The Motability Scheme has helped to change the lives of over 74,000 people in the West Midlands area alone, helping them stay connected to work, education and their communities through leasing a vehicle, scooter or powered wheelchair.
Test drives are available to book on the day, and visitors can try out standard vehicles including EVs and some fitted with popular driving adaptations. Visitors will need to bring along their full UK driving licence if they wish to test drive a vehicle.
The event also features a jam-packed ‘Speaker Sessions’ lineup, where an incredible range of inspiring speakers will take to the main stage. From celebrities, Motability Scheme Ambassadors, auto industry and electric vehicle (EV) experts, the speaker programme promises to inspire and educate.
Scheme customers and Ambassadors Helen Dolphin MBE, and former Royal Marine, Mark Ormrod MBE, will be there to host and guide visitors through an exciting two-day line up on the main stage. Audiences will enjoy a range of interviews, presentations and panel discussions about inspiring personal stories, the evolution of electric vehicles and how the Scheme is preparing its customers for the future of mobility.
Some of the highlights across the two days include:
- ‘The Car Revolution’ - What Car? Editor Steve Huntingford and Lifestyle magazine, Drive Editor, Matt Lizzimore will take to the stage to offer their expert views about automotive innovation on Friday 17 May at 10am.
- 'Blind Not Broken' - join Motability Scheme Ambassador and disability influencer, Lucy Edwards as she shares her journey from sight loss to becoming a thriving business woman and how her Scheme car enables her freedom on Friday 17 May at 10:30am.
- Steve Brown - TV presenter, Paralympian and Scheme customer will share his personal story about becoming a Paralympian to emerging as a TV presenter on Friday 17 May at 1pm.
- Will Bayley, Darren Harris and Mark Ormrod live interview - join host Mark Ormrod as he chats to Paralympian and former Strictly contestant Will Bayley, and Paralympian Darren Harris about their unique life stories, personal struggles and what keeps them motivated on Saturday 18 May at 11:30am.
Visitors can look forward to having all their questions answered by Scheme experts, see an increased range of EVs and explore the UK’s biggest display of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs). The event will also see the return of the Innovation Zone, where disabled people and their families can see live demos and get advice on charging an EV at home or on the go.
Katie Clare, The Big Event Manager, said:
“Last summer we had over 12,000 visitors come through our doors at the NEC and we’re thrilled to be back. We’re excited to be giving The Big Event series a new EV focus, so our customers have the chance to see the latest range of EVs and even try one out for themself.”
For anyone who can’t attend in person, The Big Event Birmingham is also streamed live. Viewers can follow along at home and see all the best bits from across the two days including live speaker sessions, exclusive interviews, demos, Q&As and footage.
For more information about The Big Event Birmingham and to see the full lineup of Speaker Sessions visit motabilitythebigevent.co.uk
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