Autumn Fair is the season’s number one wholesale home and gift trade event, welcoming circa 19,000 visitors through the doors of Birmingham NEC to trade with 800+ exhibitors over the course of 4 days.
Visit FAQs
What is a tradeshow?
What is a tradeshow?
At a tradeshow exhibitors offer their products at wholesale cost to visitors. This means that products are sold in bulk and at a lower price than the RRP. Visitors (retailers) are then able to sell those products in their stores directly to the customer.
In the case of Autumn Fair, exhibitors are often companies that manufacture their own gift and home products and visitors often own or work at independent retail stores, multiples, department stores or online stores.
Why go to a tradeshow?
A tradeshow offers exhibitors the opportunity to display their products to a large audience over a short period of time, to take wholesale orders at the show, and to build industry contacts and leads for future sales.
A tradeshow offers visitors the opportunity to meet their existing suppliers, discover new exhibitors and products and to place orders at the show or at a later date.
What can I expect to see at the show?
Wholesale Trading
At Autumn Fair there will be 600+ exhibitor stands located through the NEC’s halls, they will be grouped together in their appropriate sectors.
Each business owns a stand and will use this to display their products as they choose.
Our 19,000 visitors enter the arenas and walk around to trade and do business with exhibitors whose products they like.
Keynote speeches and seminars
Visitors can attend sessions and seminars led by some of the retail industry's leading experts. All seminars are free to attend and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The only exception may be selected workshops, where places are limited. If workshop booking is required, visitors will be able to reserve a place via the Autumn Fair website after registering for the exhibition.
Visitors & Registration
How do I register?
You can register for your free ticket here.
Who can attend?
Autumn Fair is strictly a trade-only event. Attendance is not open to the general public. Eligible participants include those with buying or purchasing responsibilities, involved in retail operations, managing spend, or planning to start a retail venture within the next 12 months. Suitable attendees encompass independent retail stores, multiples, department stores, online businesses, mail order companies, supermarkets, distributors, importers, wholesalers, and multi-channel retailers.
We advise that where possible, children under 16 do not attend the show. You can view our policy on children's attendance at Autumn Fair here.
Can I attend both Autumn Fair and Glee?
Yes. Your badge gives you access to both Autumn Fair and Glee during the two days that the events are co-located, so there's no need to register twice.
When registering for Autumn Fair, you'll also have the opportunity to let us know if you're interested in visiting Glee. This helps us tailor your experience and ensure you receive the most relevant event information before you attend.
Is my registration for the show date specific?
Registration for Autumn Fair is non-date specific. Your entry badge allows you to attend the show on any of the open days, as many times as you'd like. To register for your badge and get all of the latest show updates, click here.
Can you help me with a visa?
Unfortunately, Autumn Fair is unable to issue personal or individual invitation letters for visa applications.
Once you have successfully registered, you will receive a confirmation email and entry badge, which may be sufficient to support your visa application. As this is our policy, our Customer Services team is unable to provide further assistance with individual visa requests.
Can I bring my children with me?
Autumn Fair is a trade-only event. For this reason, we recommend that children under the age of 16 do not attend.
If you do need to bring a child with you, you must comply with the requirements set out in our Children's Policy, which can be viewed here.
I have a question about the venue, accessibility & travel
If your question relates to one of these topics, you’ll find all the information you need here.
Code of Conduct
By registering your details and attending Autumn Fair – you agree to abide by our Code of Conduct. You can find details of this here, and it will also be emailed to you alongside your badge.
Should you have any further questions please use the handy Autumn Fair assistant chat bot in the bottom right corner of this website.
Venue information, travel & accommodation
How do I get there?
To find out more about how to get to the Autumn Fair, please see our dedicated travel page here.
Where do I park?
Parking is available in the NEC's standard visitor car parks, with regular shuttle buses operating between the car parks and the exhibition halls.
Standard parking cannot be pre-booked but is free of charge for all Autumn Fair visitors. Simply follow the event signage on arrival, where you will be directed to the appropriate car park.
Where can I stay?
To find out more about where to stay during your visit to the Autumn Fair, please see our dedicated accommodation page here.
Where can I eat / drink?
Themed cafés serving light snacks and refreshments can be found within the halls alongside numerous bars, restaurants and seating areas outside of the halls, offering anything from a quick drink to a more substantial meal. For more information, click here.
What accessibility facilities are available at the venue?
The NEC offers a range of accessibility services and facilities to help ensure all visitors have a comfortable experience. To find out more about accessibility at the NEC, including accessible parking, toilets, wheelchair hire and other support services, please click here.
At the event
How do I find my way around the show once I have arrived?
On arrival at the show, printed show guides, including floor plans, will be available to collect at the entrances. Floor plan signage will also be displayed at each hall entrance to help you navigate the event.
A digital sector floor plan will be available on the Autumn Fair website closer to the event.
How many exhibitors can I expect to see?
The number of exhibitors you can see in a day depends entirely on your show objectives. For example, you may see only 4 exhibitors in a day and spend at least an hour on each stand speaking with the business owners and placing an order for your retail store. On the other hand, if you are attending to browse product and be inspired you may spend less time at each stand and cover dozens of exhibitors in a day.
Are seminars free to attend?
Yes, seminars are free to attend.
NB: Please note that as well as seminars, there will be workshops running. Some workshops will require additional registration/booking due to limited spaces being available. These workshops will be advertised as requiring additional registration on the show website.
International information
Do I need a visa?
Not sure if you need a visa to visit the UK? To take a look at the UK Visas and Immigration (formerly the UK Border Agency) website, please click here.
I require an invitation letter to assist with my visa application. How do I apply?
Unfortunately, we are unable to issue personal or individual invitation letters for visa applications. Once you have successfully registered via the Autumn Fair website, you will receive a confirmation email and entry badge, which may be sufficient to support your visa application.
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