Exhibitions Are Alive and Well …

Although as I write this, it’s a glorious sunny day with temperatures more suited to August than September, the tinges of rust on the leaves of the trees and the slight nip in the air in the mornings, tells us that summer is over. Businesses have recovered from the holiday slump, kids are back to school and in the promotional merchandise sector, it’s exhibition time again – with The National Incentive Show taking place next week (19-21 Sept) at the NEC, (see feature article).

In a climate where the importance and effectiveness of exhibitions are sometimes questioned, recent research published by the British Promotional Merchandise Association (BPMA) should gladden the hearts of those exhibiting at the industry’s shows, the imminent National Incentive show, and the Promotional Marketing Exhibition 17-19 April 2007, Olympia London.

The importance of exhibitions is highlighted in the BPMA’s ‘UK Promotions and Incentives Industry Report’. It reveals that 36% of interviewees (the largest percentage) confirmed that the leading source used to discover new products or services is exhibitions and trade shows.

The research also indicates that trade magazines (23%) and the internet (21%) are also important sources for those seeking new products in the promotional merchandise sector, so it’s the combination of these three sourcing areas that serves the market.

But back to The National Incentive Show, exhibitors please see our Top 10 Tips and visitors, please don’t be afraid to talk to the many exhibitors and take advantage of the opportunity to learn from their knowledge and expertise.
Carole Bull, Editor.

Share this page