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 26,000 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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