ABOUT THE FAIR
The Emergency Services Show (ESS) is the United Kingdom’s leading trade fair for emergency services and disaster management, serving as a central meeting point for professionals across all areas of public safety. First held in London in October 2006, the event moved briefly to Stoneleigh Park before establishing its permanent home at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham in 2013. Since then, it has taken place annually in September, exclusively for trade visitors, and has become one of Europe’s most significant industry platforms.
The exhibition is organized by Nineteen Group Ltd., an experienced events company with in-depth knowledge of specialist markets and a strong track record in delivering international exhibitions. It is held on behalf of the Emergency Services Times, further underlining its close ties to the sector.
ESS covers the full spectrum of emergency services and security agencies, bringing together police, fire, ambulance, search and rescue teams, and volunteer organizations. Exhibitors present everything from advanced protective clothing and personal safety equipment to state-of-the-art rescue vehicles, medical technology, digital command systems, and next-generation communication tools. Cutting-edge innovations such as drones for aerial reconnaissance, robotic systems for CBRN incidents, and the use of artificial intelligence in control rooms and incident assessment are a growing focus.
Key themes include digital transformation, interoperability, and training. Modern command-and-control platforms, GIS-based mapping, and integrated communications demonstrate how technology enhances coordination in complex situations. Training solutions, realistic simulators, and programs supporting the mental health of responders highlight the importance of strengthening the human factor in emergency operations.
With hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of professional visitors from around the world, the ESS is both a specialized marketplace for solutions and a vital knowledge-sharing forum. Its conference and workshop program addresses current challenges in the sector, offering practical insights and real-world best-practice examples.
The NEC in Birmingham ranks among Europe’s most modern exhibition venues. With excellent infrastructure, accessibility, and international connections, it provides the ideal setting for an event of this scale and relevance.
The Emergency Services Show is more than just a trade fair—it is an annual driver of innovation, collaboration, and professional development across the emergency and security services community. For anyone working in or connected to this field, it offers not only the latest technologies but also practical solutions to the complex demands of modern emergency response.
The The Emergency Services Show (ESS) will take place on 2 days from Wednesday, 16. September to Thursday, 17. September 2026 in Birmingham.