Fluid Power & Systems and Air-Tech 2016 attract biggest visitor numbers to date

26 April, 2016

These exhibitions were complemented by MACH and National Electronics Week; also staged at the NEC. The DFA Media shows’ success was also reflected by the attendance figures for the seminars and conference, with over 450 delegates visiting the programme over the three days. These free technical seminars included speakers offering expert views, information, guidance and advice on a wide range of important and topical issues relevant to each show.

Sponsors for Fluid Power & Systems 2016 were: Argo-Hytos, Beaumanor, BFPA, BVAA, Custom Fittings, Metal Work, MP Filtri, SMC Pneumatics, Staubli, Parker, Schwer Fittings and Tom Parker Ltd. Sponsors for Air-Tech 2016 were: BCAS, Beaumanor, Gardner Denver, Hertz Kompressoren, Huba Control and Mattei. Media partners were Hydraulics & Pneumatics and Plant & Works Engineering magazines.

Inaugural Motion Control Industry Awards

The evening of the first day of the shows saw the staging of the inaugural Motion Control Industry Awards – in association with the UK Motion Control Alliance (UK MCA), which took place at the National Conference Centre (formally known as the National Motorcycle Museum). Supported by some of the biggest names in the motion control arena, and with some 250 people in attendance, the event was heralded a great success by all those involved (see pages 8 and 10 for the full report).

Popular choice

Fluid Power & Systems, which has the full support of the British Fluid Power Association (BFPA), is the only exhibition in the UK totally focused on hydraulics, pneumatics, systems and related equipment, and as such has proved to be the popular choice for fluid power system manufacturers and distributors. Chris Buxton, CEO of the British Fluid Power Association (BFPA), incorporating the British Fluid Power Distributors Association (BFPDA), said of Fluid Power & Systems 2016: “There are many digital enthusiasts who claim that the advent of the virtual or web-based show will herald the end of traditional exhibitions. There was certainly no evidence of this at Fluid Power & Systems 2016. Nor did the current challenges in the offshore and steel market appear to have prevented companies and suppliers turning out in strength to display their wares.”

Buxton continued: “Visitor numbers were strong and the BFPA Pavilion was busy throughout the three days of the event. Innovation was a strong theme as was the inexorable trend towards automation and wider motion control whilst those visitors seeking a range of added value learning opportunities were very pleased with the range of topics covered in what was a strong seminar programme. We look forward to attending the 2018 event.”