The Forecourt Show 2027, taking place from April 12-14 at the NEC Birmingham, is the premier trade event for the forecourt industry.
Dates
12–14 Apr 2027
City / country
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Venue
National Exhibition Centre (NEC)
Time
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Companies exhibiting at The Forecourt Show include 'grette, *Shopt, 10 Squared & Pixel Inspiration, 1180 Drinks and 3G PACKAGING.
Event overview
The Forecourt Show is the UK’s biggest event dedicated to the forecourt and fuel market, showcasing top suppliers and distributors from across all fuel types, vehicle care, and convenience retail.
It is part of The UK Food & Drink Shows 2027, running alongside other major events at the NEC Birmingham.
TL;DR
Visitors will gain insights into the latest products and services in the forecourt industry, connect with key suppliers, and explore innovations that can enhance their business operations.
Exhibitors will have the opportunity to connect directly with thousands of major buyers and wholesalers, showcase their products, and gain visibility in a competitive market. The Forecourt Show is crucial for industry professionals to discover the latest trends and innovations in the forecourt and fuel market, providing a platform for networking and business growth.
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
Halls & areas
1National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham, B40 1NT, United Kingdom
Entrances & gates
Main Entrance
Yes, if you pre-pay for parking online before the day of your visit you can save £5.
Parking: Pre-booking parking is recommended to save costs.
Attend
Event days & opening times
Who runs the show
William Reed
How the last edition performed
Current edition
2027 · 30,000 visitors
Visitors
30,000
Impact
The Forecourt Show is the UK’s biggest event dedicated to the forecourt and fuel market, showcasing top suppliers and distributors from across all fuel types, vehicle care, and convenience retail. It is part of The UK Food & Drink Shows 2027, running alongside other major events at the NEC Birmingham. The Forecourt Show is crucial for industry professionals to discover the latest trends and innovations in the forecourt and fuel market, providing.
Exhibitor outcomes
Exhibitors will have the opportunity to connect directly with thousands of major buyers and wholesalers, showcase their products, and gain visibility in a competitive market. The Forecourt Show is crucial for industry professionals to discover the latest trends and innovations in the forecourt and fuel market, providing a platform for networking and business growth. Exhibitor categories include Fuel suppliers, Vehicle care product manufacturers, Convenience retail brands, Food and beverage suppliers.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
The Forecourt Show is the UK's dedicated national trade event for the fuel retail and forecourt sector, staged at the NEC as part of William Reed's co-located UK Food & Drink Shows. Its importance comes from the sector's structural shift: fuel volumes are flat while EV charging, convenience retail, food-to-go and services now carry most of the margin. For operators, oil majors, dealer networks and equipment/technology suppliers it is the one annual trip where dispenser, tank, payment, charging and shop equipment can be compared side by side and buying teams met in a single visit.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Rapid and ultra-rapid charging hubs, grid capacity and charging-adjacent retail are the fastest-moving investment area for UK forecourts, driven by the ZEV mandate and fleet electrification.
Convenience ranges, coffee, food-to-go and parcel/locker services now drive a majority of forecourt gross profit, pushing operators to invest in store fit-out and supply partnerships.
HVO, bio-LPG, hydrogen and AdBlue infrastructure are being trialled and rolled out for HGV and fleet refuelling as fuel suppliers decarbonise their networks.
ANPR, self-checkout, loyalty apps, AI-assisted pricing and frictionless payment are reshaping forecourt operations and shopper data ownership.
Valeting and car care remain high-margin add-ons, while tightening forecourt safety, environmental permitting and tank/leak regulations raise the bar for equipment specification.
The forecourt sector is served by a small, concentrated circuit: one UK national event (The Forecourt Show, with the co-located National Convenience Show), one large European equipment fair and one major North American industry convention, plus national technical/operator gatherings.
March–May (spring shows) and October–November (technical/operator events)
United Kingdom & Ireland
February–June, with autumn technical conferences
Continental Europe
September–November (annual industry convention season)
North America
Peer events identified from sector circuit knowledge and the organiser's co-located show portfolio; verify dates and venues on each event's official site before planning.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Gateway airport for Birmingham.
to venue
by car
Gateway airport for Birmingham.
to venue
by car
Gateway airport for Birmingham.
to venue
by car
Gateway airport for Birmingham.
to venue
by car
Elizabeth line and Tube serve most London exhibition venues.
to venue
45–75 min off-peak
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Basic rooms a short shuttle or 15–20 minute walk from the NEC halls; the NEC calendar sells these out early in show weeks.
The closest cluster to the venue, most with breakfast and parking — useful if you are driving to the show.
Walking distance or covered link to the halls — best for exhibitors, early meeting slots and evening networking without a taxi.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
taxi
Elizabeth line and Tube serve most London exhibition venues.
taxi
taxi
taxi
taxi
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Visitor Visa | Nationals of countries without a UK visa-waiver agreement (including much of Africa, Asia and the Middle East) travelling to attend or exhibit at a UK trade show. | $160.00 | Typically around 3 weeks via the standard service; priority/express services available at extra cost. | |
| Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) | Visa-exempt nationals — including US, EU/EEA, Canadian, Australian, Japanese and Gulf passport holders — travelling to the UK without a visa. | $20.00 | Usually decided within 3 working days; apply at least a week before departure. | |
| British / Irish citizens and right of abode | British and Irish passport holders and others with right of abode in the UK. | — | Not applicable. |
Visa-waiver nationals (US, EU/EEA, Canada, Australia, Japan, Gulf states and others) may attend the show for business meetings, conferences and trade fairs for up to 6 months provided they hold a valid ETA.
The UK operates its own ATA Carnet system (issued via the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry) covering exhibits, professional equipment and commercial samples for up to 12 months; carnets are accepted at UK ports and at the NEC.
Official visa pageWeather
Expect a cool, changeable April in Birmingham: daytime highs of about 12–14 °C, overnight lows of 4–6 °C and passing showers on roughly half the days (about 50 mm monthly). Bring layers and a waterproof for the walk between the NEC halls.
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
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 service
A discretionary 10–12.5% service charge is common on restaurant bills in Birmingham and is usually already added for larger groups; tipping bar staff and taxi drivers is optional but appreciated.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: BHX
Book flights to BHX when possible for the shortest transfer to the venue; compare CVT only if fares are materially lower.
Most Western and Gulf passport holders do not need a visa for a short business trip to the UK, but visa-exempt visitors (including US, EU, Canadian and Australian nationals) must hold a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (about GBP 16 / USD 20, valid 2 years, multiple entry). Nationals of visa-required countries need a Standard Visitor Visa (about GBP 127 / USD 160, typically decided in around 3 weeks), which permits attending trade fairs, meetings and negotiations but not selling goods or services directly. Apply well before booking non-refundable travel and carry a letter confirming your trade-show attendance.
Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
Apply online at gov.uk before travel and give biometrics at a visa application centre. Permits attending trade fairs, meetings and negotiations but not selling goods or services directly to the public. Valid for 2 years, multiple entries, stays of up to 6 months. Applied for online through the UK ETA app or gov.uk.
OfficialFind a stay near the venue with options for every budget.
Areas to stay
Birmingham Airport / NEC perimeter (Bickenhill, Sheldon) · NEC / Birmingham International and Resorts World · On the NEC campus / Resorts World
budget
mid range
premium
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 (Bickenhill, Sheldon): ibis budget Birmingham Airport – NEC, Premier Inn Birmingham NEC/Airport, Travelodge Birmingham Airport; NEC / Birmingham International and Resorts World: ibis Styles Birmingham NEC and Airport, Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport – NEC, Novotel Birmingham Airport; On the NEC campus / Resorts World: Hilton Birmingham Metropole (NEC campus), Crowne Plaza Birmingham NEC, Genting Hotel at Res
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.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: April 2027
Temperature: About 5–14 °C in April — daytime highs of 12–14 °C and overnight lows of 4–6 °C, with occasional cold snaps near 1–2 °C and rare mild days reaching 17–18 °C.
Seasonality: April is showery and changeable rather than a wet month: around 50 mm of rain spread over roughly 13–15 wet days, breezy with fast-moving fronts. Pack a light waterproof and layer for cool mornings at the NEC.
Packing: April is showery and changeable rather than a wet month: around 50 mm of rain spread over roughly 13–15 wet days, breezy with fast-moving fronts. Pack a light waterproof and layer for cool mornings at the NEC.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Tuesday 13 April 2027 (Day 2 of 3)
Day two is usually the fullest day of a UK trade show: exhibitor teams are fully staffed, the seminar and conference programme is running at full strength, and the first-day badge-collection and orientation rush has passed. Monday suits suppliers setting up early meetings, while the shorter final day typically thins out by mid-afternoon.
Check passport validity and UK entry rules for your nationality — Many nationalities can visit the UK for short business trips without a visa; verify current rules on the official UK government site. The Forecourt Show runs 12-14 April 2027 at the NEC, Birmingham.
Book flights into the Birmingham gateway — Birmingham Airport (BHX) is the closest listed gateway to the National Exhibition Centre (NEC); allow transfer time from the airport to the venue.
Reserve accommodation near the NEC or in central Birmingham — Book for the nights of 11-14 April 2027 so you are on site for the 10:00 opening on day one; check the organiser travel and accommodation page for options.
Complete online visitor registration and badge request — Register through the official show site forecourtshow.co.uk so your badge is ready for collection at the NEC.
Download the show guide and hall plan — Use the forecourtshow.co.uk visit pages to review the exhibitor list, hall layout and opening times before you travel.
Pre-schedule meetings with forecourt, fuel and convenience retail suppliers — Contact target exhibitors ahead of the show to lock in stand meetings across the three days.
Shortlist conference sessions, keynotes and product launches — Map session times against your meeting plan; doors open from 10:00 with a shorter final day.
Plan your airport to NEC transfer — Compare taxi, rail and park-and-ride options using the organiser travel and accommodation page at forecourtshow.co.uk/travel-and-accommodation.
Pack business cards, meeting documents and smart casual attire — Smart casual is standard at UK trade shows; bring a light waterproof layer for April in Birmingham.
Collect your badge and orient on the hall plan on arrival — Arrive early on 12 April 2027 for badge collection at the NEC and a walk of the floor before your first meeting.
Arrival, badge collection and orientation at the NEC
Core supplier meetings — fuel retail technology, payment and EV charging
Lunch and informal networking at the NEC concourse / Resorts World
Seminar programme plus convenience retail and food-to-go aisles
Stratford-upon-Avon
Birmingham city centre and the Jewellery Quarter
Exhibitor hospitality stands and seminar Q&A areas
Vendor-led drinks, tastings and technical demos on the forecourt equipment and convenience aisles are where operators and suppliers actually talk business.
NEC atrium and concourse catering
The central meeting point between halls — practical for short introductions away from stand noise.
Resorts World Birmingham
Directly adjacent to the NEC with restaurants, bars and a hotel — the standard spot for evening networking without travelling into the city.
Budget
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · free trade entry
—
visa_fee
visitor · UK Standard Visitor Visa
GBP 127 / per application
visa_fee
visitor · UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
GBP 16 / per application
hotel_night
visitor · budget (NEC/Airport)
USD 70–110 / per room per night
hotel_night
visitor · mid-range (NEC/Birmingham International)
USD 110–170 / per room per night
per_diem
visitor · Birmingham day rate
USD 60–90 / per person per day
visa_fee
visitor · Standard Visitor Visa
USD 160 / per application
visa_fee
visitor · Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
USD 20 / per application
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | free trade entry | — | official | |
| visa_fee | visitor | UK Standard Visitor Visa | GBP 127 / per application | official | |
| visa_fee | visitor | UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) | GBP 16 / per application | official | |
| hotel_night | visitor | budget (NEC/Airport) | USD 70–110 / per room per night | estimate | |
| hotel_night | visitor | mid-range (NEC/Birmingham International) | USD 110–170 / per room per night | estimate | |
| per_diem | visitor | Birmingham day rate | USD 60–90 / per person per day | estimate | |
| visa_fee | visitor | Standard Visitor Visa | USD 160 / per application | official | |
| visa_fee | visitor | Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) | USD 20 / per application | official |
Decision
Pick the closest answer for each. Your recommendation updates live.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You buy, specify or operate forecourt and convenience equipment, fuels or services and want supplier shortlists plus the seminar programme in a single visit.
Best for
Fuel retailers, forecourt and convenience operators, dealers and specifiers benchmarking dispensers, tanks, payment/EPOS, EV charging, car wash and convenience ranges in one trip
Min. budget
$430.00
Timeline
1–3 weeks (register for free trade entry, book NEC-area hotel and travel); allow 6+ weeks if a UK visa is required
Risks
Budget estimate from listing cost signals — confirm live rates.
Trade entry is free but pre-registration is required; non-trade visitors may be refused entry.
exhibit
You have a UK/European sales pipeline in fuel or convenience retail and can staff the stand for all three days and follow up leads afterwards.
Best for
Equipment, technology, fuel, EV charging, car-wash and convenience suppliers selling into UK forecourt operators and the major fuel retailers
Min. budget
$2,200.00
Timeline
4–6 months (space booking, stand design/build, logistics, staffing and lead follow-up)
Risks
Budget estimate from listing cost signals — confirm live rates.
Stand and space pricing is not published publicly — request the William Reed exhibitor pack for real square-metre rates.
skip
The UK forecourt sector is not a 2027 target market, or you already cover it through distributors and the co-located convenience shows.
Best for
Suppliers with no UK forecourt route to market, or teams whose 2027 exhibition budget is already committed
Timeline
None
Risks
Skipping the UK's only dedicated forecourt event can leave you a year behind on competitor visibility as EV charging and non-fuel retail reshape buying decisions.
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The Forecourt Show
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