14
SPN DEC 2012 IndustryNews
www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk
EXCLUSIVE: SHOW ORGANISER TALKS TO SPN ABOUT SPATEX 2013
With a number of new initiatives for 2013, SPATEX Organiser Michele Bridle is confident the Brighton show will be a success
With the organisers of February’s SPATEX trade show now working hard on the 2013 event, SPN spoke to Show Organiser, Michele Bridle about what on paper appears to be arguably the most appealing event for years.
Q: With a new rival show looking as if is going ahead in Birmingham, what would you say are the main points of difference between yourselves and UK Pool & Spa Expo? A: The two events are fundamentally at opposite ends of the spectrum in their history and basic concept. Firstly, as a show of 16 years standing, SPATEX has the benefit of a wealth of experience to draw on and in the past we have found that overall, the trade want their own show, not a combined public event. It is also crucial to understand that SPATEX has a fixed rate policy for all and donates its profits to the industry and this has been used for development and promotion. The Birmingham event as I understand it, is a purely commercial profit generating business. (However if they can match the £1.2m SPATEX has provided to the industry, then I am sure it will be very well received!) I would also stress our ability to put ‘everything under one roof’ is a significant difference, as we offer educational workshops through the excellent work of the ISPE, plus let’s not forget the social aspect, including the Gala Dinner which is exclusive to the event.
Q: Do you think the industry is big enough to support two successful shows?
A: In a word, No! It will only serve to fragment the industry and ultimately do it long term damage. The UK Pool and Spa industry is not a large one and a lot of its success and growth over the years has been based on it being unified. I believe the presence of two shows will only serve to divide it and this will ultimately be counterproductive to grow and strengthen the industry. Notwithstanding, it was recently reported in Eurospapoolnews that the original backers of the Birmingham pool and spa event, GL Events (who organise the Lyon Show) pulled out some time ago.
Q: This year there has been a lot of talk about moving SPATEX to a new location. What is the latest on this development? A: Yes, much research has been done by SPATEX to determine the best location for the Show and this is ongoing. We will make a definitive announcement regarding the location of SPATEX from 2014 onwards in the coming months. We know we can never please all of our Exhibitors and Visitors. What will suit some, won’t others for a myriad of different reasons. However, my main focus is that SPATEX is at Brighton for 2013, in part because we are able to provide our Exhibitors with a very competitive price on stand space and for many it still satisfies the requirement for an unequalled networking opportunity.
Q: One of the biggest gripes for exhibitors is declining visitor numbers. What have SPATEX
been doing to ensure people visit Brighton rather than Birmingham in 2013? A: Unavoidably, we, like other exhibitions and the general economy, have been at the mercy of a double dip recession since 2008. Since then, yes, we have had less visitors but have been able to maintain a more or less consistent level and exhibitor feedback from 2012 was very favourable in terms of business they had achieved, so it would appear key decision makers and buyers are still attending in good numbers. Talk2pr, our PR company have made sure we are in the ‘public eye’ both nationally and internationally. With 23 supporting partners on board, exposure has never been higher. Plus, it has never been easier to visit the Show, as we have negotiated a 50% discount on daily car parking at the NCP Russell Road Car Park, directly opposite the venue and we have pledged to pay the taxi fare from Brighton Train Station to the venue for all visitors with receipts.
Q: Finally, in your own words, what are the three main reasons why you feel people should attend the 2013 show? A: We have a proven track record of 16 successful consecutive years service to the industry and the SPATEX Team have always delivered a professionally run event, because we have learned what our industry wants.
We really are so much more than just an exhibition. Everything is under one roof, key exhibitors from the UK and some from overseas, with a mixture of old and new faces and technical back up second to none!
Many opportunities for networking, either at the Gala Dinner, or elsewhere in Brighton! To quote Ross from the ISPE – if what you are looking for is not at SPATEX – you probably don’t need it!
i FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
F SPATEX ( 01264 358558 :
www.spatex.co.uk
MAKE A DATE WITH CERTIKIN!
If you want to see and hear about new products, network and catch up on all the industry’s latest news, views and issues, January is the month for Certikin’s annual seminars.
As one of the UK’s major distributors, the company can be relied upon for some of the latest and most innovative products for 2013.
The seminars also provide an opportunity for customers to air their views and discuss how, going forward, the company can assist. The series of three seminars are particularly significant this year as they kick start the company’s 50th Anniversary Year.
With time being precious, the chosen venues offer a good geographical spread in order that travel can be minimised.
• TUESDAY 15 JANUARY 2013 – CRAWLEY
Arora Hotel Gatwick Crawley, Southgate Avenue, Southgate, Crawley, RH10 6LW
• THURSDAY 17 JANUARY 2013 – BIRMINGHAM Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport, Coventry Road, Birmingham, B26 3QW
• TUESDAY 22 JANUARY 2013 – EXETER
Woodbury Park Hotel, Woodbury Castle, Exeter, EX5 1JJ
Free refreshments and lunch will be provided throughout each day. Coffee and registration begins at 9.30am and the seminars will start promptly at 10am. Certikin anticipate that each day’s proceedings will conclude at about 3.30pm.
Booking places at the seminar venue of your choice couldn’t be easier, simply contact Laura Mencia at Certikin or visit the company’s website.
i FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
F CERTIKIN INTERNATIONAL ( 01993 777200 :
www.certikin.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92