VENUE
Wherever you’re travelling from, we’ve made it easy for you to connect with the future of packaging at the NEC.
THE NEC
The NEC is more than just a venue. It is where ideas, people and industries come together. Perfectly connected by road, rail and air, it is easy for you to get here and even easier to make the most of your time once you arrive.
As the home of Packaging Innovations & Empack, the NEC gives you the space to explore the latest solutions, meet leading suppliers, and connect with peers from across the packaging community, all under one roof in the heart of the UK.
VISITORS
SUPPLIERS
SPEAKERS
BRANDS
VISITOR INFORMATION
PARKING
WIFI
REFRESHMENTS
FOODCOURT
CLOAKROOM
HOW TO GET THERE
Please travel in a sustainable manner if possible, we are doing everything we can to look after our planet while also giving you the best possible show to attend at the same time. See you all soon!
The NEC’s central location makes it one of the UK’s most accessible venues, with excellent national and international transport links.
Situated in Solihull, just outside Birmingham, the venue is directly connected to Birmingham International Railway Station and Birmingham Airport. It is also easily accessible by car via the M42, M40 and M6 motorways, with ample on-site parking available.
Dates and times:
Wednesday, 11 February 2026, 10am – 5pm
Thursday, 12 February 2026, 10am – 4pm
Venue:
National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Halls 2, 3 & 3a, Birmingham, B40 1NT
Admission Price:
Free
The Birmingham International Airport is located conveniently just a few short minutes away from The NEC.
The airport is served by 20 international airlines flying to 34 destinations across the UK, Europe and North America. And don’t forget, the train station, also located by the venue, can get you to London in 1 hour, allowing easy access to and from Heathrow, Gatwick, and other regional airports.
From the airport, simply take the free and fast Air-Rail Link to Birmingham International railway station and then it’s just a minute walk to the NEC entrance.
GETTING THERE BY CAR
8 miles east of Birmingham city centre
Direct access from M42, M40, M6
Use postcode B40 1NT
PARKING
Pre-book online to save £5*
Follow onsite signage (not sat-nav)
Free shuttle buses or walk via footpaths
Accessible (Blue Badge) spaces provided
Birmingham International rail station
Convenient indoor access to the venue – 5 minute walk
NATIONAL EXPRESS & MEGABUS
Over 120 services arrive daily at Birmingham Airport, just minutes from the NEC.
FROM BIRMINGHAM CITY CENTRE (Digbeth Coach Station):
Take a coach to Birmingham Airport → NEC in minutes, or
Use the 900 local bus via Moor Street (every 20 mins, ~30 mins).
DOWNLOAD THE PACKAGING PLUS APP
Use the official event app for 2026 to discover exhibitors and their latest offerings, stay up-to-date with live updates and have the floorplan at your fingertips. Interact with prominent figures in the industry, attend invaluable speaker sessions, and connect with like-minded packaging experts.
ACCOMMODATION
Stay in one of the many local hotels the evening before the show to arrive with plenty of time in the morning, the show opens at 10 am.
HotelMap are the preferred supplier for accommodation for this event. The NEC complex has many hotels covering all budgets.
To avoid disappointment and get the best rates, please book early.
