Jeremy King - 21 August 2008

It is great news to see such an established exhibition growing in size. It could be argued that the shows exhibitors have always embraced change and used experiential techniques to promote their products, which in turn has contributed to its success.

James Brennan - 21 August 2008

Agree; it's great news to see the exhibition growing - a sign of course that the industry itself is growing.

The trade shows and exhibitions are a fantastic way to network, find new products, essential for graduates to the industry, and a way of flogging your wares to the people that count.

However, for me, im still getting a little bored of these events - not because the products available aren't very exciting or that im not content with seeing many of the same exhibitors at each one, but because i am a little bored with walking down rows of exhibitors, much like walking down the aisles at a supermarket.

Of course this comes down greatly to the layout of the venues, which are mainly large open spaces, which putting exhibtors in lines, more exhibitors can be placed into the show. However, wouldn't it be nice to see an exhibition in somewhere with a bit more atmosphere, or laid out slightly different ? - not being able to put as many exhibitors in, but getting a more exciting atmosphere, where various rooms are produced in fantastic themes to match the suppliers exhibited in them, proving just how groundbreaking and creative some production companies can be?

Revenues wouldn't be as high, granted, but Id pay to go to a trade show with an atmosphere - whereas at the moment i feel sometimes that i go because "i should," get a free lunch on canapes, or bring back a few gimmick treats to make the missus smile.

Im not knocking these shows because they are excellently produced to do exactly what it says on the tin, and brings people all together from our industry - but wouldn't it be great to have a much smaller exhibition with a bit more, "this is why we're in the events industry and im bloody well proud, privileged and excited to be in it!"

Chantelle Thorley - 21 August 2008

Thanks for your comments James. We actually have a feature on spectacular stands coming up in our October edition, so hopefully this will highlight some of those 'groundbreaking and creative' production companies you mentioned.

James Brennan - 21 August 2008

I very much look forward to it

Thanks Chantelle

James Brennan - 21 August 2008

Although i'm not sure a few fantastic stands amongst hundreds in shopping lines, will create an entire atmosphere change across the whole event