kbb Birmingham 4-7th March - Who's going?

Hi all,

Right then. Welcome to 2018 and yet another kbb show being hosted at the NEC in Birmingham! Normally I'd rock up and get there for about 10am, have a wonder, meet a few old colleagues and then head back home again with a few brochures from some Chinese firm trying to break the UK market. Not this time! I'm really looking forward to making the most of my trip. I want to get there and do the usual but I also want to meet up with you like-minded lot and 'chew the fat' on KBB CAD!

I'll definitely be staying overnight at one of the hotels near to the NEC. It would be great if we could get organised early enough that perhaps some of us can stay in the same hotel for a few drinks too. I'm easy on the location but understand the cost implication might be a factor for some . . . I don't get out much so I'm going to splash some cash for a change ;-)

So basically, what day(s) do you intend to visit and if you are staying do you have a hotel preference?

Suggestions?

Thanks
Minch

Hopefully firm up soon, will prob stay at one on Coventry road (A45) Stayed at Elm Cottage across the road last time, cheap and cheerful. Driving down on Saturday and driving back after show on Sunday.

Morning Joe,

Elm Cottage looks nice but I wouldn't mind finding a hotel where I can have a beer or two. Not that I am much of a drinking in any case but it would be great to have an evening with a few of us as a bit of a social.

Yea, we walked up to one of the main ones on Coventry road last time, it's a 10 min walk.

Ah haaa! Good option. I'll start looking at some prices. Which day are you likely to go up Joe?

Drive down on Sat, do the show on Sunday and drive back same day.

I'm driving up on Sunday morning, staying somewhere (undecided) and will head home Monday afternoon or evening depending how the day goes.

I was looking at the 'IBIS BUDGET BIRMINGHAM AIRPORT - NEC' it looks to be over the road from the NEC - even if its a £7 taxi (saves parking and buses at the NEC) or a drive to the venue its cheaper than the other options on the NEC site by the lake at £160+

Yeah that's what I was thinking of doing. That way I can head down to Burbidge on the Monday too.

oh, Burbidge could be an option - though i'm not a dealer of theirs it could be good to take another look at their showroom. I've not been in years.

Yes it definitely worth a visit. If a few of us go down I can show you the pros and cons of the kit.

What hotel(s) have you been looking at Minch?

Not sure yet. There are a good few Ibis type hotels in the area so I suppose any will do.

As in my post above i think i'll just book the cheaper Ibis at the airport over the road.

Sounds like a plan. I'll take a look at that hotel too.

Sunday to Monday. Hotel booked

Staying in the IBIS on site. £135 inc breakfast + £8 parking.

if anyone wants a link:
https://secure.accorhotels.com/store/index.html?utm_campaign=desktop-04032018-2-1&utm_medium=partenariats&utm_source=Trivago&utm_content=GB-EN-GB-ALL#/en/rooms?dateIn=2018-03-04&adults=1&origin=accorhotels&hotelCode=9551&domainId=https:%2F%2Fwww.accorhotels.com&children=&nights=1

I've now booked here too :-)

Bag packed and just had my flight cancelled, whats the weather like over there with you guys?

Noooo really?  Snow has pretty much cleared on all roads and pavements here.  It's been a mild 1 degree overnight.  Weather report says high of 7 degrees here tomorrow.  I don't anticipate any issues getting to Birmingham from South Bucks tomorrow morning.

Where are you flying from Dave?

Cheers
Nathan

Flying from Shannon Nathan, was supposed to be this morning and the flight got postponed a few times during the day and eventually cancelled. 

Next available from Shannon is Tuesday night, I got another tomorrow from Cork, unfortunately 2 1/2 hour drive from my house.

Hopefully no cancellations tomorrow......

Uhhh what a bind! I used to fly in to Shannon to visit a company called Data Display many years ago in my previous working life. 

What time is your flight tomorrow? Are you staying overnight?

Data Display wouldn't be far from my house, I'm sure you tried some good pubs over here!!!


I arrive in around 17.30 and will stay for 2 nights, hoping that will be enough time.

Oh yes, can't remember much about them the day after though ;-)

Excellent!  Which hotel are you staying at?  Perhaps I can catch up with you tomorrow evening.  If not I'll catch up on Monday.

Nathan
07799 036540

Yea definitely, staying at the Hilton beside the NEC.

Oky doky, Mitch and I are staying in the Ibis Styles Birmingham NEC & Airport, Bickenhill Lane, B40 1PQ

1.1 miles between the Ibis and the Hilton by car or 1.5 miles by foot . . . so either Uber or crawling after a few pints ;-)