Of primary importance is making sure you’re at the NEC, Birmingham, at the appropriate time – that’s May 12-15, possibly earlier (and later) if you’re an exhibitor, or a very eager visitor.
You can get to the NEC by air, in one of those new-fangled flying ‘aeroplanes’ we’ve heard so much about. Birmingham International Airport is directly accessible and is situated a few minutes from the NEC, with a Monorail – very futuristic – providing a direct rail link from the airport to the NEC complex. With more than 50 airlines flying from over 100 destinations across Europe, North America and the Middle East, access to Birmingham Airport is very easy indeed. For further information call +44 (0)8707 335511 or go to www.bhx.co.uk.
Some of us prefer the romance of road-based travel, our driving goggles and gloves in place, and our scarves waving glamorously as we head out on the highway, driving a car. Birmingham NEC offers excellent access by road, rail and air. Within easy reach of the M1, M5, M6, M40, the NEC is well sign posted. From your nearest motorway link join the M42. Leave at Junction 6 and follow the signs to the NEC. Signs are clearly signposted – as they should be, being signs.
The NEC has its own on-site car parks, offering parking facilities for 21,000 vehicles, with a regular shuttle bus service to and from the Arena, Piazza and Atrium entrances.
The other wonderfully romantic and glamorous style of road-travel is the coach. National Express provides a network of coaches across the UK, including direct routes to Birmingham International. You can visit their website at www.nationalexpress.com or you can call them on +44 (0)8705 808080. Of course, a survey of travel options wouldn’t be complete without mentioning trains. So here they are. The NEC is connected to Birmingham International Station (part of the Intercity rail network) by a covered bridge link. Regular trains going between London Euston and Birmingham can take as little as one hour 30 minutes. For full timetable details call: +44 (0)8457 48 49 50 or visit www.nationalrail.co.uk. For Eurostar information call: +44 (0)8705 186 186.
A room with a view
Visitors to IFSEC often comment on how much there is to see at the show in just one day. Hotelzon UK Ltd (IFSEC’s official booking agency) can help those visitors who want to spread out their IFSEC experience over more than one day and through these wonderful folks, show organiser CMP Information has negotiated a wide range of discounted rates at hotels in the vicinity of the NEC. So, for the best hotel room rates and availability, visit the Hotelzon UK Ltd website at www.hotelzon.com/uk/ or telephone +44 (0) 1962 834464.
You love the nightlife?
Whether you are after the bustle of the bars and clubs in Broad Street, some of the city’s hippest nightspots in the Mailbox, or the newest restaurants in Brindleyplace, all are within easy reach of the city centre. If you’re a cool clubber, the Arcadian is the only place to be – or so I am reliably informed. Theatregoers are also spoiled for choice in Birmingham, with the number of venues in the double figures. The Birmingham Hippodrome is a dazzling 2,000-seat work of art that regularly welcomes the cream of West End musicals.
Fooding and drinking and shopping
If you like nothing more than to eat, drink and be merry, you will love Birmingham. Whether you’re looking for a Michelin-starred restaurant or a great value Balti, Birmingham offers a world of enticing flavours to suit all tastes and budgets. And if you fancy taking a break from all the hustle and bustle of the exhibition, why not indulge in a couple of hours of retail therapy in one of Birmingham’s impressive shopping districts. With over 1,000 shops, you won’t be short of places to visit.
* Many thanks to www.visitbirmingham.com, which has more on Birmingham and surrounds
