The NEC has secured another livestock show to add to its growing portfolio. The British Alpaca Futurity - a show dedicated to alpaca breeders, owners and enthusiasts - has chosen the venue to host its 2012 annual event in March ahead of its previous home at Stoneleigh Park.

The NEC has a growing reputation for event management within the specialist livestock field with shows like Horse of the Year, Crufts, and most recently over the past two years, The Dairy Event and Livestock Show, also from Stoneleigh.

Chris Hartley, Business Development Director at the NEC, said: "I'm really pleased to be welcoming the British Alpaca Futurity to the NEC in 2012.  We have a wealth of experience when it comes to complex shows of this nature and we are proud of our reputation within the livestock industry as a venue to be trusted with this type of event. We are also the most flexible venue and we are now looking forward to meeting the unique requirements of this show."

John Potts, Director of the Alpaca Stud, said: "We are delighted to be moving to the National Exhibition Centre. We have plans to attract more members of the public to join us at the event, and invite them to join the wonderful world of Alpacas, with the help of the NEC marketing team and the considerable footfall within all the halls."

Event organisers will take advantage of the NEC's unique location in the centre of the country, close to all transport links along with its world-class exhibition space capable of accommodating any growing show.

The British Alpaca Futurity is a hybrid trade and consumer show expected to attract around 1,000 visitors to 5,000msq of exhibition space on 16 and 17 March, featuring the best British-bred animals along with an international fleece competition. Exhibitors will demonstrate the diverse range of uses for alpaca wool and there will also be stands from equipment and machinery providers and clothing producers.  The event will also attract internationally recognised speakers for a seminar and workshop programme.