EVENT INFORMATION

Find everything you need to know about the show below

The essentials: 

Location
Birmingham NEC, North Ave, Birmingham, West Midlands B40 1NT

Opening times:
Saturday 19 September 2020 | 0900 – 1800
Sunday 20 September 2020 | 0900 – 1800
Monday 21 September 2020 | 0900 – 1700

How much does it cost to attend Optrafair 20/20?
It is completely FREE to attend the show. 

TRAVEL

Located in the heart of the UK, the NEC is easily accessible via all modes of transport

For those driving to the show, the NEC is in the perfect location for car travel - 8 miles east of Birmingham City Centre, and at the heart of the UK motorway network. 

Exhibitor & visitor parking will be in East Car Parks 1 & 2 (for visitors this will be charged at the NEC rate of £12 pre-paid and £16 on the day parking) which are within walking distance from the halls.

Disabled parking will be opposite Hall 5 and is again charged at the NEC rate of £12 pre-paid and £16 on the day parking. Find out more at thenec.co.uk/visitors/parking

All car parks for the show will simply be signposted 'Optrafair'.

The NEC is right next to Birmingham International rail station, with direct trains to many UK locations. Connecting trains can also be caught from Birmingham New Street, which takes 10-15 minutes to reach. Buses to the NEC can be caught at Birmingham Moor Street and Solihull stations. You can get to any of the halls quickly and conveniently, without having to step outside. 25% discount on rail services for attendees. virgintrains.co.uk/nec
Regular local buses depart from Birmingham City Centre. The 900 service runs every 15 mins during the day taking approximately 30 mins. The 97 service operates every 30 mins, 24hrs a day taking approximately 45 mins.
The exhibition hall is also just minutes away from Birmingham Airport, which has an Air-Rail Link to Birmingham International rail station.
T.O.A black cabs are available at clearly marked ranks outside the NEC’s main entrances. They’re an easy and convenient way to get to your hotels and the towns and attractions around the NEC.
Please see more about your accommodation options on our dedicated Accommodation page.

“The oldest and still the best exhibition, set in the heart of the country at the NEC with good travel links to the whole of Britain”

Elaine Yorwarth, Optometrist, Elaine M Yorwarth

“If you've never visited an optical fair, this is the place to start. If you're already in the profession, there is lots to do and see to keep up to date with the fashion and equipment in the industry”

Chris Pepper, Trainee Contact Lens Optician, Vision Express

“There is simply no better way to see such a wide variety of products and services”

Julian Wiles, Revenue Generator, Performance Lenses Ltd

“You will always find something new and useful and catch up with suppliers. I wouldn't miss it”

Nick Carson, Optometrist, Davis Optometrists

“Great way to source new products and technology in one place. Great location and transport links, and the odd glass of free prosecco (that's the main reason I came!)”

Lisa Sariwee, Optometrist/Director, Lakeland Optical

“Optrafair is important to see and experience the whole industry. It is easy to become insular”

Liz Whitmore, Optometrist/Director, Thomas Bond and Partners Ltd

“Optrafair is a place to meet and talk to all sectors of the Optical profession and it gives the visitor an insight into what the market has to offer in all aspects of eyecare from the sight test, the supply of spectacles or contact lenses, low vision aids, vitamin supplements or even referrals to your G.P. or hospital”

Ian Martin, Dispensing Optician, Colin Lee Opticians

“Ideal place to look at various new equipment under one roof. Friendly, relaxed atmosphere with helpful advice at hand”

Lisa Gunning, Do Clo, Sproston & Bowden

“This very well organised event, is easy to access and provides attendees with a wealth of information on one trip. There is always something to suit all in the optical business, whether it be purchasing, or education. Purely attending for new ideas is definitely enough of an excuse to attend”

Vivienne Starr, Dispensing and Contact Lens Optician, V.C. Starr Opticians

“Optrafair is the only fair you need to visit. All the CET you need, industry favourites, lots of new products to see, and use it as an opportunity to network and become more passionate about your career and our industry”

Simone Mason, Dispensing Optician, Perspective Opticians