution goals and can commit stand staff plus 6-12 months of lead follow-up.

    Best for

    Forecourt equipment, fuel technology, EV charging, payments and convenience-retail suppliers targeting UK and Irish forecourt operators.

    Min. budget

    $3,000.00

    Timeline

    4-6 months (space booking, stand build, logistics, staff travel)

    Risks

    Budget estimate from listing cost signals — confirm live rates.

    No stand pricing is published in the listing — confirm shell-scheme and space rates with the organiser.

    Temporary imports of equipment need an ATA Carnet and UK electrical/rigging approvals.

    Staffing and lead follow-up usually exceed the space cost.

    skip

    Your pipeline sits outside forecourt/convenience retail or budget is already committed to higher-yield events.

    Best for

    Suppliers with no UK/EU channel plans, or teams that have already covered the UK forecourt and convenience-retail market this cycle.

    Timeline

    None

    Risks

    No major risks listed.

    Book with

    Partners

    Recommended providers

    FAQs & glossary

    Answers

    Frequently asked

    Glossary

    1
    Forecourt
    An area in front of a fuel station where vehicles can refuel.
    2
    Convenience Retailing
    The sale of goods to consumers in a retail environment that is designed for quick and easy shopping.
    3
    Fuel Dispensing Equipment
    Machines used to dispense fuel into vehicles at service stations.
    4
    Vehicle Care
    Products and services related to the maintenance and cleaning of vehicles.
    5
    Sustainability Solutions
    Innovations aimed at reducing environmental impact in the fuel and retail sectors.
    6
    Networking
    The act of meeting and interacting with other professionals to exchange information and develop business relationships.
    7
    Exhibitor
    A company or individual that displays products or services at a trade show.
    8
    Trade Show
    An event where businesses in a specific industry showcase and demonstrate their latest products and services.

    Trust footer

    Sources

    4

    References

    1

    Publishers

    0

    Date checked

    1

    William Reed

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