We look forward to welcoming loyal Fair exhibitors to the next event. For more details on the 2024 stand booking process and stand prices please view this link:
BPPF 2024 Loyal Exhibitor Rebooking Information
1. What are the dates and venue for the next Pig & Poultry Fair?
The next Fair will take place at the NEC, Birmingham on Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 May 2024 (please note the change of open event days to Wednesday/Thursday for 2024).
2. Which NEC halls will the Fair be in?
The Fair will take place in halls 10, 11 and 12. To download a map of the venue click here.
You can take a look at the NEC halls we will be using in this short video:
3. What does the new layout look like and how will it be divided up for 2024?
Getting the floor plan right is crucial to the success of the 2024 Fair. The initial overall layout can be seen below and we are currently working on the detailed stand layout. Exhibitor feedback from the 2022 Fair indicated that the layout split by species works well and therefore we have maintained this for the 2024 event, once again offering pig, poultry and mixed trade areas.
We know how important stand location is to you as an exhibitor and we are designing the floor plan to ensure we can offer you a range of suitable stand options to meet your needs.
4. Will 2022 exhibitors get first choice on stand locations?
Yes, all 2022 exhibitors will have first choice on stand locations for 2024, before the floor plan is opened up to new exhibitors.
5. What is the timeline for booking my 2024 stand?
We have asked all 2022 exhibitors to submit their preferences for the size and type of stand they would ideally like by 1st February 2023.
Once we have the preferences for everyone who replies by this deadline, we will offered each exhibitor several suitable stand options in line with their requirements. We intend to offer everyone as close to their preference as possible. I am sure you can appreciate this may take some time to work through with over 300 exhibitors to accommodate, so please bear with us through this process.
Once we have agreed a stand location for you, you will be issued with a booking form to confirm your stand choice for 2024, exactly as for previous Fairs.
6. What will stand prices be?
The 2024 stand prices have been confirmed and can be seen in the table below. There has not been a stand price rise for 4 years and unfortunately with the current rate of inflation, prices are rising across the board, making it inevitable that stand prices had to rise for the 2024 Fair. We have done all can to keep the rise to a minimum, especially for loyal exhibitors who benefit from a significant rebooking discount.
7. Will 2022 exhibitors get a discount on stand rates?
Yes, all 2022 exhibitors are entitled to the preferential rebooking rate, which is valid for stand bookings made before May 2023.
8. Will you offer shell scheme stands?
Yes, we offer a shell scheme (modular unit) stand option which includes walls, carpet, 500w electric socket and facia board.
9. Will there be outside stand options?
The NEC is predominantly an indoor exhibition venue and outside stands do not tend to fare too well due to the building configuration. As we have seen at recent Fairs, outside stands also tend to suffer if the weather is less than ideal as visitors run for cover in poor weather. There will not be an outside trade area at the NEC and we will work with outside exhibitors to facilitate inside space for their participation in the event.
10. What if my stand needs change after I have booked?
We know business needs change and as a result your stand requirements may also vary over time. That is why we always encourage exhibitors to talk to us as soon as a possible and we will do all we can to amend, reduce or increase your stand as required. We do expect space to be in high demand on the new floor plan, so we would suggest you at least get what you think you need booked in and benefit from the rebooking rate and early choice on stand location. At the point your needs change we will do our best to find you a stand which better meets your requirements.
11. Why is the Fair having to move from Stoneleigh?
Sadly, the NAEC at Stoneleigh is no longer able to provide us with the space we require for the Pig & Poultry Fair. At the 2022 event more than 1/3 of exhibitors were located in the Blackdown buildings, which will not be available to the Fair for 2024 and beyond. The RASE was therefore left with the choice to reduce the event by over 1/3 or move venue. The Society did explore the possibility of installing a temporary structure to house these exhibitors but the costs were reaching 6 figures for the size of structure we would require. It was decided these funds would be much better spent on a venue with a permanent roof, as temporary structures do not make for ideal exhibition facilities.
It is also no secret that the Fair has been struggling with the quality of some of the exhibition space at Stoneleigh, which along with other venue challenges, including access and parking, have made it clear that the Fair has outgrown the Stoneleigh venue.
12. Why has RASE chosen the NEC as the Fair’s new venue?
Put simply the NEC best meets the Fair’s needs and those of our exhibitors. The NEC provides the Fair with the 18,000m2 of quality, well connected indoor professional event space in a central location. These are all things which were highlighted by exhibitors in their feedback from the 2022 Fair.
The NEC will be:
- More accessible being centrally located and next to Birmingham International Airport and train station, with better road connections, which all mean the Fair has the opportunity to attract more visitors from across the UK and beyond.
- Better layout – with all exhibitors in large well-connected halls the visitor flow will be improved and customers will find stands much more easily.
- No leaks or draughts – all stands will be benefit from the same high quality event space whatever the weather!
13. I thought the RASE runs the exhibition centre at Stoneleigh?
No, the Royal Agricultural Society of England no longer runs the Stoneleigh exhibition venue. The NAEC, (trading name of the exhibition venue at Stoneleigh) is run by Grandstand Stoneleigh Events (GSE) who lease the facilities from the landlord Mars Pension Fund. GSE have been delivering the Pig & Poultry Fair for the RASE since 2012. With the move to the NEC the arrangement between the RASE and GSE has now ceased and the RASE has brought the organisation and delivery of the Fair back in house.
14. Will the Fair delivery team be the same?
Yes, Alice Bell and Kate Rider, who have worked on the Fair since 2004 and 2010 respectively, will continue to deliver the Fair, along with the relevant support teams.
15. Will the Fair content still be the same?
Yes, the successful formula of the Fair will remain unchanged and it will continue to be the proven trade event you know and value, focusing on products and services for producers and the chance for networking across the supply chain. There will again be a full programme of technical forums and industry leading debates, covering all the latest thinking and ideas for pigs, poultry and eggs which is rated as a key highlight of the Fair by visitors.
16. Will the event be free to attend to visitors?
Yes, the Fair will remain a free to attend event for visitors.
17. What will travel and car parking arrangements be at the NEC?
Travel options to the Fair will be greatly enhanced at the NEC. Not only is it well positioned on the motorway network, but it is also connected by a walkway to Birmingham International Train station and a short sky rail transfer to Birmingham International Airport. For those who wish to drive, the NEC offers ample convenient tarmac car parking with a shuttle bus direct to the halls. There will be a charge for visitors to park at the NEC for the Fair, however a 30% discount is available to those who book their parking in advance.
18. What will the build and breakdown schedule be?
There will be 2 days of build on Monday 13th May and Tuesday 14th May, two open days of Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th and breakdown from Thursday evening until the end of Friday 17th May.
19. Can I book the electricity I need for my stand?
Yes, all your electrical needs will be met at the NEC. As yet we are unable to confirm what the electrical supply costs will be in May 2024. We have however negotiated a discount on the electrical supply for the Fair and will ensure this discount is passed on to exhibitors. We will share more details as and when we receive them from the venue.
20. Can I do hospitality or sampling on my stand?
Yes, absolutely. We know sampling and hospitality are key for our Fair exhibitors and you will still be able to cook and serve food on your stand at the Fair, the only change is this will be delivered in partnership with the NEC’s food and beverage provider Amadeus. We will have more details on how your catering needs will be met in due course.
21. Do you have a list of hotels near the NEC?
Yes, the following hotels are located on-site and within the local area:
- Crowne Plaza Birmingham
- Moxy Hotel
- Genting Hotel
- Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel
- Ibis Styles Hotel
- Premier Inn NEC
- Express by Holiday Inn
- The Arden Hotel
To download a map of the venue showing the location of each hotel click here.
Our travel partners Field Farm Tours will be able to offer a range of competitive hotel rates and tailored packages at a range of hotels in the area. For more information and to make a booking phone please contact them direct 01636 616060 or email info@fieldfarmtours.co.uk