Trade exhibitions: ‘People still buy from people’

25 February, 2016

Over the years I have looked into every variant and alternative to the ubiquitous trade exhibition or show. Having run them for many years in the past I have been well placed and motivated to review such alternatives, but seasoned early adopters like me very soon learn that new doesn’t always mean better.

“Avoid the traffic and sit-in on our desk-based Webinar,” cry the IT gurus. “Why go to the trouble of leaving the office when you can see all the new products you want through our new on-line virtual exhibition?” they say. Despite all of the claims, there is no getting away from the harsh fact that when it comes to exploring the latest developments in a given industry sector; when it comes to building relations with potential customers and most importantly; when it comes to staying abreast of the latest industry developments or making a decision to purchase an important piece of kit or equipment for our businesses, nothing comes even close to attending a good trade exhibition for people interaction.

If you are an exhibitor, where else can you meet with what might be literally hundreds of potential and existing customers, all of whom have specifically put aside time to come and look at your products, often with a mind to making a purchase? They are actually inviting you to sell to them. What’s more, it all takes place over a highly concentrated, economical few days.

If you are a visitor, where else will you find almost all of the potential suppliers of the products in which you are interested (and many of which you were not aware), in one place over a couple of days with the sole purpose of demonstrating all of the latest developments and answering all of your questions without distraction?

‘People still buy from People’ and no-one in their right mind would make a serious purchasing decision without ‘kicking a few tyres’ and looking at the products available. Exhibitor or visitor, it is also an unrivalled opportunity for networking with colleagues and to hear about hot industry topics through the various show seminar programmes.

Only a trade exhibition can offer these benefits which is why I and my colleagues at the BFPA will be present at the forthcoming Fluid Power & Systems Show at the NEC from 12-14 April 2016 in Hall 3A, Stand AF430. We hope that you will come along to our stand if only to say hello and take a well-earned rest over a cup of coffee. If you are staying nearby on the first night of the show we would also encourage you to join us at our Motion Control Awards Dinner at the NEC Conference centre adjacent to the NEC Halls for what is sure to be a great evening for the industry. Call the BFPA for details on 01608 647900 or visit the website: www.bfpa.co.uk.