Trade Show overload!

Last week I spent two days working with a couple of my principles on their exhibition stands at the May Design Series.

Trade shows are always something that I look forward to. It is a time to catch up with the principles, preview the new collections, get an overview of what the competitors are doing, meet new and existing customers, generate additional business, and of course to socialise.

My only previous experience of the Excel was as a visitor, and what struck me this time was how good this centre is as a purpose built venue for these types of events. You have car parking for over 3,000 vehicles, the DLR with links to the main underground system and national rail stations that stops right outside the venue and the location is very close to City Airport for overseas visitors.

The event was well represented over two halls with an eclectic mix of products. There was furniture, lighting, fabrics, upholstery, bedding, wallcoverings and accessories, in fact everything to do with interiors. These ranged from small independent companies through to some of the larger companies in the industry. There was also a reasonable turnout of International companies that are already established, and some looking to break into the UK market.

For me, the main focus was in the fabric pavilion where I was representing Art of the Loom, and also the BITA trade stand where I had Emily McGuinness and Silkland to support. There was a fantastic selection of fabrics by many suppliers you could wish for in one place.

The disappointment for many was the lack of turnout to support the event. I am sure there are many factors and reasons why it wasn't well attended, which begs the question, is an exhibition needed in May?

Now for some, these exhibitions are a never ending carousel that seem to go on all year round and quite understandably they cannot all be attended and budgeted for. As an example, Maison & Objet that takes place in January and September in Paris, Heimtextil during January in Frankfurt, London Design Week and Focus at Chelsea Harbour Design Centre London in March and September, Decorex London in September, Homes & Interiors in Glasgow during October and BITA travelling trade fairs in September just to name a few.

The cost to exhibit is very expensive. Not only for the area to exhibit in, but also transport, hotels and entertaining have to be factored into the costs which soon add up to many thousands of pounds. For the visitors, you are getting an opportunity to see many of your favourite brands as well as new ideas and suppliers.

For events that are poorly attended suppliers are reluctant to exhibit in the future and if there is a poor turnout of exhibitors the visitors will stop attending. So a poorly attended exhibition (by visitors or exhibitors), for whatever the reason can have an adverse affect on future events.

It is not for me to suggest which one's should be attended or supported, and there is a case that there could be too many, but, these are trade only events that benefit everyone involved in our industry and it would be a shame to see any disappear for lack of support from either visitors or exhibitors.

John Northwood.