NEC Restoration Show - 22-24 March 2024

[rbgosling]

Hi Pete,

The Exhibitor Manual isn't available yet (well, it claims it is, but I haven't been sent login details). But I very much doubt it'll be much changed from previous years. The info from last year says access is on Wednesday 2:00 - 6:00, and Thursday 9:00 - 7:00. We've always done the build-up on the Thursday, I don't know how many people ever do it on a Wednesday. I'll be there Thursday, but not Wednesday. There was, in theory, a schedule for Thursday morning, different halls turning up within allocated windows, but that didn't seem to be enforced or followed whatsoever!

Last year I got my login for the Exhibitor Manual on 31st Jan, so we may need to wait until about then before I get access to this year's.

[Pete Boole]

Thanks Richard - I'll keep a lookout!

Pete

[Pete Boole]

Booked into the Genting for 3 nights

Pete

[rbgosling]

OK, I've just got access to the Exhibitor Manual.

I'll have a more thorough read-through later, but to answer Pete's query for now:

• Cars can be delivered either Wednesday 10:00 - 6:00, or Thursday 8:00 - 7:00. I'll be there on Thursday (probably not for quite all those hours!), so probably better to go for that, but feel free to do Wednesday if it suits you better.
• There is a drop-off booking system called "Voyage Control".
• You must book a time slot on this system for delivery of your vehicle.
• Slots are limited. If you leave it later, you'll probably have less flexibility to choose a time that suits you.
• You can change your slot after booking it, but again, leave it later and there will be less choice.
• Time slots last 1 hour. For delivery of a trailered vehicle, your tow vehicle/trailer must be in and out within that hour. In theory, you can be charged for over-staying, but I get the sense that this is more of a threat than reality. If you speak to the organisers to say you've got an issue, particularly if you do so before the hour is up, you should be able to get away with it.
• If you arrive early or late, the marshalls will fit you in as best they can.
• Once the car is un-trailered, you can then park your tow vehicle and trailer in the outer car park for free, and get a courtesy bus back to the hall.
• If you want, you can leave the trailer in the car park N10A until the end of the show for free (not a tow vehicle though).
• I can create an account on Voyage Control and sort the whole booking for you, or each car delivery can do their own booking, I'm easy either way. It can be accessed at www.voyagecontrol.com/necbirmingham. There is also a mobile 'phone app you can use instead/as well.
• When making a booking on Voyage Control, when it asks for "event", put in "PC Resto Display".
• You will need to put in a debit/credit card number, but it shouldn't take any money. I presume this is so they can fine you easily if you overstay your slot!
• For display cars being driven to the show, put in the car registration. For cars being trailered, put in the tow vehicle registration.

OK, that's all for now. I'll probably have more to post once I've read the rest of the Exhibitor Manual!

[Pete Boole]

Thanks Richard. I've contacted the tow company to see if they're OK supplying me with their reg number - Ill try booking using the link you've posted.

Pete

[rbgosling]

If anyone needs to book a hotel, there's a special exhibitor's link that promises "up to 30% off".

[Pete Boole]

The booking system is utterly crap - as unintuitive as I've ever seen. I cannot get past the "add card details" screen, even though I have done this. Got any tips for this process??

Pete

[rbgosling]

The booking system is utterly crap - as unintuitive as I've ever seen. I cannot get past the "add card details" screen, even though I have done this. Got any tips for this process??

Pete

Not tried it yet myself! If you do manage to work it out, do share your discoveries...

[rbgosling]

A rather pathetic 2A electrical socket can be supplied to our stand for an outstanding £147. If we want a generous 4A that'll cost £217.

On this basis, I'm going to say that we do without electricity! We've always managed before. If we need to charge any cordless tools (or iPhones), I've usually managed to find plug sockets elsewhere, there's usually a couple beside each large exterior door and there's more in the central plaza.

[Pete Boole]

Right - with guidance over the phone I've been able to book in! 12.00 on Thursday. Phew - I'm exhausted

Pete

[Pete Boole]

Apparently there's a glitch in the system that stops you getting past the Add Card Details page - The lady who helped me - Dani - was really helpful - I suggest you phone her - the contact number is on the Voyage Control page.

Pete

[rbgosling]

Apparently there's a glitch in the system that stops you getting past the Add Card Details page - The lady who helped me - Dani - was really helpful - I suggest you phone her - the contact number is on the Voyage Control page.

Pete

Glitch must be fixed - I just managed to make a booking (on the website, via a PC) no problem at all.

I'll be there sometime shortly after 10:00.

[Pete Boole]

Is Lotusbits on the stand this year?

Pete

[rbgosling]

Is Lotusbits on the stand this year?

Pete

I haven’t invited them. I tried last year, but it clashed with other things for them and they couldn’t make it, so this year I didn’t bother.

[rbgosling]

Is Lotusbits on the stand this year?

Pete

I haven’t invited them. I tried last year, but it clashed with other things for them and they couldn’t make it, so this year I didn’t bother.

In the latest missive from the organisers it states "You are not permitted to lend any part of a club stand to any commercial company...", which pretty much rules out having LotusBits on the stand anyway.