The UK's largest exhibition centre, the NEC, and the Event Supplier and Services Association (ESSA) have completed an extensive consultation process that will ensure the successful implementation of Midlands venue’s new electrical infrastructure Plug & Play, which will provide power to shows taking place at the venue from summer 2008.
 
Plug & Play is part of the NEC's £40 million venue improvement programme, and represents a market-leading technologically proven solution to stand-wiring for customers.
 
The new electrical infrastructure will not only comply with the latest European safety standards, but will create the platform for the dynamic and robust provision of electrical mains to the organiser and their customers, the exhibitors. Amendments to orders and alterations to supplies can be controlled at the touch of a button, with its computer controlled supply and automated ordering system, delivering efficiency and flexibility alongside reliability and safety.

The NEC was acutely aware that an upgrade of this significance would require appropriate consultation with the supplier companies that would ultimately use the new system. To this end, the venue sought feedback from ESSA members throughout the development of this initiative.
 
“It was important to be engaged with the companies that would be using the new infrastructure on a day-to-day basis to ensure that its structure and process was safe and workable,” said ESSA director Chris Skeith. “We are delighted with the outcome of this consultation process. The NEC's new electrical infrastructure will help deliver greater value and service to organisers and exhibiting customers at no extra cost.”
 
Meanwhile, NEC managing director Kathryn James commented: “ESSA's involvement is fundamental in the success of this new project, and its support and contribution has been invaluable. The new system represents a significant
investment in the overall modernisation of the NEC, and is a real step forward for us in our aim to be better equipped to deliver the needs of today’s and tomorrow's exhibitions.”