The UK Food & Drink Shows take place at the NEC in Birmingham 5-7 July and will be one of the first major face-to-face events in the industry.

The event – which includes the National Convenience Show, Food & Drink Expo, Farm Shop & Deli Show, Ingredients Show, Foodex and The Forecourt Show – will see more than 800 exhibitors attend to showcase their products and services.

In order to ensure the safety of exhibitors and visitor, William Reed has developed a plan for this year’s UK Food & Drink Shows so that everyone can enjoy the event with confidence.

To attend this year’s National Convenience Show, register here

1. Setting the industry standard for event safety

William Reed has worked closely with the Association of Event Organisers (AEO) in developing industry wide AllSecure Standards, designed to provide the highest levels of hygiene and safety for visitors and exhibitors, allowing our shows to operate effectively and safely according to government and local authority guidance. Put simply, you’re in safe hands.

2. Wider aisles to help social distancing

We have increased aisle sizes to at least 3m across the event as far as possible, while increasing the minimum stand depth to 2m, allowing exhibitors on smaller stands to meet with visitors within their stand space, and not dwell in gangways.

3. Smart crowd flow

We’ll make sure all areas of the venue comply to government guidance. These measures will ensure maximum interaction levels in the safest environment possible.

4. Sanitisation stations at every turn

Hand sanitising stations will be a fixture of the UK Food & Drink Shows, placed within easy reach throughout the show halls. Exhibitor stands will also be encouraged to have their own sanitising stations and to disinfect their respective stands and exhibits regularly throughout the event.

5. Face masks and Track and Trace

Until government guidance says otherwise, face coverings will be compulsory within exhibition venues. We ask that you bring one with you for your visit, there will also be a limited supply at the venue. William Reed will work with the venue and local authorities to trace and contact participants at our events in line with the latest government advice.

6. A Covid-19-free organising team

As a responsible organiser, bubbles will be in place for William Reed staff. Allied to this, the entire team will be given a lateral flow test prior to the event. If any member should test positive, they will not be able to travel to the NEC

7. A contactless show

We are implementing advanced registration and digital badging meaning everyone will be required to register in advance and download their digital badge or print their badge in advance of the event to reduce queueing and contact points. Our press office will also be completely paperless, while the exchange of business data will also be done electronically where possible.

8. Safer stands and food sampling

Each of our exhibitors will follow a comprehensive protocol of measures covering health & safety, general venue & event measures, smarter stand design, stand hygiene & cleaning and staff welfare. Our amazing exhibitors are the lifeblood of our show, and in 2021 – in tried-and-true fashion – they too are going the extra mile for the greater good. Don’t worry, you’ll still be able to taste the great products on display. Exhibitors will be following the latest measures which includes individual sampling bags/cups/bowls

9. Covid compliant theatres

There will be an exciting number of features running throughout the show including demonstrations, masterclasses and topical seminars and debates. With your safety in mind, we have designed our theatres with socially distanced seating, complying with all governmental guidelines.

10. Enhanced cleaning at the NEC

As one of the UK’s premier event spaces, our partners at the NEC Birmingham are also taking extraordinary measures to ensure the safety and peace of mind of all of its visitors. These include a deep clean of the entire venue prior to commencing build-up and increased cleaning of high contact areas within the venue such as handrails and door handles. Moreover, the venue has ample parking pace for thousands of visitors.

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