It was a welcome return to Newbury Showground for event suppliers as major stakeholders gather at the 2021 Showman’s Show, writes Michelle Tayton.
The UK’s original and most comprehensive exhibition for the outdoor and special event world returned to Newbury Showground this October. It was the perfect opportunity for the outdoor event industry to reconnect, showcase products and services, share stories of how they’ve navigated their way through the pandemic, discuss best practice and look forward to an incredibly busy 2022.
Commenting on the popular show’s return, event director Jeremy Lance said: “I think the sense of relief in being able to get back together at the show, not only for us as a team but the industry as a whole, was palpable.
“Exhibitor and visitor numbers were around two-thirds of what we usually see at the show but, given what we’ve been through as an industry since March 2020, we are incredibly pleased with that. What is more important is that we had the major players attend, from the suppliers and manufacturers exhibiting to high profile event organisers such as All England Lawn Tennis Club, Glastonbury, H Power, Festival Republic, RHS, Goodwood and Roskilde. It was wonderful to see people smiling, chatting and ultimately doing business throughout both days of the show. I don’t think that we could have asked for more than that”.
That sentiment was certainly echoed by Showman’s Show exhibitors. Ivana Shantilal of mobile catering ordering platform NOQ, who were new to the exhibition, said: “We had a really great experience at the show – it was by far the best networking we’ve experienced in the industry, and there were a lot of relevant stakeholders present”.
Temporary overlay specialist GL events’ Rachel Baker adds: “We were really keen to be back at Showman’s Show in 2021 to catch up with people, to share experiences and to look forward with positivity and optimism about the opportunities in events over the next couple of years. We were delighted to see so many familiar faces and showcase the fact that, despite the pandemic, GL events has very much not taken a step backwards in terms of market presence and appetite to deliver a fresh and professional service. In fact, we are more driven than ever to take things to the next level”.
Long running exhibitor, Event Hire Group’s Simon Wiser also commented: “The Showman’s Show has always been, and continues to be, a valuable and permanent fixture in our marketing event calendar. We’re already looking forward to 2022!”
OAB’s Top Picks
DCRS
www.dcrs.co.ukEstablished in 1987, DCRS has become one of the UK’s market leaders in the hire, sales and service of two-way radio communication products and body cams to the events industry.
With technical excellence and accreditations for quality assurance, health and safety and product support, DCRS offers exceptional client service by combining technical and operational expertise, resources and commitment throughout product and system lifetimes. In recognition of this, they have been awarded the Queen’s Royal Warrant.
Biemmedue UK/Arcotherm
www.arcotherm.co.ukPortable seating specialist Arcotherm is the sole UK distributor of the Biemmedue product range and one of the UK’s leading suppliers of portable heating equipment. Its extensive range of both direct and indirect heaters are renowned in the marquee and event industry, and its huge stocks means orders are processed quickly.
The website contains detailed information on each heater, accessories, spare parts and service kits together with exploded parts diagrams and instruction manuals. Drop the team a line and ask about their marquee packages.
Elani Lighting
Elani Lighting provides decorative outdoor lighting systems for marquees, glamping and terraces with elegant and fun lamps suitable for use in all weather. Offering a diverse range of stylish Italian designed light fittings and cables, lighting can be assembled to your exact requirements.
Combine natural finishes, coloured cables and elegant and/or fun lamps with components that are IP65 water resistant, protecting them from the weather whatever configuration you create!
Burrow Venues
www.burrowvenues.co.ukSupplying mobile venues as unique, versatile and exciting environments for almost any occasion, Burrow Venues offers flexible hire and a full creative design and build service. The fleet of venues and bars has been designed for the differing needs of the event industry, from boutique VIP to private events and high volume pouring.
With a number of hire and branding packages, including the option of dry hire or staffed and stocked, customers can be as hands on or off as they wish.
Top Cat Big Tops
www.topcatbigtops.co.ukTop Cat Big Tops manufacture and hire out colourful temporary structures. Staffed by a crew of highly experienced personnel with many years of experience in the festival, local authority, educational and corporate fields, Top Cat can supply small to large colourful structures that are built to withstand extreme UK weather conditions.
A variety of different size tents are built every year in traditional and brand new colour combinations. If you have a specific requirement, get in touch and Top Cat will create a custom structure to suit your needs.
