The convenience retail sector is undergoing rapid transformation. From smart stores and eco-packaging to fresh food offerings and cutting-edge payment solutions, staying ahead requires constant adaptation. That’s why more than 30,000 visitors and 1,200 exhibitors gather every April at the National Convenience Show, held at NEC Birmingham. This flagship event is your one-stop platform for discovering product innovations, sourcing retail technologies, and exploring strategies that are driving success in the convenience space.
Whether you’re a convenience store owner, symbol group central buyer, forecourt operator, or distributor, this expo offers the insight, tools, and connections to outperform.
Venue, Dates & Timings
The event is held in Hall 19 at NEC Birmingham, the UK’s largest exhibition venue, conveniently located near Birmingham International Airport and railway station.
Dates: 7–9 April 2025
Opening Hours:
- Monday & Tuesday: 10:00–17:00
- Wednesday: 10:00–16:00
This format gives you ample time to explore the show floor, attend stages, engage with demos, and prioritize meetings with suppliers.
Entry and Co-Located Shows
Entry is free for trade professionals, including convenience retailers, wholesalers, forecourt managers, foodservice professionals, and buyers from symbol groups and independent stores. Simply pre-register online to avoid on-site queues and verify your trade credentials.
One badge also grants you access to three other valuable events running concurrently:
- Food & Drink Expo
- Farm Shop & Deli Show
- Foodex Manufacturing Solutions
Together, these four events form the award-winning UK Food & Drink Shows, offering an extensive industry experience across a variety of sectors.
Nearby Hotels and Travel Tips
Stay close to the action by choosing from hotels near NEC:
- Hilton Birmingham Metropole – upscale comfort, walkable to the venue
- Premier Inn Birmingham NEC – reliable and budget-friendly
- Ibis Styles Birmingham NEC – modern and well-equipped for business visitors
- Crowne Plaza Birmingham NEC – ideal for a business-plus-luxury stay
A free shuttle links Birmingham International Station and the airport to NEC. On-site parking is abundant but bookable in advance to guarantee your space.
Who Should Attend
Attendees typically include:
- Convenience store owners (both independent and symbol-branded)
- Forecourt and petrol station operators
- Wholesalers and distributors
- Foodservice buyers looking to diversify offerings
- Specialists in c-store automation and retail technology
- Suppliers of packaging, in-store services, payment systems, and branding
- Category managers and retail strategists
- Start-ups and innovators testing new convenience concepts
Whether you’re planning a shop refresh or searching for next-gen retail ideas, this show is built for your sector.
What You’ll Experience
1. Product Sampling & Sourcing
Across the halls, hundreds of suppliers showcase new waves in convenience fare—grab-and-go meals, healthy snacks, premium drinks, and sustainable packaging. You’ll find award-winning refrigerated ranges, locally sourced products, gourmet on-the-go items, and international flavors—all designed for c-store environments.
2. Live Innovation Demos
On the Convenience Store Stage (stand Z340), retail tech experts, symbol group representatives, and operational managers host live sessions covering checkout innovations, loyalty apps, micro-fulfillment, and experiential merchandising.
A Kitchen Demo Theatre also allows attendees to witness live food preparation, menu-building insights, and packaging innovation in action.
3. Insightful Seminar Programme
With multiple stages sharing expert-led sessions on data analytics, store automation, payment systems, sustainability, category management, and shopper psychology, this expo delivers tactical insight for immediate implementation.
4. Strategic Networking Opportunities
Packed with networking zones, distributors, wholesalers, and symbol group decision-makers, plus speed-meet sessions and informal lounges, this gathering presents direct pathways to meet partners, contractors, or franchisees.
80–90% of exhibitors report meeting decision-makers they would not have met at any other show.
5. Inspirational Trailblazers
Hear first-hand success stories from leading c-store brands, forecourt operators, and independent retailers. Learn how they’ve implemented tech, refreshed store formats, and improved margin mix with new convenience lines.
6. Business Advice Hub
Get free advice on retail licensing, VAT optimization, store efficiency, merchandising design, and staffing practices. You’ll leave with actionable wisdom to enhance your store’s performance.
Top 5 Reasons to Attend
- Discover emerging trends from healthy food to energy-efficient across-the-counter offerings
- Connect with key buyers and decision-makers from convenience chains and symbol groups
- Explore live tech innovation that enables frictionless checkout or dynamic promotion
- Access business clinics to streamline operations and enhance profitability
- Maximize value in one trip across four co-located shows with a single pass
Planning Your Visit
- Pre-register online and get digital tickets to save time at the entrance
- Review the exhibitor list and plan must-visit zones
- Book scheduled meetings via the event app in advance
- Wear comfortable shoes, and bring water and snacks for long days
- Agenda at least one theatre session per day plus a demo session
- Prepare follow-up templates—emails to suppliers and clients post-show
- Bring digital contacts or QR codes—speed matters in networking
Measuring Your ROI
Your success will show in:
- Increased product range based on new items from this show
- Secured technology partnerships for store automation or loyalty systems
- Commercial contacts for seasonal offerings or market expansion
- Access to new distribution channels via wholesalers met onsite
- Operational gains from business clinics and peer best practice discussions
Final Thoughts
In a sector defined by convenience and immediacy, the National Convenience Show stands out as the most influential UK event for product innovation, operator insight, and supplier networking. With its singular focus on convenience retail, extensive engagement opportunities, and access to major decision-makers, this expo provides unmatched opportunities for retailers and suppliers alike.
If you’re serious about staying ahead in the convenience channel, make this expo a part of your annual plan.
Book Your Ticket Now
Secure your complimentary trade pass for the 2025 National Convenience Show and gain access to the entire UK Food & Drink Shows experience:
👉 Visit here to book your ticket for the National Convenience Show