Making & Distributing Pharmaceuticals 2027, NEC Birmingham
Dates
20–21 Apr 2027
City / country
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Venue
The National Exhibition Centre (NEC)
Time
9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Event overview
Making Pharmaceuticals & Distributing Pharmaceuticals 2027 runs 20-21 April 2027 at the NEC Birmingham, co-located with Moving Pharma and Making Nutra.
The free-to-attend UK and Ireland show connects formulation, manufacturing, quality and distribution buyers with 240+ exhibiting suppliers and 70+ hours of conference content.
One registration covers all three programmes and the exhibition.
TL;DR
Visit to compare manufacturing, packaging, analytical and cold-chain suppliers in one hall, hear MHRA and industry experts across 70+ hours of free content, and earn a CPD certificate. One registration also opens the Moving Pharma and Making Nutra programmes, so quality, logistics and nutraceutical teams can plan a shared two-day visit.
Exhibit to reach 2,000+ UK and Ireland pharmaceutical, distribution and nutraceutical professionals through one stand and three co-located audiences. The free-to-attend model brings quality leads from manufacturers, wholesalers and brands, while the NEC gives room for larger equipment and a first-year venue uplift.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
The National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Pendigo Way, Marston Green, Birmingham B40 1NT, United Kingdom
NEC car parks serve the halls; free on-site parking for pre-10:00 arrivals.
Cloakroom facilities are located adjacent to the exhibition hall.
The free Air-Rail Link connects Birmingham International station to the NEC in about 90 seconds.
Food options
NEC exhibition hall catering points
On-site diningParking: On-site NEC parking is signposted from M42 junction 6; free parking is offered to visitors arriving before 10:00.
Gate: Enter via the NEC exhibition halls; follow pedestrian signs from your car park or the Air-Rail Link.
Attend
Event days & opening times
Visitor registration
Free entry to the exhibition and all three conference programmes; certificate of attendance for CPD.
Ticket info
Badge collection
Register online in advance, then collect your badge at the NEC with your confirmation and photo ID.
Ticket notes
One free registration covers Making Pharma, Moving Pharma and Making Nutra. Entry and access to all content is free.
What's on
Moving Pharma 2027
Formerly Distributing Pharmaceuticals; dedicated distribution, cold-chain and logistics programme.
Same NEC hall and visitor badge.
WebsiteMaking Nutra 2027
Formerly Making Nutraceuticals; nutraceutical, supplement and functional-health programme.
Same NEC hall and visitor badge.
WebsiteMoving Pharma conference
Distribution, GDP, cold chain and logistics sessions running alongside the exhibition.
Making Nutra conference
Nutraceutical, supplement and functional-health programme with regulatory and formulation content.
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency(MHRA)
Regulator participation with nine representatives in the 2026 programme · United Kingdom
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2026
Exhibitors: 240
This edition
2027
Visitors: 2,000
Exhibitors: 240
Next edition
2028
No 2028 edition has been announced; the 2027 NEC edition is the next confirmed show.
Continued growth of the three co-located events
Growth over time
Edition recap
The 2026 edition ran at Coventry Building Society Arena on 21-22 April and featured more than 240 exhibitors, 70+ hours of content across 9 streams and 10 panel discussions. Making Nutra launched at the same show.
New this edition
Photos
Impact
The move to the NEC gives the co-located shows room to grow beyond the 240+ exhibitors and 2,000+ attendee base of recent editions. Buyers gain one hall covering formulation, manufacturing, packaging, quality and distribution, with the MHRA and major industry bodies in the same building.
Audience quality
The audience is UK and Ireland pharmaceutical and nutraceutical professionals, weighted toward quality, regulatory, manufacturing, supply-chain and responsible-person roles. Nine MHRA representatives and 70+ hours of content give technical buyers a reason to stay beyond the exhibition.
Exhibitor outcomes
Exhibitors reach three specialist audiences through one stand: Making Pharma, Moving Pharma and Making Nutra. The free-to-attend model widens the top of the funnel, so success depends on qualifying visitors at the stand rather than counting badge scans.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
UK pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution face tighter GMP/GDP inspection, supply-chain resilience pressure and a fast-growing nutraceutical market. This free show puts MHRA specialists, manufacturers, distributors and ingredient suppliers in one hall, making it an efficient sourcing and compliance update for teams that cannot travel to multiple European events.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Inspection readiness and data integrity
UK manufacturers are investing in electronic quality management, audit trails and validation as MHRA inspections focus on data integrity and proactive risk control.
What it changes: Buyers are looking for software and service partners that can show inspection-ready records, not just standalone equipment.
Supply-chain resilience and cold chain
Distribution teams are redesigning routes, adding temperature visibility and qualifying backup suppliers after several years of disruption.
What it changes: Moving Pharma puts cold-chain, packaging and logistics suppliers next to the manufacturers and wholesalers that need them.
Nutraceutical convergence
Supplement brands and pharmaceutical manufacturers are converging on shared ingredients, quality systems and contract manufacturing capacity.
What it changes: A single registration lets formulation and quality teams compare pharma-grade and nutraceutical suppliers in one hall.
The NEC show sits in a UK and European circuit that pairs a manufacturing core with distribution and nutraceutical adjacencies.
Making Nutra 2027
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Nutraceutical and functional-ingredient programme in the same hall.
websiteMoving Pharma 2027
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Formerly Distributing Pharmaceuticals; logistics, cold chain and packaging.
websiteCPHI Europe 2027
Frankfurt, Germany
Indicative dates from the annual circuit; confirm with the organiser before booking.
websiteUK spring window
All three run 20-21 April at the NEC.
European autumn window
A larger international alternative later in the year.
Co-located dates are from the official 2027 site; CPHI dates are indicative circuit knowledge.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Closest airport; free Air-Rail Link from Birmingham International station to the NEC.
About 2 miles
to venue
5-10 minutes
by car
East Midlands Airport
Useful for cargo and low-cost flights; allow a longer taxi or rail transfer.
About 30 miles
to venue
35-45 minutes
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 90–130 / night
Book early for April; airport hotels are a short Air-Rail Link ride from the halls.
USD 140–190 / night
Walkable to the halls; best for a two-day visit with evening networking.
USD 210–290 / night
Largest rooms and dining on site; premium rates apply during major NEC events.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Air-Rail Link
Automated shuttle every few minutes; about 90 seconds, then signposted walk to the halls.
Bus
West Midlands bus services stop close to the halls; contactless payment accepted.
Taxi / ride-hail
Short metered journey; use the official taxi rank at the airport.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Visitor visa | Visitors who need a UK visa for business meetings or a conference | $160.00 | Typically 3 weeks | |
| Permitted Paid Engagement visa | Visitors delivering paid speaking or advisory work | $160.00 | Typically 3 weeks |
Many EU, US, Canadian and Commonwealth visitors can enter visa-free for short business visits; check GOV.UK before travel.
The UK accepts ATA carnets for qualifying temporary exhibits and professional equipment; list all items accurately.
Official visa pageWeather
April in Birmingham is mild and changeable: expect 6-13 C, rain showers and cool mornings. Bring a waterproof layer and comfortable shoes for the NEC halls.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Free Wi-Fi is available across the NEC with no code; connect to the venue network and follow the on-screen steps.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Queueing and personal space
Britons queue politely for coffee and badges; leave a little personal space and avoid loud speakerphone calls on the show floor.
Tipping and hospitality
Service charges are often included in restaurant bills. A 10 percent tip is normal for table service; pubs usually do not expect one.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: Birmingham Airport (BHX)
Book rail tickets to Birmingham International early; the station is a 90-second Air-Rail Link ride from the NEC.
Most EU and US business visitors do not need a visa for a short conference visit; other nationalities should check GOV.UK before booking.
Estimated cost: USD 160 if a Standard Visitor visa is required
Processing: About 3 weeks
Carry an invitation letter, hotel booking and return ticket for the border.
OfficialGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Air-Rail Link from Birmingham International to the NEC, free and about 90 seconds.
Hotel → venue: NEC campus hotels are walkable; airport hotels use the free Air-Rail Link.
Ride-hail: Taxis and ride-hail from the airport cost about GBP 8-15; use the official rank.
Public transit: Regular trains to Birmingham International and local buses serve the NEC.
Parking: On-site NEC parking is free for visitors arriving before 10:00; follow signs from M42 junction 6.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: April
Temperature: 6-13 C
Seasonality: Showers are common; April is a changeable spring month.
Packing: Pack a waterproof jacket, layers and comfortable shoes for two days of walking the halls.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Day 1, Tuesday 20 April 2027
Day 1 has the longest opening hours (09:00-17:30) and the opening keynote energy, so you can cover the most stands and sessions. Day 2 closes at 16:00 and is better for follow-up meetings.
Register online and book travel to Birmingham International — Registration is free and covers all three programmes.
Shortlist exhibitors and map must-see stands — Use the online exhibitor list and note hall positions.
Book hotel and rail ticket — NEC campus hotels fill quickly during major events.
Download the programme and pick sessions — Prioritise MHRA and GDP/GMP sessions; leave floor time.
Pack badge confirmation, ID, charger and business cards — Arrive before 10:00 for the free breakfast and easier entry.
Register, collect badge and grab breakfast
NEC main entranceWalk the manufacturing and packaging aisles
Exhibition hallAttend an MHRA or GDP conference session
Conference theatreSupplier meetings and cold-chain demonstrations
Moving Pharma zoneNetworking reception and follow-up notes
Hall cafe / Resorts WorldCadbury World
Family and Food Heritage
About 30 minutes by car
A half-day chocolate heritage visit useful for accompanying family.
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
City Culture
20 minutes by train to Birmingham New Street
Free collection in the city centre, easy to combine with an evening meal.
Stratford-upon-Avon
Literary Heritage
About 45 minutes by train or car
Shakespeare birthplace and riverside walks for a post-show day.
Resorts World Birmingham
Dining and evening networking
Restaurants and bars next to the NEC campus.
NEC hall cafe
Informal meetings
Convenient for short supplier catch-ups between sessions.
Birmingham International station lounge
Travel-day meetings
Useful for a quick coffee before a train.
Pharmaceutical buying cycles are long and quality teams need documentation, so follow-up should lead with technical evidence rather than a generic sales deck.
Budget
Shell scheme
GBP 350–500 / m²
Raw space
GBP 250–350 / m²
Standard booth
9 m²
Indicative UK NEC rates for a 9-24 sqm stand; confirm the 2027 tariff with Step Exhibitions. Space-only stands are 36+ sqm.
sourceAdjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
booth
exhibitor · shell scheme
GBP 3200–4500 / 9 sqm stand
hotel
both · mid
USD 140–190 / per night
per_diem
both · standard
USD 60–90 / per day
visa
visitor · standard visitor
USD 150–175 / per application
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| booth | exhibitor | shell scheme | GBP 3200–4500 / 9 sqm stand | estimate | 2026-11-04 |
| hotel | both | mid | USD 140–190 / per night | estimate | 2026-11-04 |
| per_diem | both | standard | USD 60–90 / per day | estimate | 2026-11-04 |
| visa | visitor | standard visitor | USD 150–175 / per application | estimate | 2026-11-04 |
Decision
Six quick questions to decide whether to visit, exhibit or skip Making Pharmaceuticals 2027.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your main objective?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You have a live sourcing, compliance or supplier-evaluation need and can commit at least one full day.
Best for
Quality, regulatory, manufacturing and supply-chain professionals who need suppliers or CPD
Min. budget
$500.00
Timeline
2-6 weeks
Risks
Free registration can hide travel and hotel costs
Two days is not enough to cover all three programmes
exhibit
You have a defined UK pipeline and can staff the stand with technical sellers for both days.
Best for
Equipment, ingredient, packaging, logistics and compliance suppliers selling into UK pharma
Min. budget
$6,000.00
Timeline
3-6 months
Risks
Lead quality varies by stand location
Free attendance means more early-stage visitors
skip
Neither visiting nor exhibiting supports a decision you expect to take within 12 months.
Best for
Teams with no UK pipeline, no budget and no compliance or sourcing need in 2027
Timeline
Not applicable
Risks
Missing competitor and MHRA signals
Losing first-mover position at the new NEC venue
Book with
The NEC Birmingham
The UK’s largest exhibition campus, hosting the 2027 edition in Birmingham.
Venue named on the official 2027 event page.
Birmingham Airport
Closest airport to the NEC, with a free Air-Rail Link to Birmingham International station.
Travel option described in the official useful information page.
Birmingham Chamber of Commerce
Regional business network for UK market entry, introductions and local services.
Useful regional body; not an official event partner.
Healthcare Distribution Association
UK trade body for healthcare distribution and wholesale, relevant to the Moving Pharma audience.
Sector association represented in the event programme; not confirmed as a 2027 partner.
Recommended providers
Check eligibility and current fees before booking; many short business visits are visa-free.
Official NEC hotel listings for campus and airport options.
Compare flights into BHX; the Air-Rail Link connects the airport to the NEC.
International freight forwarder for show materials and customs clearance.
Exhibitors should confirm public liability and cancellation cover.
Official city guide for restaurants, attractions and short breaks around the NEC.
Badge-scan and lead-capture options if the organiser does not supply a scanner.
Gallery
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
5 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
7
References
3
Publishers
7
Date checked
Step Exhibitions
Chemical Industry Journal
PharmaLex
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
