Plan your day
We want to make sure that all visitors to The Big Event have a fantastic day, that's why we do our best to make our events as accessible and inclusive as possible. Here is some information that we hope will help you plan your visit.
Scooter hire
Bookings for our scooters and manual wheelchairs for The Big Event, Birmingham have now sold out.
The NEC provides a range of mobility equipment to hire for a cost. Please visit the NEC website for more information.
Free to attend
The Big Event is free to attend. There is no need to pre-book your place, simply turn up on the day - everyone is welcome!
The venue
The Big Event is taking place at Hall 17, 18 and 19 at the NEC. All these halls are indoors and on one level, and are fully accessible to both scooters and wheelchairs. Entry to the event is at Hall 18.
Free parking
Designated parking has been reserved close to The Big Event and is free to all visitors. Follow the signs to The Big Event when you arrive at the NEC. Once you have parked your vehicle, car park assistants will be on hand to help you if needed. There is also an accessible car park shuttle service running from the car park to and from the main entrances.
Electric vehicle charging is available at the NEC, visit the NEC website for more information thenec.co.uk/visitors/facilities
Welcoming everyone
- Quiet room – at each event we have a quiet room.
- Ear defenders - we have a limited number of ear defenders available to borrow on request.
- BSL interpreters available - pre-booking is essential, email events@motabilityoperations.co.uk
- Quieter times of day - as our events can get quite busy, you may be interested in attending the events at the quieter times which are generally between 2pm and 4pm.
- Speaker announcements - these will be kept to a minimum and are only used for emergencies. There will be planned announcements at 3:45pm onwards to let guests know the show is closing at 4pm.
- Music - no music is played at any of our events.
We’re here to help - if you need any extra assistance on the day simply ask a member of the Motability Team.
Toilets
We provide additional accessible toilets along with a High Dependency Unit which has a toilet, a hoist and an adjustable height changing table.
Free refreshments
On arrival at The Big Event you’ll be given a token that you can exchange for a free tea, coffee or soft drink. There will be a range of hot and cold food options available to purchase.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome at the NEC, however, any other dogs or pets are not allowed and will be refused entry.
Please do not leave your dogs in your car while you attend The Big Event.
Free Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is provided by the NEC and is available to all visitors. Just ask one of the Motability Team on the day if you can't gain access.
More information
If you are looking for more information about all our events, why not try our Event FAQs page.
First time at one of our events
If this is your first time attending a Motability Scheme event, we want you to feel as comfortable as possible. Watch this short video so you can experience first-hand what to expect from the day.