The NEC in Birmingham is to host a new event launch from Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland to celebrate National Volunteers’ Week.
Volunteer Expo 1-3 May 2020 will be designed to connect new and existing volunteers with charities and community-interest organisations to encourage greater involvement with volunteering and social action projects.
A leading membership and humanitarian service organisation, Rotary has been supporting good causes around the world for over 100 years.
Organisers say Volunteer Expo will be the first UK national show for people to engage with around 100 local, national and global charities and community-interest organisations under one roof.
As well as exhibitor stands, the event will include keynote speaker sessions, Learning Zones, workshops and seminars.
A number of Rotary’s existing events will be incorporated into Volunteer Expo, including their national youth competitions and Champions Awards.
Senior Business Development Manager for the NEC, David Gallagher, says: “From our initial discussions with Rotary, we knew that this was a great concept and one that can really flourish at the NEC.
“The charitable sector is growing year on year, creating a need for more volunteer support, and personal growth opportunities for those volunteering.”
This announcement follows a new partnership between Rotary and the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) who are joining Volunteer Expo as the event’s official Charity Partner.
Rotary’s State of the Nation report found that almost half of Brits have reported feeling lonely, while NCVO’s Time Well Spent survey’s key findings included that almost 90% of recent volunteers meet new people through their volunteering.
General Secretary of Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland, Amanda Watkin, added: “We are incredibly excited to be bring Volunteer Expo to life at the NEC. Volunteering plays a huge part in our society and transforms the lives of millions of people around the country every single year. The NEC provides the ideal venue with its central location and fantastic facilities.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming individuals looking to find out more about volunteering, as well as exhibitors keen to share their story and promote the positive impact they’re making.”
To find out more about Volunteer Expo, and to book tickets, visit their website atwww.volunteerexpo.co.uk
