The National Outdoor Expo Birmingham

The National Outdoor Expo is a large, consumer-focused outdoor show dedicated entirely to active life outdoors. It brings together outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, adventurers and brand-engaged consumers in a single venue. Rather than a conventional product exhibition, the event combines inspiration, expertise, community and hands-on experiences to create a fully interactive participation-led show.

The event takes place at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham, one of Europe’s largest and most modern exhibition venues. Held annually, the show is organised by Raccoon Media Group Ltd., an experienced event and exhibition organiser specialising in high-quality consumer shows across the outdoor, sport and active lifestyle sectors, with several well-established formats in the UK market.

The exhibition programme spans the full breadth of contemporary outdoor activities, from hiking, running and trail running to climbing, mountaineering and camping, as well as watersports such as paddleboarding, open-water swimming and kayaking. The offer is further expanded by topics including bushcraft, survival skills, outdoor cooking, safety and responsible, sustainable travel in natural environments. Exhibitors present practical solutions and innovations across outdoor equipment, technical apparel, footwear, technology, navigation, nutrition, travel services, training programmes and adventure travel, with a clear emphasis on real-world use rather than theoretical product claims.

A defining feature of The National Outdoor Expo is its strong interactive focus. Visitors can try new sports, develop skills on dedicated activity stages, take part in challenges or watch professionals deliver live demonstrations. Carefully curated talks, workshops and panel sessions with well-known athletes, adventurers, coaches and influencers provide practical advice, motivation and first-hand insights. Competitions, participation formats and community-driven activities add further energy, making the show a varied and engaging experience.

Exhibitors represent sectors including outdoor sports, leisure, tourism, fitness, sports nutrition, technology, tour operators and sustainable products. The visitor profile is equally broad, attracting ambitious amateur athletes, beginners, families, outdoor enthusiasts, content creators and industry professionals from retail, tourism and sports services alike.

The overall experience is enhanced by the location itself. The NEC is directly adjacent to Birmingham International Airport and benefits from excellent motorway and rail connections. The city of Birmingham offers a wide range of hotels, restaurants and urban amenities, providing an ideal setting for an event that encourages people to spend more time outdoors, try new activities and engage actively with life beyond the city.

The The National Outdoor Expo will take place on 2 days from Saturday, 21. March to Sunday, 22. March 2026 in Birmingham.