WMCA renews partnership with Naidex to champion disabled voices across the West Midlands

Naidex, the UK's leading event for disability, accessibility and independent living, is delighted to announce the renewal of its partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) for Naidex 2027, taking place at the NEC Birmingham.

Following the success of their partnership at Naidex 2026, the two organisations will once again join forces to promote accessibility, inclusion and greater opportunities for disabled people across the region and the Country.

As part of the role as Community Partner, the Disabled People's Conversation Corner will once again return to the show, providing a welcoming space for open discussion, shared experiences and conversations led by disabled people. The feature will continue to encourage visitors to share their ideas, experiences and perspectives, helping shape future thinking around accessibility and inclusion both across the West Midlands and beyond.

The renewed partnership builds on WMCA's ongoing commitment to making the West Midlands an exemplary region for disabled people and reflects the shared ambition of both organisations to remove barriers, improve accessibility and ensure lived experience remains at the heart of decision-making.

This year's the partnership extended beyond the NEC, with Naidex joining the WMCA at Birmingham Disability Festival, where the two organisations came together to celebrate disability, promote inclusion and engage with local communities.

Mayor Richard Parker with Naidex bear

Josh Waddell, Commercial Director at Naidex, said: "We're incredibly proud to be renewing our partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority for Naidex 2027. Together, we share a commitment to creating a more inclusive society where disabled people's voices are heard, valued and help shape meaningful change. The Disabled People's Conversation Corner has become an important part of the Naidex experience, providing a space for honest conversations, shared experiences and new ideas. We're looking forward to working with the WMCA once again to build on the success of last year and continue championing accessibility, inclusion and independent living."

Throughout Naidex 2027, visitors to the Conversation Corner will have the opportunity to contribute their ideas and experiences, while exploring the latest innovations from leading suppliers, attending expert-led conference sessions and connecting with organisations committed to improving accessibility and independent living.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Nearly 800,000 disabled people live in the West Midlands but too many face real-world challenges that hold them back in life. That’s not acceptable and it’s why I’m tackling inequality so that everyone can live, work and travel without barriers.

“A lot of good work is already being done, including our plan to become an Exemplary Region for Disabled People, something we should all be proud of. By supporting Naidex we can further promote the importance of accessibility, inclusion and opportunities for disabled people, and help celebrate the invaluable contribution they make across all our communities.”

With more than 50 years of history, Naidex continues to be the largest disability expo in the UK, bringing together disabled people, carers, healthcare professionals, charities, businesses and policymakers to drive positive change and showcase the products, services and ideas shaping a more inclusive future. With this taking place in the Region, it was the perfect pairing.

For more information, visit www.naidex.co.uk.