Ever wondered how your favourite online purchase gets from a factory far away to your doorstep? Or how supermarkets manage to keep their shelves stocked with fresh food every day? It’s all thanks to the incredible world of “freight transport,” “logistics,” and the “supply chain.” This industry is the backbone of our economy, quietly moving everything we see and use. If you’re involved in shipping, warehousing, distribution, or any part of getting goods from A to B, then Multimodal is the event you absolutely must attend. It’s not just a show; it’s the “UK’s leading freight transport, logistics, and supply chain event,” a place where the industry connects, innovates, and keeps the world moving!

Imagine stepping into a massive, buzzing hall, filled with towering forklifts, smart warehouse robots, digital screens showing global shipping routes, and the hum of efficient business. You’ll discover the newest ways to move goods by road, rail, sea, and air, explore clever software that tracks everything, and find solutions to make your operations smoother, greener, and more cost-effective. This show is all about connecting you with the best providers, the latest technologies, and the most knowledgeable people in the logistics world. It’s your chance to pick up practical tips, find reliable partners, and get truly excited about what’s next for how we move products around the world. Get ready to streamline your supply chain!

Your Essential Guide: Where, When, and What It Costs

Ready to elevate your logistics game? Here are the key details for the next Multimodal event at the NEC Birmingham:

• Location: NEC Birmingham, United Kingdom. The National Exhibition Centre (NEC) is a huge, well-known venue located just outside the city of Birmingham. Its spacious halls and fantastic transport links make it the perfect setting for such a large and vital industry event.
• Dates: Mark your calendars for June 30th to July 2nd, 2026. This is a three-day event, giving you plenty of time to explore the many different zones, attend valuable talks, and make important connections.
• Timings:
  • Tuesday, June 30th, 2026: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Followed by the Awards Evening)
  • Wednesday, July 1st, 2026: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Late-night opening with networking drinks)
  • Thursday, July 2nd, 2026: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (The last day closes a bit earlier)
• Cost: Access to Multimodal is designed specifically for trade professionals:
  • Free-to-Attend: The great news is that Multimodal is generally FREE to attend for genuine trade professionals who pre-register online. This includes shippers, cargo owners, retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers, importers, exporters, and logistics service providers. You will need to provide your business details during registration to receive your complimentary trade pass.
  • On-Site Registration: While pre-registration is free, if you decide to register on the day at the venue, there typically isn’t a cost for eligible trade visitors, but it’s always best to pre-register online to save time and avoid any queues.
  • Awards Evening: The Multimodal Awards Evening is a separate, ticketed event that usually takes place on the first night. This is a premium networking and celebration event, and tickets need to be purchased in advance.
  • Children Policy: Multimodal is a professional trade event. While specific rules may vary, it’s generally recommended that children under 16 years old do not attend due to the business focus and the nature of some exhibits (e.g., heavy machinery). If you absolutely must bring a child, it’s best to check the show’s policy on their official website beforehand.

Getting There and Finding a Place to Stay

The NEC Birmingham is known for being incredibly well-connected, making your journey to Multimodal straightforward:

• By Train: The easiest way to get to the NEC is by train to Birmingham International station. This station is directly connected to the NEC via a covered walkway (called the “Bridgelink”), meaning you don’t even need to go outside. Birmingham International has excellent connections to major cities like London (Euston), Birmingham New Street, and various locations across the UK.
• By Car: The NEC is situated close to the UK’s main motorway network (M1, M5, M6, M40, M42), making it very accessible by car from all directions. Use the postcode B40 1NT for your sat nav. There are over 16,500 parking spaces on-site, and a free shuttle bus service usually runs between the car parks and the venue during show hours. You can often pre-book parking online to save money and time.
• By Air: If you’re flying into Birmingham, Birmingham Airport (BHX) is literally next door to the NEC. You can walk or take the free “Air-Rail Link” monorail directly from the airport terminal to Birmingham International train station, which then connects to the NEC.
• By Bus/Coach: The Birmingham International Interchange (next to the train station) is a hub for local bus services and national coach services (National Express, Megabus), offering connections to various parts of Birmingham and across the UK.

When it comes to finding a place to stay, the area around the NEC and Birmingham offers a wide variety of choices:

• On-Site / Closest to NEC: For ultimate convenience, there are several hotels located directly on the NEC campus or within a very short walk. These are perfect for those who want to be first on the exhibition floor each morning. Look for options like the Hilton Birmingham Metropole, Genting Hotel at Resorts World Birmingham, Crowne Plaza Birmingham NEC, Moxy Birmingham NEC, Holiday Inn Express Birmingham NEC, and ibis Styles Birmingham NEC & Airport.
• Resorts World Birmingham: Located right next to the NEC, Resorts World offers not just the Genting Hotel but also a range of restaurants, bars, a cinema, and shops, providing entertainment options after the show.
• Birmingham Airport Area: Many hotels are clustered around Birmingham Airport, offering a quick shuttle ride or walk to the NEC, and often good value.
• Birmingham City Centre: For those who prefer to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife, dining, and attractions, staying in Birmingham city centre is a great option. It’s just a 10-15 minute train ride from Birmingham New Street station directly to Birmingham International/NEC. There’s a huge selection of hotels to suit all budgets.
• Booking Tip: Multimodal is a very popular and important event in the logistics and “supply chain” calendar. Hotels, especially those closest to the NEC, can get booked up very quickly, and prices may rise closer to the dates. It’s highly recommended to book your accommodation well in advance – ideally several months before the show – to secure the best rates and your preferred location. The official Multimodal website often provides information or links to accommodation partners.

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The Big Benefits: Why You Absolutely Should Be There

Why should you carve out time in your busy schedule for Multimodal? The advantages are immense for any business dealing with “freight transport,” “logistics,” and “supply chain” challenges:

• Comprehensive Industry Representation: Multimodal truly lives up to its name, bringing together every part of the “logistics” and “supply chain” world under one roof. You’ll find exhibitors covering:
  • Sea Freight: Major shipping lines, port authorities, and container solutions.
  • Road Freight: Leading hauliers, truck manufacturers, and fleet management tech.
  • Rail Freight: Rail operators, intermodal solutions, and network providers.
  • Air Freight: Airlines, cargo handlers, and express delivery services.
  • Inland Waterways: Specialists in canal and river transport.
  • Warehousing & Storage: Automation, racking, storage solutions, and fulfilment services.
  • Technology & IT: Software for tracking, route optimisation, inventory, AI, and data analytics.
  • Pallets & Packaging: Solutions for safe and efficient cargo handling.
  • Recruitment & Training: Addressing the vital talent needs of the industry.
  • Customs & Compliance: Experts to help navigate complex international trade rules.
• Discover Cutting-Edge Innovation: Multimodal is a hub for “innovation” in “logistics” and the “supply chain.” You’ll be among the first to see groundbreaking technologies like:
  • Advanced automation and robotics in warehouses.
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for route planning and demand forecasting.
  • Sustainable “freight transport” solutions (electric trucks, alternative fuels, greener shipping).
  • Enhanced visibility tools for tracking goods in real-time.
  • Digital platforms for seamless customs clearance and trade.
  • Look out for features like the AI Clinic (often present) for interactive sessions and expert consultations on how AI can transform your operations.
• Experience Products and Services First-Hand: Online research is useful, but at Multimodal, you can physically see the latest equipment, witness live software demonstrations, and have detailed conversations with service providers. This hands-on experience is crucial for making informed decisions.
• Meet Your Partners Face-to-Face: Build meaningful relationships with existing suppliers and discover new ones. Chat directly with carriers, warehouse providers, and tech developers. Discuss your specific challenges, negotiate deals, and get a real feel for the people and companies you’ll be working with.
• Gain Industry Insights & Learning: Benefit from a packed schedule of free, expert-led conference sessions across multiple theatres. Learn from industry leaders, government representatives, and specialists from key associations like Logistics UK, UKWA, BIFA, and the Cold Chain Federation, on vital topics such as:
  • Global trade dynamics and their impact.
  • Strategies for digital transformation in logistics.
  • Decarbonisation and achieving sustainability goals.
  • Economic uncertainty and building supply chain resilience.
  • Attracting and retaining talent in the workforce.
  • Keep an eye out for features like the Google Digital Garage (often present), offering sessions and personalised mentoring on digital and social marketing.
• Unrivalled Networking: Multimodal brings together thousands of professionals from across the entire “supply chain” community. Meet fellow shippers, logistics managers, and service providers. Build valuable partnerships, share experiences, discuss challenges, and explore potential collaborations that can drive your business forward. The popular Multimodal Mixer networking drinks event on the second evening is free for all attendees and exhibitors.
• Multimodal Awards: Celebrate excellence and success within the industry at the prestigious Multimodal Awards. While the evening is ticketed, the awards highlight the best in “freight transport” and “logistics,” offering insights into top performers.
• Specific Industry Focuses: The show caters to a wide range of vertical sectors, including manufacturing, retail, agribusiness, chemicals, automotive, electronics, FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods), food & drink, fashion, pharmaceuticals, construction, and aerospace. This means you can find solutions tailored to your specific industry needs.
• Problem-Solving Platform: If you have specific logistics challenges, the show is the perfect place to find solutions. You can discuss your issues directly with multiple providers and get tailored advice.
• Stay Competitive: In a rapidly changing world, staying updated on the latest “innovation” and “tech solutions” is crucial. Attending Multimodal ensures you’re aware of new opportunities and threats, helping you maintain a competitive advantage.

Attending Multimodal isn’t just about walking around an exhibition; it’s about making strategic connections, gaining vital knowledge, and discovering the tools to optimize your “freight transport, logistics, and supply chain” operations. It’s an incredible chance to learn, connect, and discover everything you need to keep your business moving efficiently and profitably. Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of the “UK’s leading freight transport, logistics, and supply chain event”!

To learn more and register for your free trade tickets, visit the official website: https://www.multimodal.org.uk/