PJ, there's loads of parking at the NEC, so you can take your vehicle.
There's a bar there but it's not the place for a heavy session.
However, when I went a few years back loads of guys and one window cleaning gal from here all met up in a pub in the evening that was fairly central and it turned out to be a good evening.
If I were you I'd book a Travel Lodge (or similar), drive to the show but arrange to beer with some of the guys here prior to going.
I hope I haven't bored you too much.