Annual Meeting of the European Section

About Birmingham

Birmingham is a city and metropolitan borough in the metropolitan county of West Midlands, within the wider West Midlands region, in England. It is the largest local authority district in England by population and the second-largest city in Britain – commonly referred to as the second city of the United Kingdom – with a population of 1.2 million people in the city proper in 2024. Birmingham borders the Black Country to its west and, together with the city of Wolverhampton and towns including Dudley and Solihull, forms the West Midlands conurbation. The royal town of Sutton Coldfield is incorporated within the city limits to the northeast. Birmingham's urban area has a population of 2.7 million and its wider metropolitan area has a population of 4.3 million.

Getting There

• Birmingham is well-connected by air and rail, making it accessible for international attendees. The nearest major airport is Birmingham Airport, located approximately 10 miles east of the city center, with direct flights from major European hubs. Alternatively, London's larger airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted) offer more flight options; from there, regular train services connect to Birmingham in under two hours. Within the city, Birmingham has an extensive public transport network including buses and trains that serve the city center and surrounding areas. Taxis and rideshare services are readily available throughout Birmingham for convenient point-to-point travel. Plan your journey in advance to ensure smooth arrival before the meeting begins.