The NEC Group has partnered with mobile ordering app Zapaygo as events return to its venues.

The multi-year deal sees Zapaygo become the exclusive food and beverage pre-purchase app partner across NEC Group venues including the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), International Convention Centre (ICC), Vox Conference Venue and Birmingham’s two arenas.

In conjunction with the NEC Group’s in-house catering business, Amadeus, the new technology gives customers the option to pre-order and pre-pay for food and drinks at events.

Event visitors can now pick up their purchased items from designated collection points at venues, reducing waiting times at bars and restaurants.

Kevin Watson, managing director at Amadeus, said: “We are delighted to have pre-order app Zapaygo as a long-term partner for Amadeus. This innovative technology will work seamlessly alongside our cashless strategy throughout all NEC Group venues.

“We look forward to offering our customers greater choice in how they purchase from us, speeding up service times and reducing queues, while keeping our team and customers safe in a post-Covid world.”

The mobile app will make its debut at the Champions of Boxing event at Utilita Arena Birmingham on 28 August.

Mike Fisher, vice chairman of Zapaygo, said: “Innovation and enhanced customer experience are passions held strongly by both Zapaygo and the NEC Group.

“The new partnership enables us to continue to drive excellent customer service and consumer benefits as we connect the significant networks both organisations interact with.”