The mud might have stayed outside, but the adrenaline was off the charts last weekend as more than 20,000 adventure seekers descended on the NEC Birmingham for the National Outdoor Expo 2026. Solidifying its crown as the UK’s ultimate adventure playground, the event brought together seasoned legends and wide-eyed newcomers for two days of gear-testing, boundary-pushing, and pure trail-blazing spirit.
The 2026 edition wasn’t just an expo; it was a high-octane celebration of the great outdoors. The floor was electric, packed with explorers ready to dive into the latest tech or hear from the icons who’ve seen it all.
The Inspiration Stage served up raw, unfiltered stories of grit and glory. Crowds were spellbound by a heavy-hitting line-up featuring Steve Backshall, Ben Fogle, and Hugh Dennis, alongside endurance personality Spencer Matthews and Olympic powerhouse Molly Thompson-Smith. From tales of survival to tips on peak physical performance, there wasn’t an uninspired soul in the house.
Taking “education” out of the classroom and into the wild, expert-led sessions bridged the gap between dreaming and doing, giving enthusiasts the tools they need to plot their next big expedition.
This year also saw some epic “firsts.” In a blockbuster move, the expo teamed up with the Kendal Mountain Festival to debut the Outdoor Adventure Film Festival, featuring a curated cinematic journey and an exclusive Q&A with climbing royalty Leo Houlding.
For those who prefer “doing” to “watching,” the action was everywhere. Attendees tackled the brand-new Caving Experience, tore up the Cycling Demo Area, and hunted down checkpoints on the Indoor Orienteering Trail, proving that adventure starts the second you walk through the door.
With 212 world-class brands on-site – including heavyweights like ALTRA, SHOKZ, Dryrobe, and The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award – the hall was a treasure trove of high-performance apparel, futuristic tech, and elite camping kit.
“This year’s National Outdoor Expo was truly special,” said Rebecca Pearce, Event Director. “The energy from the community was infectious and seeing over 20,000 people sharing their passion for the outdoors is exactly why we do this. We’ve set the bar high for 2027!”
Mark your calendars for The National Outdoor Expo 2027: 20-21 March, NEC Birmingham. Keep an eye on digital channels to discover the exciting schedule for 2027.
Author: Kizzy Allott
Kizzy Allott is Publisher at Event Industry News, where she has been a driving force behind the brand for over a decade. With a deep understanding of the events sector and a passion for storytelling, Kizzy leads the platform’s commercial and content strategy, connecting the industry through news, insights, and meaningful conversations. She is dedicated to championing innovation, amplifying industry voices, and ensuring event professionals stay informed, inspired, and future-focused.
