Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

Nursing Live 2026 is set for 9-10 November at the NEC in Birmingham, UK, featuring over 200 expert speakers and extensive CPD opportunities for nursing professionals.
Dates
9–10 Nov 2026
City / country
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Venue
Hall 2, the NEC
Time
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Are you the organiser of this event?
Companies exhibiting at Nursing Live 2026 include Capita HAAS, Compass Fostering, CoppaFeel!, CP Develops - CPD and Crohn's & Colitis UK.
Event overview
Nursing Live 2026 is a premier event for nursing professionals, taking place on 9-10 November at Hall 2, the NEC in Birmingham. This two-day conference will feature over 200 speakers and 240 sessions covering a wide range of topics, including clinical excellence, mental health, and career development.
Attendees will have the opportunity to earn CPD hours, network with peers, and explore the latest innovations in nursing and healthcare. Nursing Live 2026 takes place in Birmingham, United.
TL;DR
Attending Nursing Live 2026 offers invaluable opportunities for professional development, networking with industry leaders, and gaining insights into the latest clinical practices. With a diverse range of sessions, attendees can tailor their experience to their specific interests and career goals. The event also provides a platform for connecting with potential employers and exploring new career opportunities.
Exhibiting at Nursing Live 2026 allows organizations to engage directly with thousands of nursing professionals, showcasing their products and services to a highly targeted audience. Exhibitors can build brand awareness, generate leads, and foster relationships with key decision-makers in the healthcare sector. This event is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate commitment to the nursing profession and contribute to its advancement.
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
B40 1NT, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Hall 2, the NEC in Birmingham typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Hall 2, the NEC in Birmingham typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Hall 2, the NEC for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Event days & opening times
Who runs the show
RCNi
How the last edition performed
Next edition
Not announced yet
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Attending Nursing Live 2026 on 2026-11-09 to 2026-11-10 in Birmingham lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip

Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
East Midlands Airport
Second-closest commercial option and useful for East Midlands and low-cost European routes, but the transfer to the NEC is by road rather than a direct rail link. Approximate planning band; confirm live journey times before booking
Approx. 30-40 mi (48-64 km) north-east of the NEC
to venue
Approx. 45-60 min by road via the M42 and A42
by car
London Heathrow Airport
Main long-haul gateway for the UK. Many delegates use rail instead of road: a captured Google Flights sample shows London Euston to Birmingham New Street direct at about 1 hr 16 min, then a local train to Birmingham International for the NEC. Approximate band; confirm live times
Approx. 100-110 mi (160-180 km) south-east of Birmingham
to venue
Approx. 2-2.5 hr by road via the M40 and M42
by car
London Luton Airport
Low-cost carrier gateway with road or coach transfer to the Midlands; no direct rail link to the NEC. Approximate planning band only; confirm live journey times and coach options before booking
Approx. 80-90 mi (130-145 km) south-east of Birmingham
to venue
Approx. 1 hr 45 min to 2 hr 15 min by road
by car
Birmingham Airport
Regional airport serving the event metro - confirm routes with Maps
to venue
by car
Coventry Airport
Regional airport serving the event metro - confirm routes with Maps
to venue
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Premier Inn Birmingham NEC Airport hotel
Premier Inn, guest rating 4.1 from around 2.6K reviews in the capture, with breakfast and parking charged, free Wi-Fi, bar and restaurant. Walkable to the halls for most visitors; USD figure is an approximate conversion of the captured GBP band.
Hilton Garden Inn Birmingham Airport
Upper-midscale Hilton Garden Inn, guest rating 4.4 in the capture, with fitness centre, bar, restaurant and room service; parking charged. Convenient for early flights and for delegates using the airport rail link to Birmingham International. USD figure is an approximate conversion.
Travelodge Birmingham Airport
Budget option captured at around GBP 35 for a 9-10 November night; guest rating 3.9, breakfast and parking charged, bar and restaurant, pet-friendly and kid-friendly. Useful for exhibitor teams needing volume rooms; USD figure is an approximate conversion.
easyHotel Birmingham City Centre
No-frills budget hotel with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and parking; guest rating 4.6 from around 7.1K reviews in the capture, with reviewers describing rooms as small. Choose this if you want city-centre evenings and do not mind a daily rail transfer. USD figure is an approximate conversion.
Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre
Hotel and conference centre with free parking, indoor pool, fitness centre, bar and charged breakfast. Suited to delegates who want a quiet residential base and are driving to the NEC each day. USD figure is an approximate conversion of the captured GBP band.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
rail
BHX sits beside Birmingham International station, so a single local rail hop or the signed airport-to-NEC pedestrian and transit link gets you to Hall 2. Approximate fares only; buy on the day or use contactless where accepted.
rail
Practical for London-based delegates: direct Avanti West Coast and other operators run frequent services, then change at Birmingham New Street for Birmingham International and the NEC. Advance fares vary widely, so book early and confirm the current timetable.
bus
Buses serve the NEC and airport area from parts of Birmingham and Solihull, but journey times vary with traffic. Check the current route map, day ticket options and last-bus times before relying on a bus for an evening return.
taxi
A very short road transfer of roughly 5-10 minutes outside peak times. Useful with luggage or stand materials; ask for the correct hall drop-off point.
taxi
Journey time varies sharply with traffic on the A45 and M42, so allow extra time if you are travelling into a morning session. Rail is usually faster and cheaper at peak times.
walking
The NEC campus is walkable, with covered and signed routes between halls, on-site hotels and the rail station. Distances inside the campus are longer than they look on a plan, so allow 10-15 minutes between the station and a hall entrance.
taxi
Approx. 45-60 min by road via the M42 and A42; Second-closest commercial option and useful for East Midlands and low-cost European routes, but the transfer to the NEC is by road rather than a direct rail link. Approximate planning band; confirm live journey times before booking.
taxi
Approx. 2-2.5 hr by road via the M40 and M42; Main long-haul gateway for the UK. Many delegates use rail instead of road: a captured Google Flights sample shows London Euston to Birmingham New Street direct at about 1 hr 16 min, then a local train to Birmingham International for
Weather
Birmingham in November is cool, grey and often damp. The NEC halls, walkways and on-campus hotels are indoors, but you may still queue or walk outdoors between car parks, the rail station and Hall 2, so bring a waterproof layer and allow extra travel time if wind or rain disrupts road and rail services. Daylight is short in November, with dusk in the late afternoon, which matters if you are driving or returning to a city-centre hotel after the show.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
UK mobile coverage across Birmingham and the NEC area is generally strong on the major networks (EE, O2, Vodafone and Three), and visitors from abroad can buy prepaid SIM or eSIM data plans; check your own operator's roaming charges before travelling. Venue Wi-Fi terms for this edition were not captured, so treat free on-site Wi-Fi as unconfirmed, download your badge, schedule and travel tickets for offline use, and carry a power bank because charging points in busy halls are limited at peak times.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Conference dress and tone
UK nursing conferences are smart casual in practice: clinical staff often wear comfortable professional clothing and shoes suitable for long days in a large hall. Reserve formal business dress for awards dinners, board-level meetings or if you are presenting on the main stage.
Greetings and small talk
A handshake and first name introductions are normal in a UK professional setting. Small talk about travel, the weather or the day's sessions is safe; salary, age, politics and religion are not typical opening topics with people you have just met.
Queuing and personal space
Queuing is expected and orderly at UK venues, including badge collection, catering outlets and session rooms. Leave a little personal space in queues and at stands, and apologise briefly if you need to squeeze past in a busy aisle.
Tipping and payments
Tipping is optional in the UK. Service charges are sometimes already added to restaurant bills, and card or contactless payment is standard for transport, cafes and taxis. Carry a small amount of cash for convenience only.
Clinical culture at a nursing show
Delegates are practitioners first: conversations tend to be evidence-led, so expect questions about clinical outcomes, NMC standards and infection prevention rather than marketing claims. Ask about CPD evidence and evaluation data if you are exhibiting.
Birmingham and the NEC campus
The NEC sits east of Birmingham next to Birmingham International station and the airport, so many visitors see the campus and the city centre as two separate bases. The city centre has the wider choice of restaurants and evening venues, roughly a 10-15 minute train ride from Birmingham International.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: EMA
Book into Birmingham Airport (BHX) wherever a route exists, because it sits beside the NEC and Birmingham International rail station with an approximate 5-10 minute road transfer to Hall 2. Long-haul itineraries captured for this edition typically involve one stop through hubs such as Dubai, Dublin, Amsterdam or Zurich, with total journey times from about 9 hr 50 min from New York and around 24 hr from Sydney, so allow a full day either side of the show. A captured Google Flights insight flagged Dubai to Birmingham fares as low and about GBP 92 cheaper than usual, and a UK domestic sample from Edinburgh to Birmingham was about GBP 50 nonstop for December dates, which is indicative only and does not overlap the show days. London Heathrow (LHR) is the alternative long-haul gateway, and for London arrivals the rail option from London Euston to Birmingham New Street was captured at about 1 hr 16 min direct. No live airfares were attached to these captures, so compare fares for your actual dates and confirm baggage, transfer and ticketing terms before paying.
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: East Midlands Airport (EMA): Approx. 45-60 min by road via the M42 and A42; London Heathrow Airport (LHR): Approx. 2-2.5 hr by road via the M40 and M42; London Luton Airport (LTN): Approx. 1 hr 45 min to 2 hr 15 min by road; Birmingham Airport (BHX): Regional airport serving the event metro - confirm routes with Maps. Allow road or rail time to Hall 2, the NEC; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Hall 2, the NEC: NEC / Birmingham Airport: Premier Inn Birmingham NEC Airport hotel; Birmingham Airport: Hilton Garden Inn Birmingham Airport; Birmingham Airport: Travelodge Birmingham Airport.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing is widely used in Birmingham through apps such as Uber and Bolt, with local licensed taxi firms also serving the NEC campus. During large events at the NEC, pick-up and drop-off points are designated rather than at the hall doors, so follow venue signage and allow extra waiting time at the end of the show. Confirm current app availability, local operator options and approximate fares in the app before you travel, and check app availability if you are arriving from overseas with a non-UK payment method.
Public transit: The NEC is one of the best-connected UK venues by rail: Birmingham International station serves the campus, with frequent local services from Birmingham New Street taking roughly 10-15 minutes, and connections onward to Coventry and London. From the station it is a signed walk to the halls, and passengers arriving at Birmingham Airport (BHX) are next to the same station, so the one-stop local train or the campus link puts you at Hall 2. Local buses also serve the NEC and airport area, and Birmingham city centre buses run on multiple routes, though journey times depend on traffic. A captured sample shows London Euston to Birmingham New Street direct at about 1 hr 16 min for around GBP 36 one way. Approximate local fares and service frequencies should be confirmed live with National Rail and Transport for West Midlands before travel.
Parking: The NEC has on-site car parks serving the halls, and event parking is charged, with rates typically in an approximate band of GBP 12-20 per vehicle per day depending on the car park and how you book. Pre-booking online is often cheaper than paying on arrival, and disabled bays, drop-off areas and coach parking are handled separately, so confirm the car park that serves Hall 2 and any accessibility needs with the venue in advance. These figures are approximate planning bands only; verify the current tariff, entrance postcode and pre-booking options on the NEC site before you set off.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: November 2026 - the edition month captured for this listing; confirm the exact day or days on the official schedule at nursinglive.com/schedule before booking travel and accommodation.
Temperature: Typical Birmingham November conditions are daytime highs of roughly 8-11 C (46-52 F) and night-time lows of roughly 3-6 C (37-43 F), with frost possible on clear nights. These are climatological planning bands rather than a forecast; check a live forecast in the final week before travelling and pack for a felt temperature a few degrees lower in wind and rain.
Seasonality: November is one of the wetter and darker months in the English Midlands, with frequent light rain, overcast days and sunsets before 17:00. Rain usually arrives in passing bands rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella and a waterproof outer layer cover most situations; outdoor transfers between car parks, the rail station and the halls are the parts of the trip where you will notice it most.
Packing: Pack layers you can add and remove in heated halls, comfortable closed shoes for long days on concrete floors, a waterproof coat and a compact umbrella, plus a power bank, a refillable water bottle and a notebook or tablet for CPD session notes. If you are presenting or attending formal meetings, bring one smart outfit for the evening and keep the rest practical. A small bag that meets venue security rules avoids delays at bag checks.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Nursing Live 2026 usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
Confirm your registration status and get the exact show days from nursinglive.com/schedule. — Captured edition month is November 2026; travel samples cluster around 9 November 2026. Check door times and which hall is in use before booking anything non-refundable.
Book rail or air travel, preferring Birmingham Airport (BHX) or Birmingham International rail station. — The NEC sits next to Birmingham International, so arrivals by rail avoid the road network around the M42.
Reserve a hotel on the NEC campus, at the airport, or in central Birmingham with a rail link. — On-campus and airport-side rooms are the closest to Hall 2; city-centre rates can be lower but add a rail transfer from Birmingham New Street.
Download the schedule and mark the CPD sessions, keynote slots and exhibition stands you need. — Build a realistic plan of three to five priority sessions per day and leave gaps for the exhibition floor and careers zone.
Check passport validity, UK entry requirements and any visa or electronic travel authorisation you may need. — Rules differ by nationality and change over time; verify on the official UK government visa pages rather than relying on forum advice.
Decide your daily route: rail from Birmingham New Street, local bus, taxi or on-site NEC parking. — If driving, check which NEC car park serves Hall 2 and whether pre-booking is cheaper than paying on arrival.
Confirm study leave and any trust funding or expenses process. — Keep registration confirmation, receipts and travel tickets together for your CPD portfolio and any expense claim.
Pack for a cool, damp English Midlands November and long days on your feet. — Layers, a waterproof coat, comfortable shoes for concrete hall floors and a compact umbrella are more useful than formal business dress.
Charge devices and download tickets, schedules and maps for offline use. — Venue Wi-Fi terms were not captured for this edition, so do not rely on connectivity for your badge, travel tickets or notes.
Re-check rail services and road conditions, and set an alarm that allows for NEC entry queues. — UK rail engineering works and autumn weather can add delay; check National Rail and local traffic before leaving.
Collect your badge early, orient yourself around Hall 2 and locate the session rooms before your first talk. — Arriving for doors open gives time for bag checks, badge collection and finding the correct hall entrance.
Capture CPD evidence: session notes, speaker names from the official programme, and any attendance confirmation. — Confirm with session hosts how certificates or attendance records are issued, and log hours against NMC revalidation while the detail is fresh.
Work the exhibition and careers zone with a target list and a stack of CVs. — Supplier stands cover clinical devices, digital records, recruitment, education and wellbeing; ask qualifying questions rather than collecting every leaflet.
File your CPD records within a week and follow up the contacts you made. — Send follow-up notes to recruiters and suppliers while the conversation is still identifiable, and hand any team learning back at a ward or practice meeting.
Registration and hall orientation at Hall 2, the NEC
Supplier meetings and product demos
Final negotiations and follow-up
Nursing Live 2026 registration concourse
Hall 2, the NEC
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Hall 2, the NEC
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget

Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Use this quick check to decide whether Nursing Live 2026 fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
Gallery
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.