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.
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 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.
Visitors & Registration
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 bring my children with me?
Autumn Fair is strictly a trade-only event. For this reason, we recommend that you do not bring children under the age of 16 to the site at any time.
If you do need to bring your child onsite, you must strictly adhere to the rules outlined in our children’s policy 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 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.
Are there disabled facilities at the venue?
Yes. To find out more details about disabled access and facilities at the NEC, click here.
At 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 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.
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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