As a veterinarian, I have attended many tradeshows for continuing education and business. Internationally, the show that used to be the epicenter of European shows was the British Small Animal Association. Each year it was held in Birmingham, UK, the second biggest city in the country. Unfortunately, it is a working class city that doesn’t have the plethora of museums of London, the druid influence of Stonehenge or the scholarly attraction of Cambridge or Oxford. However, it does have it’s own beauty.

The BSAVA show occurs every April and I think this is just to ensure everyone can be unsure of what to wear. I have weathered the cold and blowing snow some years, while others were fraught with rain and yet some years it has been glorious. It was always a gamble as to what you would get.

I love travel and always like to peek around new corners even when walking the same city. Unfortunately, this trade show has fell into decline and another veterinary show, based in London, has become the “main event”, so my trips to Birmingham are likely at a close. Given this, I decided to take a stroll down memory lane.

Arriving

Birmingham is about 2-ish hours north of London in the UK midlands. The airport is rather small, so getting there can, itself, be a bit of a journey. Most years I simply flew into London and hopped a train from Euston station to Birmingham. The train ride is relaxing, low cost and provides a nice view of rural England. However, if the fares are right, I have flown in via Paris (planning 8+ hour layover) so I could see the Eiffel Tower, grab a croissant and coffee, and relax in near Saint-Michel station before catching the RER train back to the airport.

Cityscape

Staying at the Hilton Garden in Brindleyplace, it was easy walking distance from the NIA arena (where commercial exhibits were) and the convention center proper. All around the convention area are a diverse group of restaurants, coffee shops, and traditional English pubs. While Birmingham itself wasn’t a “destination” for me, I do associate it with great times with European business friends. I don’t particularly recommend the Gourmet Burger bar as UK burgers tend to resemble hockey pucks and are every bit as tasty. Go for some meat pies or fish and chips!

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Just outside the main convention area is Centenary Square with the iconic Birmingham Public Library with is circles in circles façade.

• 

Not too far away is from the convention area is Victoria Square. It boasts a beautiful fountain, statue of the Queen and the Birmingham museum and art gallery.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

The city center revolves around the Bullring. A huge mall, it is the mecca of shopping in Birmingham. However, the walk down New Street (main drag) is also nice with street vendors and performers trying to separate you from your cash, when the weather is nice. Every year my business friends made it a point to rendezvous at San Carlo, a favorite Italian restaurant for one night of wonderful food, wine and camaraderie.

• 

• 

• 

Work

Yes, I did actually work on these trips and here are a few pics of the exhibit show itself. I even had a try at a virtual Grand National.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

I hope you enjoyed this trip to Birmingham and that if you get up to the midlands to see Stratford-upon-Avon don’t forget of Birmingham for a quick and enjoyable tour of the city. Feel free to send me your comments and suggestions!