Exhibition Stand Builders for Advanced Engineering Birmingham

Exhibitor categories and visitor profile

The organiser groups exhibitors into technology zones. Categories listed on the official website include:

• Additive manufacturing
• Advanced metals and material innovations
• Composites engineering
• Digitalisation and automation
• Electronics engineering and electrification
• Machines and precision tools
• Product design and engineering

The organiser describes its audience as engineers, buyers, procurement teams and technical decision-makers from sectors such as aerospace, automotive, defence, energy and electronics. Zones and features can change between editions, so check the current list before choosing where to position your stand.

Shell scheme, Show Ready or space only

According to the organiser's stand options page, a shell scheme package includes the stand structure, name board, carpet, spotlights and a power point, while space-only exhibitors bring their own stand. The organiser also offers a Show Ready upgrade for stands of roughly 12 to 50 m², positioned between shell and custom build, and stand packages are based on multiples of 12 m². Choose based on how much of your exhibit you want to control: a fully bespoke structure only makes sense on space only.

Displaying components and samples

Precision parts, composite panels, sensors and printed prototypes are small and easily lost on a large wall. Plan lit display plinths or cabinets at eye level, with lockable glazing for valuable samples, and short captions explaining material, tolerance or process. Cut-away or sectioned parts often start more conversations than finished assemblies.

Machines and live demonstrations

If you bring a 3D printer, cobot, inspection system or machine tool, give your stand builder the footprint, weight, power rating and any extraction or guarding it needs. Demonstrations should sit back from the aisle with a clear viewing zone, and the stand layout must respect the safety distances the manufacturer specifies. Confirm with the organiser whether running machinery needs advance notice.

Technical meeting space

Engineering conversations often involve drawings and specifications. A small standing table with a screen, or a semi-enclosed meeting corner for two or three people, lets your applications engineers walk through a customer's part without blocking the front of the stand.

Screens, power and connectivity

Simulation videos, CAD walkthroughs and live data dashboards need screens, reliable power and sometimes a wired connection. Note that power supplied in a shell package may not cover demo equipment as well as lighting and screens; list every powered item so the right supply can be ordered through the event's service channels.

Plan approval and documentation

The organiser's exhibitor manual has required space-only exhibitors to submit stand plans with supporting documents, including risk assessments and method statements (RAMS), through an online space-only portal for approval by the event's operations team. Deadlines are set for each edition, so check the current manual and agree early who prepares the drawings and RAMS.

Build-up at the NEC

Build-up and breakdown windows for Halls 3 and 3a are published in the exhibitor manual. Heavy exhibits usually need to arrive early in the build-up, before carpet and stand walls close off access, so share delivery times with your stand builder and any haulier and ask how forklifts and handling are booked.

• Stand number, hall, dimensions and open sides, plus whether you booked shell scheme, Show Ready or space only
• Parts and machines to display, with sizes, weights and power ratings
• Any live demonstrations, guarding or extraction they require
• Display cases, plinths, lockable storage and sample shelving
• Meeting tables, screens for CAD or video, and Wi-Fi or wired internet needs
• Graphics, lighting and brand guidelines
• Budget range and what it should cover
• Deadlines from the exhibitor manual: plan submission, service orders and build-up

Selection criteria

• Experience building at the NEC and with its contractor procedures
• Experience with engineering or manufacturing exhibitors, including heavy or powered exhibits
• In-house joinery, display cases and graphics versus subcontracted production
• Ability to prepare stand plans and RAMS for the organiser's approval
• Compliance with the organiser's exhibitor manual and the venue's rules
• Options for a reusable or modular stand you can take to other engineering shows

What is included — and what is not

Line up each proposal against the same scope:

• Design, 3D visuals and revision rounds
• Construction, flooring, walls and display plinths
• Graphics and product captions
• AV, screens or LED walls — bought, rented or excluded
• Furniture hire for meeting areas
• Electrics and lighting on the stand
• Transport of stand materials and handling of heavy exhibits
• Build-up and breakdown labour
• Venue services ordered separately, such as power connection, rigging, internet and cleaning