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    Dates

    12–14 Apr 2027

    City / country

    Birmingham, United Kingdom

    Venue

    National Exhibition Centre (NEC)

    Time

    10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

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    Event overview

    Overview

    National Convenience Show 2027 takes place from 12-14 April 2027 at the NEC, Birmingham.

    This event is the largest for the convenience retailing sector, providing a single destination to explore c-store specific products, services, and innovations.

    TL;DR

    1. 1Date: 12-14 April 2027
    2. 2Location: NEC, Birmingham
    3. 3Expected Visitors: 30,000+
    4. 4Expected Exhibitors: 1,500+
    5. 5Co-located with UK Food & Drink Shows

    Why visit

    Attendees will gain access to innovative products, networking opportunities with key industry players, and insights into the latest market trends, making it a must-attend event for professionals in the sector.

    Why exhibit

    Exhibitors can connect with a wide range of decision-makers, showcase their products, and gain valuable insights into market trends, ensuring a strong return on investment. The National Convenience Show is crucial for retailers in the food and drink industry, providing insights into new products and trends, and fostering connections that drive business growth.

    Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

    Who this event is for

    Visitor profile

    Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

    Retail business owners
    Buyers from convenience stores
    Category directors
    Foodservice professionals
    Wholesalers and distributors
    Hospitality professionals

    Exhibitor profile

    Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

    Food and beverage suppliers
    Retail technology providers
    Packaging and logistics companies
    Marketing and branding agencies
    Point of sale solution providers
    C-store product manufacturers

    Product categories

    Key solution areas showcased across the event.

    C-store specific products and services
    Food and beverage innovations
    Retail technology solutions
    Packaging solutions for convenience stores
    Marketing tools for retailers
    Logistics and supply chain services

    Location & Facilities

    Venue

    Open in Google Maps

    Halls & areas

    1
    Hall 4

    National Exhibition Centre (NEC)

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

    Entrances & gates

    Main Entrance

    Hall 4

    Facilities

    Parking

    Yes, if you pre-pay for parking online before the day of your visit you can save £5.

    Parking: Yes, if you pre-pay for parking online before the day of your visit you can save £5.

    Attend

    Entry & tickets

    Trade-only
    Free registration

    Event days & opening times

    DayOpening hours
    10:00 AM –5:00 PM on 12 – 13 April, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM on 14 April
    Register

    Who runs the show

    Organisers

    William Reed

    Website

    What's on

    Programme

    Co-located events

    Food & Drink Expo

    Separate ticket

    Farm Shop & Deli Show

    Separate ticket

    Forecourt Show

    Separate ticket

    Foodex Manufacturing Solutions

    Separate ticket

    How the last edition performed

    Previous edition

    Current edition

    2027

    Forecast — not final

    Visitors

    25,000

    Impact

    A bigger and stronger platform

    National Convenience Show 2027 takes place from 12-14 April 2027 at the NEC, Birmingham. This event is the largest for the convenience retailing sector, providing a single destination to explore c-store specific products, services, and innovations. The National Convenience Show is crucial for retailers in the food and drink industry, providing insights into new products and trends, and fostering connections that drive business growth. Join us for the National Convenience Show 2027.

    Exhibitor outcomes

    Real business growth

    Exhibitors can connect with a wide range of decision-makers, showcase their products, and gain valuable insights into market trends, ensuring a strong return on investment. The National Convenience Show is crucial for retailers in the food and drink industry, providing insights into new products and trends, and fostering connections that drive business growth. Exhibitor categories include Food and beverage suppliers, Retail technology providers, Packaging and logistics companies, Marketing and branding agencies.

    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

    The National Convenience Show is the UK's dedicated convenience and forecourt retail trade event, and it is staged at the NEC as part of the co-located UK Food & Drink Shows alongside Food & Drink Expo, Farm Shop & Deli Show and The Forecourt Show. That combination gives buyers a single April trip covering convenience, food-to-go, chilled and fresh, drinks, forecourt services and specialist retail — and gives suppliers a concentrated window to get in front of the symbol groups, wholesalers, forecourt operators and independent buyers who make summer ranging decisions. For anyone selling into UK convenience, skipping the April NEC week means waiting a full trading cycle for comparable access.

    Industry trends

    Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

    01

    Food-to-go and chilled/fresh remain the growth engine

    02

    Forecourt transformation: EV charging plus premium retail

    03

    Vape and nicotine category reset after the UK disposable ban

    04

    Value tiers, own label and pack-price architecture

    05

    Loyalty apps, retail media and data-led ranging

    UK and European convenience, grocery and retail circuit

    Plan 4-6 months ahead for stand space at the NEC (exhibitor space and build), and 2-3 months ahead for visitor travel, hotels and UK ETA/visa arrangements.

    The National Convenience Show sits inside a broader calendar of grocery, convenience and retail-technology events. Buyers typically pair the April NEC week with a UK grocery or retail-tech show in spring and a larger European or US circuit event later in the year to cover international ranges and store technology.

    April (NEC, Birmingham)

    UK Spring Grocery and Convenience Week

    National Convenience Show plus the co-located Food & Drink Expo, Farm Shop & Deli Show and The Forecourt Show.

    March-April (London, ExCeL)

    UK Grocery and Retail-Tech Spring Window

    IFE and Retail Technology Show are commonly combined into a single London trip.

    October (Las Vegas) and alternating European cycles

    European and US Circuit

    NACS Show in autumn, with EuroShop and Anuga on their own multi-year cycles for international sourcing.

    Peer events and their official domains identified from sector knowledge plus the single web search; confirm dates and registration windows on each organiser's site before planning.

    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
    Birmingham Airport / NEC perimeter (5-10 minutes from the halls)

    USD 75–115 / night

    source
    Mid-range
    NEC campus and Birmingham International station area (walkable or one stop by train)

    USD 115–185 / night

    source
    Premium
    On the NEC campus and Resorts World Birmingham (walking distance to the halls)

    USD 185–300 / night

    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 not required
    ATA Carnet: accepted

    British and Irish citizens need no permission to enter. Visa-exempt nationalities no longer travel entirely free of paperwork — they must hold a valid UK ETA before boarding.

    The UK accepts ATA carnets for the temporary import of exhibition stands, professional equipment and samples; issue the carnet through your national chamber before shipping to the NEC and confirm the show's freight-handling rules with the organiser.

    Official visa page

    Weather

    April in Birmingham is a mild, changeable spring month: expect daytime highs of roughly 12-14°C falling to 4-6°C overnight, with rain or showers on about half the days in the month (around 50 mm total). Show week can swing between bright spells and cold, windy showers, so plan for layers and a waterproof jacket for the walk between NEC halls and car parks.

    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.

    Tipping

    A 10-12.5% tip is customary in restaurants and often already added as a discretionary service charge; check the bill before adding more. Tipping is not expected in pubs for drinks, and taxi drivers are usually rounded up rather than tipped a percentage.

    Business dress and greetings

    Smart casual or business casual is the norm on UK trade-show floors; suits are reserved for formal meetings and evening dinners. A firm handshake and first-name introductions are standard, including with senior buyers.

    Trade-show etiquette and queuing

    Queueing is expected and respected at NEC catering, registration and transport points. Ask before photographing stands or products, and keep stand conversations brief when others are waiting — UK buyers generally prefer a booked meeting slot over an unannounced pitch.

    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

    Most international visitors need either a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or a Standard Visitor visa. Visa-exempt nationals (US, EU/EEA, Canada, Australia, Japan and many others) must obtain an ETA (GBP 16, approx. USD 20) before travel, valid 2 years or until passport expiry. Nationals without visa-free access need a Standard Visitor visa (GBP 127, approx. USD 160), which covers attending trade fairs and business meetings as a visitor but not selling goods or supplying services. Apply at least 3 weeks before travel; British and Irish citizens need no permission.

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

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

    Valid for 2 years or until the passport expires, with multiple entries. Mandatory for visa-exempt visitors since 2025 — travellers without an ETA can be refused boarding. Standard route for most international business visitors needing a visa. Check gov.uk for the current fee before applying.

    Official

    Hotels

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

    Areas to stay

    Birmingham Airport / NEC perimeter (5-10 minutes from the halls) · NEC campus and Birmingham International station area (walkable or one stop by train) · On the NEC campus and Resorts World Birmingham (walking distance to the halls)

    budget

    $75-$115 USD/night

    Book

    mid range

    $115-$185 USD/night

    Book

    premium

    $185-$300 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): Birmingham Airport / NEC perimeter (5-10 minutes from the halls): ibis budget Birmingham Airport - NEC, Travelodge Birmingham Airport, Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport - NEC; NEC campus and Birmingham International station area (walkable or one stop by train): Premier Inn Birmingham NEC, Novotel Birmingham Airport, Arden Hotel & Leisure Club (Solihull, near NEC); On the NEC campus and Resorts World Birmingham (walking distance to the halls): H

    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: April averages in Birmingham: daytime highs of about 12-14°C, overnight lows of about 4-6°C.

    Seasonality: Spring shower season — rain falls on roughly half the days in April, with around 50 mm of monthly rainfall; pack a waterproof layer and expect cool, windy spells between NEC halls and car parks.

    Packing: Spring shower season — rain falls on roughly half the days in April, with around 50 mm of monthly rainfall; pack a waterproof layer and expect cool, windy spells between NEC halls and car parks.

    Plan your trip

    Planning

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

    The show runs Monday 12 to Wednesday 14 April 2027 and day two is normally the fullest on the floor: registration and opening-day congestion are past, the seminar and keynote programme is running at full density, and most exhibitor decision-makers are still on stands. Day one absorbs badge collection and opening formalities, while day three typically winds down earlier with exhibitors beginning to break down late in the day. Visiting on day two also avoids the Monday travel peak into Birmingham International and the NEC.

    1

    Confirm passport and UK entry requirements for your nationality — Check passport validity covers the trip and whether a UK visa is needed before booking flights.

    2

    Book flights to Birmingham Airport (BHX) — BHX is the closest major gateway to the NEC, roughly 10-15 minutes by train or taxi.

    3

    Reserve a hotel near the NEC or in Birmingham city centre — Target check-in 11 April 2027 and check-out 15 April 2027 around the 12-14 April show dates.

    4

    Complete free online trade registration — Register via nationalconvenienceshow.co.uk; entrance is free to the trade.

    5

    Download the NEC hall plan and show programme — Map halls and stands in advance to plan your visit route.

    6

    Pre-schedule B2B meetings with target exhibitors — Use the exhibitor directory to request meetings before you travel.

    7

    Shortlist conference and seminar sessions — Note session times across the three show days, 12-14 April 2027.

    8

    Plan local transport from BHX or Birmingham International — Trains link the airport and Birmingham International to the NEC; taxis are also available.

    9

    Prepare packing list and business materials — Smart casual attire, business cards and printed meeting documents.

    10

    Check UK April weather and pack layers — April in Birmingham is changeable; bring a light waterproof and comfortable shoes.

    11

    Save your badge confirmation and registration details — Have your registration QR code or confirmation ready for badge collection.

    12

    Arrive on Day 1 and collect your badge — Doors open at the NEC from 10:00 on 12 April 2027; arrive early to orient yourself.

    Sample visitor itinerary

    Route-optimised day
    09:00-10:15

    Badge collection and orientation, then open-floor walk of the convenience and forecourt aisles

    National Exhibition Centre (NEC) exhibition halls, Birmingham
    10:15-12:30

    Core buying meetings with priority exhibitors (food-to-go, chilled/fresh, soft drinks, vape and nicotine, forecourt services)

    NCS stand aisles
    12:30-13:30

    Category insight session or keynote, followed by lunch in the show networking area

    Show seminar theatres and catering zones
    13:30-15:30

    Cross-visit the co-located Food & Drink Expo, Farm Shop & Deli Show and The Forecourt Show for range gap-filling

    Adjacent NEC halls
    15:30-17:00

    Follow-up meetings and informal networking, then transfer to Resorts World Birmingham or Birmingham city centre

    Resorts World Birmingham / central Birmingham

    Side trips

    3

    Central Birmingham (Bullring, Jewellery Quarter, Brindleyplace)

    Stratford-upon-Avon

    Warwick Castle and Royal Leamington Spa

    Networking spots

    3

    Show-floor networking and catering zones

    The main visitor catering areas double as the busiest informal meeting points between 12:30 and 14:00.

    Resorts World Birmingham (NEC campus)

    Restaurants, bars and hotel bars on the NEC campus — the easiest option for evening follow-ups without leaving the venue area.

    Birmingham city centre (Brindleyplace / The Mailbox)

    Best for hosted dinners and larger supplier meetings; book ahead during show week.

    Budget

    Costs & budget

    Cost reference

    Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

    visitor_ticket

    visitor · trade_visitor

    —

    official

    visa_fee

    visitor · standard_visitor_visa

    GBP 127 / per person

    official

    hotel_night

    visitor · mid_range

    GBP 90–140 / per room per night

    estimate

    per_diem

    visitor · standard

    GBP 50–75 / per person per day

    estimate

    exhibitor_stand

    exhibitor · shell_scheme

    GBP 250–450 / per sqm

    estimate

    visa_fee

    visitor · Entry visa

    USD 20 / 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 range, buy or sell into UK convenience, forecourt or food-to-go retail and can commit 1-2 days on site.

    Best for

    Convenience retailers, category buyers and wholesalers sourcing food-to-go, chilled/fresh, drinks, vape and forecourt ranges across the co-located UK Food & Drink Shows.

    Min. budget

    $450.00

    Timeline

    2-6 weeks (free trade registration plus flight, hotel and ETA/visa arrangements)

    Risks

    Budget estimate from listing cost signals — confirm live rates.

    NEC-area hotel rates spike during show week; book 4-8 weeks out.

    Visa-exempt visitors still need a UK ETA before boarding; visa nationals need to apply ~3 weeks ahead.

    A single day is not enough to cover NCS plus the three co-located shows.

    exhibit

    You have a UK route to market, distributor support and a range ready for convenience ranging decisions in the April buying window.

    Best for

    Brands, wholesalers and service providers targeting UK convenience, forecourt and food-to-go buyers with a range ready for listing.

    Min. budget

    $3,200.00

    Timeline

    4-6 months (space booking, stand design/build, freight, staffing and travel)

    Risks

    Budget estimate from listing cost signals — confirm live rates.

    Stand and build costs vary widely; get a William Reed rate card and compare space-only vs shell scheme.

    Overseas stand staff may need a Standard Visitor visa and an ATA carnet for demo equipment.

    Show-week hotel and freight surcharges at the NEC.

    skip

    Your UK coverage is already handled by a distributor or agent and you are not seeking new listings this cycle.

    Best for

    Suppliers with no UK or European route to market, or whose UK sales are already fully covered by a distributor.

    Timeline

    Not applicable

    Risks

    Missing the April window when UK convenience ranging decisions for the summer trading period are made.

    Book with

    Partners

    Recommended providers

    Visa

    UK Visas and Immigration

    Gallery

    Photos

    Official imagery from National Convenience Show - NCS
    Official imagery from National Convenience Show - NCS

    FAQs & glossary

    Answers

    Frequently asked

    Glossary

    1
    C-store
    A convenience store, typically smaller than a supermarket, offering a limited range of products.
    2
    Exhibitor
    A company or individual that displays products or services at a trade show.
    3
    Trade event
    An event that is open only to professionals in a specific industry.
    4
    Networking
    The action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts.
    5
    Registration
    The process of signing up to attend an event.
    6
    Accessibility
    The design of products, devices, services, or environments for people with disabilities.
    7
    Visitor
    An individual who attends an event, typically to observe and learn about products or services.
    8
    Co-located event
    An event that occurs simultaneously with another event at the same venue.

    Trust footer

    Sources

    4

    References

    2

    Publishers

    0

    Date checked

    1

    William Reed

    2

    National Convenience Show

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