A trade association is preparing to give the visitor attractions industry exclusive access to major national venue developments this summer.
Experience UK aims to connect operators and creators directly with those driving new entertainment projects, and its latest event marks a targeted effort to continue fostering collaborative growth across the broader experience economy.
Experience UK will host its upcoming Summer Mixer at the National Experience Centre (NEC) in Birmingham on Wednesday, 9 July. Moving beyond standard networking formats, the evening gathering allows attendees to engage directly with the NEC leadership team. Participants will get a first look at the venue’s ambitious plans to transform itself from the pre-existing National Exhibition Centre title to re-establish itself as a leading UK destination for immersive attractions, live entertainment, and next-generation visitor experiences.
The core focus of this industry gathering will rest on practical development and commercial partnerships. Throughout the evening, attraction operators, intellectual property owners, developers, and investors can explore specific expansion opportunities across the Birmingham estate. The NEC management team is actively looking to collaborate with experienced designers and suppliers to bring entirely new entertainment concepts to the market, marking a clear operational shift beyond traditional exhibitions and conferences.
In addition to the strategic briefings, the itinerary features dedicated backstage access to areas of the venue that are typically restricted from public view. Attendees will also receive an exclusive project update from Path Entertainment. The production company is scheduled to share operational details regarding the specific immersive experiences they are currently delivering at the NEC over the summer season.
Ian Clappison, Chief Executive Officer of Experience UK, highlighted the strategic intent behind the gathering. “Our Summer Mixer is about much more than bringing people together for an enjoyable evening,” he stated. “It is about connecting the organisations that are shaping the future of the experience economy and creating opportunities for meaningful business conversations.”
He emphasised that the venue’s upcoming transition offers tangible advantages for sector professionals looking to secure future pipelines. “The NEC is embarking on an exciting new chapter, and we’re delighted to give our members exclusive access to hear first-hand about their ambitions,” he added. “Whether you are looking for new clients, partners, investors or simply want to stay ahead of where the market is heading, this is an event that offers genuine commercial value.”
The event is scheduled to run from 6 pm until late, with complimentary food and refreshments provided to encourage informal discussions among industry leaders and suppliers. Because the overall capacity at the venue is strictly limited for this mixer, advance registration is required. Industry professionals can secure their attendance directly through the official booking portal on the Experience UK website.
