As another insightful and informative Event Week Live drew to a close, students and staff from University College Birmingham had the opportunity to attend the 2026 industry networking day.

Shani, Millenia, Sama and Shereen, who study on our Events Management BA and International Events Management MSc degrees, were at the heart of a packed, hands-on programme, which provided aspiring event professionals with behind the scenes access, tours, talks and practical experience across the NEC Campus.

This year’s programme included introductions to key members of the NEC Group staff, talks from the Marketing, Sales and Events teams, and a sneak peek behind the scenes with tours of the NEC, Vox, ICC, and BP Pulse.

While exploring backstage, industry insights were provided by staff from the NEC rigging team in preparation for the opening of the one of Birmingham's most iconic annual attractions, the world-famous Crufts show.

The week culminated in an industry networking day, at which our students had the opportunity to learn from events industry professionals and senior NEC Group managers, all while engaging with lecturers and students from across the region’s universities.

At the end of an informative and enlightening day, master's student Shereen Hussain was full of praise for the organisers, and felt the experience had taught her a lot:

"Event Week Live was so enlightening. It really provided an insight into what goes into putting on a great event, as well as the extraordinary job carried out by the people involved.

"I really appreciate the time that the team at the NEC and those from the industry gave us over the course of the week."

Leila Edwards, Senior Lecturer in Events Management, expressed her gratitude to the NEC Group, and was thrilled that students had the chance to see professional events management first-hand:

"We're really grateful to Michelle Baldwin, Kathryn Rowarth, Megan Lock and Alicia Goodison at The NEC Birmingham for kindly inviting and hosting University College Birmingham’s Events Management students at this year’s Event Week Live," she said.

"It's given our students such a unique opportunity to see behind the scenes and gain invaluable, hands-on, practical learning experience.  Events such as this are so important in helping develop and inspire future talent, and showcasing the pathway to a career in the industry."

Find out more about our degrees in the Department of Hospitality and Tourism.