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SBES 2004: Show Report and Plans for SBES 2005
“It’s good to be back in Birmingham”. That was the general consensus of those visiting this year's busy Sound Broadcasting Equipment Show, held at the end of last month at the National Exhibition Centre. With another successful show out of the way, organisers Point Promotions are already making preparations for the 30th SBES which will take place at the same Pavilion NEC venue next November.
Well over 100 companies took part in November 2004, including a number of new exhibitors experiencing SBES for the first time. Companies such as Saras Technology, CTP Systems, SSQ Software, Advanced Studio Projects, First Sense, and, Wohler Technologies, all became part of what is undoubtedly the most important domestic exhibition each year for the UK sound broadcasting industry.
By any standards, the 2004 event was a tremendous success. Despite expanding by some 25% compared to SBES 2003, all available stand space had sold out weeks before the event. This success was emphasised once the event opened, with the crowds around the various exhibitors’ stands, not just looking, but obviously doing some serious business as well.
Another indicator of success was that predictions of increased attendance figures compared to 2003 certainly proved correct! For example, BBC Wales, having missed the SBES 2003 event in London, bussed in a crowd on the first day. Even this wasn't enough and the day-trip proved so successful that one of those involved dragged his departmental boss to the show the following day!
A first for SBES this year was the presence of two vehicles, displayed on the forecourt of The Pavilion. GlobeCast, who also sponsored the lounge area with free internet connections within the SBES, were showing their control vehicle, whilst SSL had also brought along a mobile control room. Both vehicles were popular with visitors, and as a result of their success, other exhibitors are already making plans to increase the number of outside exhibits on show at next year's SBES.
Commenting after the event, Dave McVittie of Point Promotions Limited, organisers of the SBES, said: “We knew we had a successful event when we sold out of stand space early. Visitor numbers were well up on last year’s attendance in London. The show was very busy, and, to me, there seemed to be more people engaged in serious discussions on the stands rather than just walking up and down the aisles."
Asked about the reactions of exhibitors in particular, Dave McVittie replied: "All the exhibitors seemed very happy with the show and the attendance. It just goes to show that after 29 years of SBES we seem to be getting it right.” As if to emphasise the point, soon after the show, Point Promotions Limited announced that exhibitors have already re-booked some 53% of the available stand space for the SBES next year.
The 30th Sound Broadcast Equipment Show takes place in The Pavilion at the NEC, Birmingham on Wednesday and Thursday the 16th and 17th of November 2005. More information can be found on the SBES web-site.
21st December 2004
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