Visitor FAQs

• Who can attend IFSEC?
• How can I register to attend the 2009 event?
• When will I receive my visitor badge?
• What should I do if the details on my badge are incorrect?
• What if I have forgotten my badge when I arrive at the show? 
  
• How can I register my colleagues?
• As a visitor to IFSEC 2009, do I have access to any other co-located shows?
• Can I register when I arrive?
• If I register on-site and pay the £20 entrance fee, will I have to pay again if I wish to return to the show another day?
• What happens if I don't receive my badge before the show?
• How much does it cost to enter the exhibition?
• What are the opening times?
• Is there parking at the venue?
• Is there a cloakroom for bags and coats?
• Can I bring children?
• I am a student; am I able to attend the event?
• Where can I eat?
• Is there a cashpoint?
• Are there disabled facilities at the NEC?

Q. Who can attend IFSEC? Anyone in the trade. IFSEC is purely a trade event and NOT open to the public. Also, due to the nature of the exhibition, any person under the age of 16 will be refused entry.

Q. How can I register to attend the 2009 event? To register your interest to receive regular IFSEC updates, click here. Once the online registration opens, you will be notified and you can register online to attend.

Q. When will I receive my visitor badge?  We recommend that all visitors request to receive an e-ticket – which is good for the environment! This simply means that you will receive a unique reference number and will be able to print your badge out at the terminals at the NEC on the day of your visit. If, however, you would still like to receive a badge in the mail – you can request this when you register and this will be mailed to you approximately three weeks before the show.

Q. What should I do if the details on my badge are incorrect? The ticket hotline will be available from January 2009.

Q. What if I have forgotten my badge when I arrive at the show? Go to the registration desks and give the staff your name. They will locate your details on the computer and issue you with a new badge immediately.

Q. How can I register my colleagues? Your colleagues can register online, or you can call the ticket hotline from January 2009 onwards and request tickets for them, which they will need to complete and return. Click here to register

Q. As a visitor to IFSEC 2009, do I have access to any other co-located shows? Yes, from Monday 11 May, you will be able to visit International Firex in Hall 3 and then from Tuesday 12 May Fire & Rescue (Hall 2) Safety & Health Expo (Halls 1 & 2) and The Facilities Show (Hall 1). Together they form The Protection and Management Portfolio - the world’s leading event for protection and management professionals.

Q. Can I register when I arrive? Yes, but if you have not pre-registered or you do not bring with you a ticket insert or a print out of an invite email, you will have to pay a £20 entry fee and complete a registration form at the entrance.

Q. If I register on-site and pay the £20 entrance fee, will I have to pay again if I wish to return to the show another day? No, once you have received your badge you can return to any of the shows as many times as you wish.

Q. What happens if I don't receive my badge before the show? In the unlikely event that you don't receive your badge and welcome pack before the show, don't worry! You will receive an email the week before which will contain your unique reference number. Simply print off this email and bring it with you on the day and we will print you another badge. If you forget to print the email, just give your name at the registration desk and we will manually search for your details in order to print another badge.

Q. How much does it cost to enter the exhibition? If you  pre-register in advance, entry to the exhibition and your show catalogue is free. There is a charge of £20 if register on the day (terms and conditions apply).

Q. What are the opening times?
Monday 11 May 2009    10:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 12 May 2009    10:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 13 May 2009    10:00 - 17:00
Thursday 14 May 2009    10:00 - 16:00


Q. Is there parking at the venue? Yes, there is car parking for 21,000 vehicles and regular complimentary shuttle buses to and from the main entrances. There is a daily charge of £8 per vehicle.

Q. Is there a cloakroom for bags and coats? Cloakrooms are situated adjacent to the hall entrances and are open daily until twenty minutes after the close of the exhibition. The charge is £1 per item.

Q. Can I bring children? Persons under the age of 16 are not permitted to attend the exhibition due to the nature of some of the exhibits on display. The organisers reserve the right to refuse entry to under 16s.

Q. I am a student; am I able to attend the event? Students are permitted entry to IFSEC by prior arrangement only. Please email  Sally King for further information and guidelines.

Q. Where can I eat? Themed cafés serving light snacks and refreshments can be found within the halls alongside numerous bars, restaurants and seating areas offering everything from a quick drink to a substantial meal.

Q. Is there a cashpoint? Full banking facilities are available at the Natwest Bank located in the Piazza outside Hall 4. Cashpoints are located adjacent to Hall 1 and in the Atrium, opposite Hall 8 and next to Hall 9. Q. Where can I find information about accommodation and where to go in the evening?Go to the when & where page for details of accommodation, where to go and what to do in Birmingham.

Q. Are there disabled facilities at the NEC? All levels of The NEC are accessible to wheelchair users, via ramps or lifts. The Piazza and Atrium main entrances have automatic doors. The NEC has wheelchairs available for hire; please telephone +44 (0) 121 780 4141 to book in advance. For more detailed information please click here.