Resilience in focus as ESS and ETS 2026 draw record crowds

The Emergency Services Show (ESS) and The Emergency Tech Show (ETS) returned to the NEC Birmingham on 16-17 September 2026, bringing together thousands of emergency services professionals to explore the latest innovations, technologies, products and solutions shaping the future of emergency response. 

The Emergency Services Show welcomed 10,792 visitors and 351 exhibitors, while The Emergency Tech Show attracted 5,785 visitors and 132 exhibitors. Both events recorded year-on-year growth, reinforcing their position as key platforms for the UK emergency services community to connect, collaborate and discover the latest developments across the sector. 

The Emergency Services Show once again brought the emergency services community together, with a comprehensive programme of free CPD-accredited education, live demonstrations and networking opportunities.

“The Emergency Services Show has been a firm fixture in the emergency services calendar for 20 years and we’re delighted to see it continue to grow alongside The Emergency Tech Show. We’re incredibly proud of the role both events play in bringing the sector together and would like to thank our exhibitors, speakers, partners, visitors and the wider emergency services community for their continued support.”

David Brown, Founder, The Emergency Services Show and The Emergency Tech Show.

Across the content stages, sessions explored some of the most pressing issues facing emergency services today, from protecting responders on the frontline through advances in PPE and contamination controls, to developments in dealing with climate threats and the readiness for Martyn’s Law. 

The Emergency Tech Show continued to demonstrate the increasingly important role technology plays in modern emergency response, bringing together technology leaders, innovators and emergency services professionals to explore the future of the sector.

A major addition to this year’s show was Resilience360, a brand-new content theatre exploring the increasingly complex challenges facing the UK’s resilience and emergency preparedness landscape. 

Bringing together experts from emergency services, government, critical infrastructure, business and the wider resilience community, Resilience360 examined how organisations and communities can prepare for, respond to and recover from major incidents and emerging threats. 

The programme explored a broad range of issues, including national resilience, climate emergencies, cyber risk, aviation risk and the changing nature of the UK’s threat landscape. 

“This year’s events have demonstrated just how important it is to have a platform where the emergency services community can come together, share experiences and explore the innovations that will shape the future of the sector. The strength of the conversations taking place across the show floor and our content programmes has been fantastic to see.”

Hayley Simpson, Group Event Director, Emergency Services and International Security Portfolio.

The Emergency Services Show and The Emergency Tech Show will return to the NEC Birmingham on 6-7 October 2027, with the events moving into Halls 17, 18 and 19 for their next edition. 

The expanded footprint will provide additional space for exhibitors, visitors and live experiences, including a large outdoor exhibition area dedicated to showcasing the latest emergency service vehicles, specialist equipment, technology and operational solutions. The new outdoor space will provide visitors with the opportunity to see the latest innovations in action and experience the capabilities of next-generation emergency response vehicles and technologies first-hand. 

The strong performance of both events in 2026 was further reflected in a 75% onsite exhibitor rebook rate, demonstrating the continued value placed on the shows by the emergency services community and the strength of demand for their return. 

With the move into Halls 17, 18 and 19, the continued growth of The Emergency Tech Show and the introduction of Resilience360, the 2027 edition will build on the momentum of this year’s events while creating even greater opportunities for the emergency services community to connect, learn, collaborate and experience the latest innovations shaping the future of emergency response.

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