LIW, NEC, BIRMINGHAM, UK
ShowReview DEC 2012 SPN
75
LIW – the perfect show for Defender Filters
SIGNS OF RECOVERY It’s not all doom and gloom as we report on the annual 3 day trade show L
eisure Industry Week (LIW) is billed as the show to attend to keep abreast of industry trends and source the latest products, technologies and services that are available plus network with colleagues from within the commercial sector of the wet leisure industry. But back in September, as I travelled to Birmingham for this year’s three day event, I couldn’t help thinking was the effort to attend going to be worth it? That thought was based on the low number of specialist wet leisure companies that had booked stands for this year’s event combined with the three previous years having been staged against a background of strict cost control and public sector savings. On the flip side, LIW is always well organised, had introduced a number of new initiatives for 2013 including a decent seminar line up for wet leisure facility operators plus the country was still riding high following the Olympics, Paralympics and many other amazing sporting achievements in 2012. So perhaps this year could be the year when the gloom finally lifted. As you entered the hall, despite not seeming overly busy, there was definitely the usual buzzing atmosphere that always seems present at the annual show.
With over 300 companies exhibiting, that’s not surprising but the Pool & Spa section is just one of six distinct sectors that the show plays host to. When I reached that sector of the show, yes it was a little disappointing to see what seemed like so few companies there, however given the numbers there was a diverse range of products on show and from speaking to the exhibitors, most seemed very pleased with the quality, if not quantity of the visitors and enquires they had received. Perhaps after four years of cut backs and
doom and gloom, the mood was finally lifting! Post show this seems to be the case with better economic figures reported by the Government and the organisers themselves highlighting this positivity, saying: “whilst the domestic side of the pool market has faced significant challenges from the climate (both meteorological and economic) the commercial wet leisure industry shows strength and promising signs of growth”. The event organisers were delighted with the show this year and reported a significant change in behaviour from buyers and suppliers at the show. “They are at their most receptive since the outbreak of recession and there really is the ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ notion prevailing in Leisure. Clearly promising news for all involved, ” said Max Quittenton, Sector Manager for Pool & Spa at LIW. “The atmosphere was absolutely fantastic. We saw exhibitors really invest in the event, not only in terms of building and managing some of the most vibrant stands we’ve seen but also in terms of their unwavering enthusiasm for showcasing their ideas and products to the visitors walking around the exhibition. In an economic climate when it can be difficult for professionals to justify time out of the office it was great to see so much business being done on the show floor,” said Event Director David Sanvoisin.
Themes from this year’s show included an increase in companies which cater for the youth market. Children’s swimwear, classes and equipment were richly represented on the show floor highlighting synergies with the Play & Attractions section. RoSPA provided safety advice within their Q&A clinic as well as sessions within the free education programme. The show also saw an increase in water treatment companies.
Additional highlights included a Zoggs fashion show on the new LIW Live stage and an interview with STA employee Zoe Cooper about her experience as part of Britain’s Got Talent 2012 with synchronised swimming act Aquabatique. In addition to the obvious cost saving and energy efficient products, two of the big trends for me at the show were training and systems for the better running of plant rooms, and aquatic fitness, with several companies exhibiting a variety of products.
In terms of next year the organisers are keen to reintroduce the pool feature and are currently in discussions with various suppliers about working together on that.
It’s also important to mention that in 2013, LIW will move from halls 17, 18 and 19 to the much bigger hall 4 which will result in a completely different and more inclusive floor plan representing the synergies between the different sectors on show. This change will mean that the products which cross the entire leisure industry and represent secondary spend, like food, drinks, facilities etc will be more incorporated into the rest of the show making the whole event feel more inclusive and representative of the industry. In communications with exhibitors and visitors since the show this move has been very well received. Having attended several LIW’s now, I find it odd that the show doesn’t do better in attracting more companies exhibiting from the wet leisure sector, especially with the numbers that attend. Maybe the change in format will assist but more importantly though, perhaps we have reached a turning point. I for one felt more positive having attended the show and will definitely be attending next year’s event.
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