Steve Backshall, Ben Fogle, Molly Thompson-Smith, Spencer Matthews and Hugh Dennis lead an elite speaker line-up at the NEC Birmingham this March.
The wait is almost over! In just one month, the outdoor community reunites at The National Outdoor Expo 2026 to learn from world-class explorers and trail-blazing pioneers. One of the UK’s premier adventure events, The National Outdoor Expo returns to NEC Birmingham for its fifth edition on 21–22 March 2026 with FREE entry for kids.
Organisers have unveiled the two-day showcase which unites over 21,000 enthusiasts with 200+ premium brands and an elite line-up of speakers, including TV personalities and sports icons. Visitors can expect an immersive experience featuring fireside chats, expert-led skills workshops, live demonstrations, and high-octane interactive sessions. The expo provides all of the inspiration, kit, tech, nutrition and advice needed to get outside and active.
With over 34 million people in the UK now embracing outdoor recreation - an increase of 3.1 million over the last decade - the demand for nature-based experiences is higher than ever. There is no better place to celebrate this than at The National Outdoor Expo 2026 - bringing together a premier community of adventurers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts for a weekend of inspiration and interactive experiences.
The countdown is on to an intensive two-day programme. Spanning various stages and themed zones, the event offers a wide array of activities designed to engage outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels.
Renowned as the event’s premier destination, The Inspiration Stage attracts a captive audience drawn to the stories of icons and explorers. The 2026 programme features a curated selection of sessions designed to spark your next great journey:
- Steve Backshall - a returning expo favourite. Wildlife explorer and presenter Steve Backshall will once again captivate crowds, sharing ‘Lessons From a Lifetime on the Edge of the Map’.
- Molly Thompson-Smith – the Team GB Olympic climber will discuss competing on the world & Olympic stage with Team GB.
- Ben Fogle – The award-winning broadcaster and adventurer explores going off the map and what adventure teaches us.
- Spencer Matthews - endurance athlete, founder and podcaster Spencer Matthews will deliver a talk on 'Beyond Limits & Lessons from Project SE7EN'. A challenge in 2025 where he completed seven full-distance triathlons (3.8km swim, 180km bike, 42.2km run) on seven continents in 21 days.
- Cat Capon - Award-winning conservation communicator, wildlife filmmaker, and environmental campaigner Cat will give insight into conservation, environmental campaigning & adventure in the natural world.
- Hugh Dennis – Pedalling On: Adventures in Cycling & Comedy with the actor, comedian and passionate cyclist
- Mark Beaumont BEM - British ultra-endurance cyclist, broadcaster, and author will speak about his epic ‘around the world in 80 days’ journey
- Jide Maduako (saintjidz) - In Conversation With the adventure enthusiast and community leader
- Lizzie Daly - A talk from wildlife biologist, explorer, filmmaker and TV presenter Lizzie. Listening to the Wild with Lizzie: Science, Storytelling & Survival.
The Outdoor Skills Theatre features a diverse line-up of talks and seminars, ranging from mountaineering and wild swimming to survival skills and expedition planning. Explore sessions on creating inclusive outdoor spaces, handling adversity, and paddle boarding, alongside practical advice for midlife and family adventures and expert Scout Leader camping hacks.
The National Outdoor Expo 2026 features in excess of 200 premium brands exhibiting and showcasing new products or exclusives, including ALTRA, Go Ape, Kendal Mint Co, SHOKZ, VAGA Europe, The Caravanning and Camping Club, RAW Adventures, EXPED, Dryrobe, and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
Back by popular demand, the expo sees the return of The Outdoor Kitchen featuring Fell Foodie and Gemma Davis, alongside the Bushcraft Zone, where survival experts lead interactive sessions. Visitors can also scale the Climbing Wall, explore the Adventure Travel Hub, and enjoy Celebrity Meet & Greets as well as many other interactive features. Beyond the arena, the action continues at Pendigo Lake with a variety of water-based activities, including paddle boarding and kayaking.
New exciting features for the 2026 event include a free Caving Experience by H5 Adventure, Mountain and Film Talks by the BMC, a dedicated cycling demo area and a free Indoor Orienteering Trail by British Orienteering.
The National Outdoor Expo 2026 will be held in Hall 1, NEC Birmingham 21–22 March 2026. The show will be open 9am – 5pm on both days. Find out more about the expo and secure your tickets