Visit FAQs

Autumn Fair

What is Autumn Fair?

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 600+ exhibitors over the course of 4 days.

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 seminars from successful names in the industry. All seminars are free of charge and based on a first come first serve basis. 

The only exception may be if we are running specific workshops, as these spaces are limited. 
Once those wishing to attend have registered for the exhibition they will also be required to book a slot for their workshop of choice via the show website.

What is the everyday sector?

The Volume sector/Hall is a destination for volume and bulk wholesale gift and home products. There are many categories of products in the Everyday sector including day-to-day household items, outdoor activity products, and baby care.

Visitors & Registration

Who can attend?

The Autumn Fair is a trade fair, therefore it is not open to members of the general public. The show is specific to traders.

You are eligible to attend if you have buying and purchasing responsibilities or control spend. Independent retail stores, multiples, department stores, online businesses, mail order companies, supermarkets, distributors, importers, wholesalers, multi-channel retailers or those looking to start a retail business (in the next 12 months) are all suitable visitors to Autumn Fair.

How can I register for the show?

Click on the register button at the top of this website and start planning your visit today.

I am a student, am I able to attend the show?

Students of Undergraduate level and above (individuals and groups) on relevant courses of study are welcome to attend the show, but will not be permitted to trade. Students will be asked to show an NUS Identity card or equivalent student identity. Please register via the normal registration process, ensuring to select yourself as a student. 

Can I bring children?

We advise that children under 16 do not attend the event as this is a trade only, and there are no crèche facilities available.

If you are attending with a child, and they are under the age of 16 years, they will require a Child's entry badge– these can only be picked up on site, from the registration desks in the main entrance.

Anyone over the age of 16 will be required to register for the event via the normal process.

Is the show free to attend?

Entry is free to all trade visitors (or those looking to open a new business in the next 12 months).

Can I register on arrival at the show?

Yes, you may register on arrival to the show. However, for a better experience we recommend to register in advance. As a pre-registered you could enjoy fast entry and other visitor perks.

When will I receive my entry badge?

You can print a copy of your badge as it is attached to your badge email (this will be sent to you a week prior to the show).

If you are unable to print your ticket, don’t worry – just show us your confirmation email at the registration desk on arrival to the show.

Can I edit my registration details?

If you wish to edit or update your details, please use the registration form to complete a new registration form.

NB: You may change the details on your badge at the exhibition venue. Simply walk to the registration desks and request the change on your badge.

Is my show registration date specific?

Registration for the show is non-date specific. Once you have registered and have printed your ticket you are able to attend the show on any of the show open days and as many times as you wish.

Where does my visitor ticket allow me access to?

Your ticket allows you access to the whole show unless stated otherwise. For example, if your badge states ‘Press’ you will have access to the show Press Lounge.

What if I have forgotten my ticket when I arrive at the show?

Please go to the Registration desks and they will print your ticket for you. Please have a form of ID with you as you may be asked for proof of company name as the show is only open to trade visitors. ID can be in the form of a business card.

Venue information, travel & accommodation

Where does the show take place?

NEC Birmingham
Birmingham
B40 1NT

www.thenec.co.uk

What date/time does the show open?

3-6 September 2023

NEC Birmingham, B40 1NT, UK

Sunday, 3 September | 9:00 - 18:00
Monday, 4 September | 9:00 - 18:00
Tuesday, 5 September | 9:00 - 18:00
Wednesday, 6 September | 9:00 - 16:00

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 car parks, with regular shuttle buses to take you from these car parks to the halls. Standard parking is not pre-bookable, but will be free of charge for all visitors to Autumn Fair,  you will just need to follow the signs when you arrive.

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.

Is there free WiFi at the venue?

Yes, free WIFI is available throughout all the Show Halls at the NEC Birmingham. To connect, select ‘NEC Free Wifi’, and fill in the information form on your browser page.

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.

Is there a cloakroom?

Yes, there are cloakrooms available in the main piazza at all show all entrances. Prices start at £1.00 per item. Items are left at your own risk. Large cases accepted within reason.

Is there an ATM?

ATMs are located adjacent to Hall 1, however you may incur a usage fee. There are free ATMs located at the Birmingham International Airport train station and also within Resorts World

At the event

How do I find my way around the show once I have arrived?

On arrival to the show, show guides with floor plans will be available to collect at the entrance.

We will aim to have a sector floor plan available via the show website, near to the time of show open.

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. 

Are seminars ticketed?

No, our seminars are run on a first come, first served basis.

All we advise is that visitors arrive at the seminars in plenty of time to avoid any disappointment.

International information

I require an invitation letter to assist with my visa application. How do I apply?

Unfortunately we cannot issue personal/individual letters of invitation for visa purposes. Once you have registered via the show website you will receive a confirmation email which may be sufficient for visa application.

Safe & secure FAQs

What are the conditions of entry at Autumn Fair?

There will no longer be a requirement to prove COVID-19 Status on arrival at the venue. Mask Wearing will also no longer be mandatory to wear masks within the event environment. However, we are a mask friendly event. We encourage all attendees to consider wearing masks, especially when in enclosed or crowded spaces.

Safe & Secure

Do I need to wear a mask?

We are a mask-friendly event. It is no longer mandatory to wear masks within event spaces, however. we do encourage all attendees to consider wearing masks, especially when in enclosed or crowded spaces.

Will there be hand sanitiser available?

Hand sanitising stations have been installed throughout the NEC at high touch points. We recommend also carrying your own at all times as well. Exhibitors have been asked to supply hand sanitisers within their stand space. Additionally, hand washing facilities are available around the hall perimeters within the venue toilet facilities.

What if my question has not been answered?

If your question has not been answered here you can contact our customer services team by email at visitor@autumnfair.com

 

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