It was a ‘storming’ Showman’s Show 2017 for exhibitors!
Despite being sandwiched between hurricane Ophelia and storm Brian, such is the popularity of the Showman’s Show, it still managed to attract event professionals in their droves to Newbury Showground on 18–19 October.
This year’s list of attendees included operations staff and event management and production teams from organisations such as British Marine Boat Shows, New Forest & Hampshire County Show, Cuffe & Taylor, Tough Mudder, drp, Bournemouth 7s, Glastonbury Festival, Lawn Tennis Association, Boomtown Festival, 2Can Productions, Brand Events, London Marathon, IMG Arts & Entertainment, London’s New Year’s Day Parade, Marshall Arts, TRO, Diversified Communications, Jockey Club, Vision Nine Group, Festival Republic, Hockey Women’s World Cup, and Goodwood Group.
Johnny Lance, event director explains, “Despite weather warnings galore in place for the build, show days and breakdown, early indications are that this year’s Showman’s Show has been well received by visitors and exhibitors alike. It was clear to see that the exhibitors had put a tremendous amount of effort into their stands and there were some really interesting new products on display which is great news, not only for attendees but for the industry as a whole. Walking round there was a real buzz and you could tell that business was being done. Feedback from exhibitors thus far is really positive; they’ve met existing clients and taken enquiries for new projects which is what it’s all about to be honest.”
Anne Johnston, Star Events’ business development manager, comments, “We decided to showcase our mobile units as we felt that they spoke to the Showman’s Show audience. This year’s show was really good, we had a lovely mixture of clients that we know and love who came along to talk about next year’s events, but we also had a lot of new enquiries which is really pleasing. The mixture of visitors was good and surprisingly we even met overseas companies which was great.”
This was backed up by Andy Loos’ national sales manager, Adrian Eyles-Jones, who adds, “We’ve been exhibiting at the Showman’s Show for a number of years; we always get good feedback and pick up some new clients. This year has been very good, and we’ve met everyone from organisers of country fairs to luxury party planners. It has been very successful and we’re already looking forward to coming back next year.”
OAB’s Top Picks
Portable Floor Maker
More than just its excellent portable dance floors (including illuminated options), Portable Floor Maker supplies modular illuminated bars, oversize LED & RGB lettering, portable staging, folding leg banqueting tables and metal/Acrylic signage. The systems in all its ranges are inherently easy to use, with no tools required for its floors, stages and bars – just simple ‘click together’ locking mechanisms. Oh, and we love the aisle markers too! www.portablefloormaker.co.uk
TruDomes
The largest in the range, TruDomes’ 10m diameter dome is constructed from an aircraft grade aluminium for a lightweight and strong structure. Created for event organisers, venues and/or glampsite owners, this dome can be used for gigs, parties, as an eating area, or be configured into three private bed rooms with a spacious living area. Designed and manufactured in the UK. www.trudomes.com
Barkers Marquees
Barkers had one of their beautiful Celeste pole marquees on show. The simple eave lines and bevelled, wooden poles provide a stunning structure, ideal for the most prestigious functions. It is easy to create round marquees or structures of varying lengths with the addition of middle sections. The king poles also come in various heights and can be topped with banner flags to catch the eye. Designed and made in the UK by a company with over 100 years in the trade. www.barkersmarquees.co.uk
RedBox Tickets
A one stop shop for ticketing, the folk at Red Box Tickets offer advance and on-site ticketing with ‘Livetime Access Control’ for events including memberships, vouchers and promotions. Ticketing can be white labelled to your brand, is GDPR compliant and easily integrated with social media channels and Google Analytics. For more on why such integration is important, turn to our article on event promotion on pages 50-52! www.redboxtickets.com
Showmobile Services
A complete service in the design, build, hire, operation and staffing of exhibition vehicles, Showmobile Services has a fantastic choice of new and used trailers and promotional vehicles to hire or buy. All vehicles can be completely customised to cater for clients’ needs and fully kitted out to exact specifications. Ideal as ticketing and information booths, welfare units or branded promotional structures – there are a plethora of uses. Ask about the flexible hire services for a cost effective solution for your next event. www.showmobiles.co.uk
Star Events
Supplying affordable temporary stages and grandstands to venues for over 40 years, if you are organising or planning on diversifying into events, Star Events offers a solution for all venues/sites. Suppliers to county shows, stately homes, farms and estates including Jimmy’s Farm, Tulley’s Farm, Blickling Estate, Bowood House, Edenbridge and Oxted Agricultural Show and Hertfordshire County Show, as well as to some of the country’s largest mainstream festivals and events. www.stareventsltd.com
Diary Date
The 2018 Showman’s Show will return to Newbury Showground on 17-18 October. www.showmans-directory.co.uk
