{"id":477,"date":"2017-07-25T13:51:47","date_gmt":"2017-07-25T13:51:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.plastikcity.co.uk\/blog\/?p=477"},"modified":"2021-05-14T08:53:50","modified_gmt":"2021-05-14T08:53:50","slug":"uk-plastics-exhibitions-should-we-support-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.plastikcity.co.uk\/blog\/uk-plastics-exhibitions-should-we-support-them\/","title":{"rendered":"UK Plastics Exhibitions – Should We Support Them?"},"content":{"rendered":"

We frequently hear talk of how big the Interplas exhibition used to be \u2013 apparently Battenfeld alone filled one hall!<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

There probably isn\u2019t one contributing factor for the drop off in interest seen from the late 90\u2019s, but reasons cited include:<\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u2013 \u00a0Reduction in staff levels<\/strong>. UK companies now run a tighter ship, so can\u2019t so readily release members of staff.\u00a0 Attendance numbers may have dropped, but is also likely that the right people are attending \u2013 there\u2019s certainly less evidence of \u2018bag fillers\u2019 out on a \u2018company jolly\u2019.\u00a0 As a frequent exhibitor, give me quality over quantity any day, it\u2019s far easier to effectively manage a stand.
\n\u00a0 \u2013 \u00a0Reduction in the spending power of potential exhibitors<\/strong>. This mainly relates to the justification for the high expenditure associated with a self-build stand, particularly if you are demonstrating large pieces of equipment.\u00a0 In reality, the \u2018big players\u2019 are still in attendance, the stands have just decreased in size.\u00a0 It is no doubt the case that sales margins have also been squeezed over the years, leading to reduced budgets.
\n\u00a0 \u2013 \u00a0Reduction in the spending power or demand of customers<\/strong>. If plastic processing companies aren\u2019t thriving, then they have less disposable income and no need to increase production.\u00a0 There has always been the argument for the replacement of older equipment with modern energy efficient models, but the decline in power prices and availability of interest-free loans for carbon footprint reduction has made this less attractive.<\/p>\n

Are things on the up?<\/strong><\/p>\n

There is however strong evidence of a resurgence in both exhibiting and attending exhibitions in the UK and overseas.\u00a0 The last Interplas exhibition in 2014 saw a 10% increase in visitor numbers, as well as improved levels of exhibitors and associated floor space occupation.<\/p>\n

International attendance at Interplas also increased in 2014 with visitors from 56 countries travelling to the NEC, Birmingham, underlining the importance of the UK plastics sector on the world stage.<\/p>\n

Demand from exhibitors for Interplas 2017 has further improved, with an additional hall being opened due to higher levels of interest.\u00a0 This should in turn generate additional visitors, as there will be some new faces to visit.\u00a0 The\u00a0PlastikCity Pavilion<\/a>\u00a0alone has added 20 new exhibitors, many of which are offering products and services that are not typically represented, but are still very relevant to our sector.<\/p>\n

So why the improvement?<\/strong><\/p>\n

This subsequently increases the confidence of suppliers to invest in marketing, knowing there will be a strong demand for their products and services from an expanding cus\"PlastikCity<\/a>tomer base.<\/p>\n

Duncan Wood, CEO at Rapid News Communications Group, owner of Interplas adds,\u00a0\u201c2014 represented a second consecutive edition of Interplas with solid growth on the key metrics of number of visitors, exhibitors and space sold. I am pleased to be able to say that for 2017 we are already up on two counts, namely space sold with the expansion into the new hall and the number of exhibitors. The demand is still high with enquiries to exhibit arriving every day.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cVisitor registration looks strong as we head into the final 10 weeks. Our investment in marketing is paying off and innovative new features, including the PlastikCity Pavilion, will ensure a day, or even two, at Interplas is time well spent.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThere is no substitute for live events. The best way to learn, evaluate and make purchase decisions is by interacting in a live environment and this means trade shows, and in the UK plastics industry, this means Interplas!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

In conclusion\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

The evidence is now overwhelming that UK companies should be exhibiting and visiting our major plastics exhibitions. Aside from the obvious reasons outlined above:<\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u2013 \u00a0Technology<\/strong>. The latest equipment and services can be seen and demonstrated. We all need an edge on our competitors and technology is an efficient way to achieve this.
\n\u00a0 \u2013 \u00a0Keep it local!<\/strong>\u00a0With hot topics such as reshoring on the agenda, a UK exhibition is a great way to meet local customers and suppliers.
\n\u00a0 \u2013 \u00a0Export opportunities<\/strong>. A weak Pound should also attract international buyers. 2014 saw visitors from 56 countries and we should expect this figure to increase this year.
\n\u00a0 \u2013 \u00a0Pride in our industry<\/strong>. Last but certainly not least, Interplas only takes place every three years, so why shouldn\u2019t we take a day to support our home-grown event.<\/p>\n

Head to the PlastikCity Pavilion on stand A40 at Interplas 2017 to visit the PlastikCity and 20 of their partners. PlastikCity will be providing a reception at A40A where they\u2019ll be demonstrating the benefits of PlastikCity to your company as a processor or supplier.<\/p>\n

Visit the Interplas website to register to attend<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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