Analysis of Exhibitions and Conferences in Birmingham, UK

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the exhibitions and conferences sector in Birmingham, UK. It begins by defining conferences and exhibitions, outlining their types and purposes, and specifically examines the key purposes of conferences and exhibitions, including networking, knowledge expansion, and idea presentation. The report explores both the positive and negative aspects of conferences, such as economic growth and environmental impact. It then focuses on the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham, detailing its role as a venue, its accessibility, and management compatibility with exhibitions, specifically the Sign & Digital UK trade show. The report also discusses the typology of space used, accommodation provided, and catering services at the exhibitions, offering a comprehensive overview of the sector's operations and impact. The report is contributed by a student to be published on Desklib.

Exhibitions

Abstract
There are several UK destinations which are designed for conference venues. These are basically
involved within regenerating economic, social, and environmental decline. This project focuses
upon different conferences and exhibitions that are conducted in Birmingham.

Table of Contents
Abstract............................................................................................................................................2
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................4
MAIN BODY..................................................................................................................................4
LO1..................................................................................................................................................4
Define and explain exhibitions and conferences sector in Birmingham.....................................4
LO2..................................................................................................................................................5
Key purpose of conference and exhibition..................................................................................5
Positive and negative aspect of conference.................................................................................6
LO3..................................................................................................................................................7
LO4..................................................................................................................................................7
•Typology of space used to conduct this exhibition, was it conducted in function rooms or
break out rooms, or any other space from venue is used for this exhibition...............................8
LO5..................................................................................................................................................9
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................9
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION
Conferences and Exhibitions are organised within different cities for various purposes. There is
need to organise conferences and Exhibitions in order to impress audiences. This helps in
fulfilling the assigned goals of Exhibitions by providing some additional services to people. The
following report discusses about the Exhibitions held in Birmingham.
MAIN BODY
LO1
Define and explain exhibitions and conferences sector in Birmingham
Definition of conference – According to the views of Camilleri (2019), a conference is defined
as the scenario of meeting several people for discussing a particular topic. Conferences are
popular for development of innovative idea (Cooper, 2018). There are basically three types of
conferences mentioned below –
Academic conference which is gathering of scientists or academicians where a research
workshop is conducted (Couchman-Crook, 2018).
Business conference is an organised for individuals who are working in same company or
industry. they are allowed to come together for discussing new trends and opportunities within
business.
Trade conference is organised at larger scale where members of public come for making
connections and networks.
Therefore, it can be said that a Conference refers to a particular meeting of two or more
persons in which there is a detailed discussion on the various types of matters which are related
with common concern. Thus, in the conferences a detailed discussion on several matters is made
which is quite helpful in ensuring that the attainment of a wide range of goals and objectives can
be made effectively and efficiently in the right manner.
Type of conferences
 A symposium is a casual gathering and includes refreshments and entertainment.

 A seminar is organized to discuss a particular topic. They are usually educational in
nature and attendees are expected to gain new knowledge or skills at the end of the
seminar
 A workshop is more of a hands-on experience for the participants with demonstrations
and activities; the amount of time one speaker addresses the group is limited
 A round-table conference is a get-together of peers to exchange thoughts and opinions on
a certain topic, usually political or commercial.
Exhibitions and conventions are all groups of individuals who come together to discuss a single
topic; the distinction is typically one of size. Exhibitions may be more intimate, with just a few
people in attendance, and are often hosted in-house.
An Exhibition refers to a public display of works of art or items of interest which can be
quite helpful in ensuring that the people can be shown the different types of items which can
attract their attention. This can help in increasing the level of revenues and the overall
profitability of the organizations which are attending the exhibition.
Conferences, on the other hand, may be held in-house but are most frequently held
outside so they can attract a greater number of visitors and people from various industries. Hotels
and convention and training centres are often ideally equipped to have the services, supplies, and
atmosphere essential for a successful Exhibition (Cousins, and et.al, 2019). Exhibitions can be
called at any time, in any place, and are usually unstructured. a gathering of people who are
getting to know each other. Hotels and purpose-built Conference and Training Centres are
perfect for meeting specific business needs because they would have professional personnel on
hand to help and ensure the Exhibition runs smoothly. Since certain convention centres are not
private, housing must be sought somewhere, which may be inconvenient at times. Many
convention centres will be able to host big crowds and will sell exclusive 24-hour pricing
packages that include overnight accommodations, dinner and room rental, refreshments
throughout the day, and supplies.
LO2
Key purpose of conference and exhibition
The key purpose for which people attend conferences is to increase networks, expansion
of knowledge and presenting of ideas and working together. The main reason for developing

conferences is that it helps to meet likeminded people and industry peers (Fulton, 2019). At
conferences, it is allowed that people from different backgrounds come together from various
background. The presentation of art or any other type of work is easily conveyed to other people
through exhibitions.
Conferences Exhibitions
 Association for Art History Annual
Conference
 International Entrepreneurship
Educators conference
 European Aerosol conference
 Millennium point art exhibition
 Concourse
 Birmingham museum exhibition
The purposes of both Conferences and Exhibitions are explained as
follows-
Conferences-
 The purpose of Conference is to make sure that the different types of people are able to
ensure that they are able to effectively and efficiently attend it and learn new things.
 The purpose of Conference is to ensure that the people are able to enhance their overall
level of knowledge in a proper manner.
 It is important that the use of Conferences can be made so that the overall personal and
professional development of the people can be ensured.
Exhibitions-
 The purpose of Exhibitions is to make sure that the display of a wide range of products
can be made.
 The purpose of Exhibitions is to ensure that the use of a wide range of methods and
techniques can be made in a proper manner which will be quite helpful in ensuring that
the attainment of a higher-level of efficiency and effectiveness in the display of products
can be made.
 The purpose of Exhibitions is to ensure that through the use of appropriate methods and
techniques the companies can undertake the marketing of the products and services.

Millennium point is the art exhibitions of Birmingham city centre. It is located next to
Hotel clayton. Birmingham art collection is very much amazing as it is the largest collection of
pre Raphaelite artwork to advanced installation from exciting new artistes. Birmingham is
considering to be the home for some of the museums, studios and galleries that cannot be missed
by any member of the city. The key Purpose of this exhibition is networking. At this, different
people come together and they can increase bonds with people who are good at art. This
exhibition helps people to meet new talents of art from across the world. Catering facilities are
also present. Guests are served with delicious food and starters in order to attract more number of
people to visit the exhibition.
The new artwork which celebrates Birmingham and its people that has been revealed by satirical
collage artist Christopher Spencer aka Cold war Steve and Birmingham museum trust. The
main purpose of this is to increase business opportunities. At this exhibition, people will be
benefited by grabbing new business ideas. This will help them to know more about new ways to
conduct business in new marketplace (Gemmological, 2018). There central Atrium which is to
the level 0 is the largest open space with generous of rooms for installations. There are a lot of
options like staging, programmable and draping and pop- up bars means they have the power of
really customise the exhibition to suit their vibe. It also consists of high speeds of power sockets
and high speed of life which ensures that guests will feel happy and exhibitors are fully equipped
for event ahead.
Then on the other hand, Concourse is the smaller and art exhibitions which is a part of
wider and broad exhibition. Both of these benefit naturally high mixed football that includes
university, schools and as well as families.
Impact of the exhibition-
 Environmental- The environmental impact of Conferences and Exhibitions is that this
will lead towards creation of an overall impact on the overall natural resources.
 Socio-cultural- The socio-cultural impact of Conferences and Exhibitions is that the
people are able to learn about the socio-cultural impact which is related with the society.

Positive and negative aspect of conference
The Positive and Negative Effects of Public Team Meeting will put together leading research
scholars, writers, and science scholars to discuss their perspectives and research findings on all
forms of Upsides and Downsides of Social Media Conference (Hirsch, 2017). It also acts as a
premier interdisciplinary venue for academics, professionals, and educators to present and
address the new developments, patterns, and issues, as well as realistic problems and remedies,
in the fields of Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Media Meeting.
Positive impact
 Economic growth - Exhibitions and conferences help to increase the revenue for country
in which they are organised.
 Environmental conservation – There are few conferences and exhibitions organised for
environment friendly topics. This helps to increase awareness among individuals
regrading environment safety.
 Social life improvement – Conferences and exhibitions are helpful for improving the
exhibition of various people.
Negative impact
 Exhibitions and conferences takes up a lot of time as well as money.
 There is lot of money invested in travelling of people when conferences and exhibitions
are organised.
 Exhibitions are organised for discussing current affairs in which there is lack of interest
of some members
 There is use of paper and other resources in the conduction of conferences and
exhibitions, so they are providing harm to environment.
LO3
There are certain reasons by which the Sign and Digital tradeshow is organised at National
Exhibition Centre. This is famous for largest events venue within UK.
Accessibility of venue – NEC Birmingham is situated at There are 19 halls and 34 conference
suits present at this place. It is a perfect place for organising any kind of exhibition.

Role of venue in attracting target audience - This place is apt for organising all-purpose
exhibitions. NEC Birmingham offers significant indoor space. There is integrated seating and
open beach. This provides help for customers to enjoy the exhibition and have fun.
Management at venue compatibility of venue with the exhibition – The management system
of exhibition is very good. There are proper departments for taking care of food and catering,
lightning, audio/Visual, transportation, stall arrangement, etc.
LO4
The venue: National Exhibition Centre
Tradeshow or exhibition: Sign&Digital UK.
•Typology of space used to conduct this exhibition, was it conducted in function rooms or break
out rooms, or any other space from venue is used for this exhibition.
The national Exhibition Centre is the centre located in England. It is an exhibition venue which
is near to Birmingham airport and this is an advantage for conducting any exhibition at that
venue. The Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre is appropriate for organising corporate
events like conferences, art exhibitions, etc. This centre can be used for managing the organising
of large scale events such as trade shows, product launches etc. This exhibition centre will
provide people a good impression of business. Every architecture there given a glimpse of
refreshing nature and hope.
• Type of accommodation provided to the attendees
The type of accommodation for people in National Exhibition centre is comfortable seats. This
exhibition centre provides integrated seating. There is also an open beach which provides people
a pleasant atmosphere at the exhibition.
• Were food and drinks served at this exhibition?
Yes, there were several types of drinks at the National exhibition centre Birmingham.
There was a lot of variety in the drinks available, continental drinks were provided to various
people who travelled from abroad to National exhibition centre Birmingham. People enjoyed lot
of drinks available at very cheap rates. The quality of drinks which were available at the
exhibition was very good and received a great feedback from many people.
•Did the trade show had quality catering?

Catering services at the show was excellent as it received a great feedback from the
customers. The food quality maintained by catering service was excellent. Cuisines which were
served to the people were extremely delightful. Catering services played a crucial role in gaining
attention of many people at the trade show.
•What audio and visuals were used?
In the trade show various Information and technology elements like high profile audio
systems, projectors, smartphones and artificial intelligence were used. For the visuals projectors
of high definition quality were used which provided a long lasting impression on audience mind.
•Transportation facilities available?
Transportation facility was available around the National exhibition centre Birmingham
to facilitate convenience of people who came for the show. Public transport was available along
with a proper parking facility.
Resources which are used within exhibition of Birmingham are audio visuals, special effects
for audience (Jin, 2017). It is essential to make this exhibition more attractive so that number of
audience increases.
First of all, the development of online invitations is focused upon. Other factors on which
the management emphasise upon includes initiatives, ticketing, transport, etc. In NEC exhibition,
main focus is upon sound and audio/visual effects. People are attracted by different type of
lighting and video display screens. Famous and popular DJ’s are invited for playing as they will
help in attracting interest of more audiences in exhibition.
LO5
The conferences which took place can be improved by enhancing the resources that are used
while organising them (Velarde, 2017). There is need to focus upon following while improvising
the Birmingham NEC EXHIBITION–
 Creative meeting room design – In these conferences of Birmingham, Creative meeting
room design can be used for increasing the value of these events. It is advised to the
management that they must provide attractive and creative theme or design of layout for
exhibition.
 Innovative seating – When these will be used then people will be having more benefit.
This will help in increasing their satisfaction level. In this NEC Exhibition, people must

be provided with comfortable seats. This will help them to provide people a proper zone
where they can chill and have fun.
 Technology and messaging – When conferences and exhibitions are organised, it is taken
care that attractive and innovative way of messaging is used for inviting people. Digital
invitations must be provided to all. This will help to grab pool of more number of people.
It will also save money and effort of the management team of exhibition.
CONCLUSION
From the above report, it is evaluated that there is need to manage the Exhibitions and
conferences effectively. This will provide help in increasing the success rate of exhibition . We
sometimes undervalue the ‘indirect benefits' that we can provide to our viewers and participants,
and often whine about a cash shortage. For instance, having a great music and artists will help to
increase exhibition ’s success.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Camilleri, M.A., 2019. The business of tourism: An introduction. In Strategic perspectives in
destination marketing (pp. 1-27). IGI Global.
Cooper, P.H., 2018. A City Embraces Its Past, Looks to the Future: A Perspective on the
Evolution of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. The Public Historian, 40(3),
pp.211-231.
Couchman-Crook, E.M., 2018. The exotic and the everyday, regional Victorian pantomime in
Birmingham and the Black Country 1813-1914 (Doctoral dissertation, University of
Birmingham).
Cousins, J., Foskett, D., Graham, D. and Hollier, A., 2019. Events, conferencing and banqueting.
Fulton, R., 2019. A Science of Our Own: Exhibitions and the Rise of Australian Public Science
by Peter H. Hoffenberg. Victorian Review, 45(2), pp.328-330.
Gemmological, S., 2018, May. Learning Opportunities. In Annual Conference (Vol. 23, p. 26).
Hirsch, A., 2017. Between Empathy and Imagination: New Photographic Experiments in
Memorial Aesthetics in Too Hard to Keep and The Birmingham Project. Postmodern
Culture, 27(3).
Hylton, R., 2019. Eugene Palmer and Barbara Walker: Photography and the Black Subject. Nka:
Journal of Contemporary African Art, 2019(45), pp.100-113.
Jin, J., 2017. When Exhibitions Become Experiences (Doctoral dissertation, University of
Nottingham)..
Velarde, G., 2017. Designing exhibitions: museums, heritage, trade and world fairs. Routledge.
Online
Birmingham Exhibitions.2021. [Online]Available through: https://visitbirmingham.com/whats-
on/exhibition ivals-and-Exhibitions