Southern show delivers on promises

According to its organisers, by close of play, the air of vibrancy and confidence that was almost palatable at Southern Electronics 2004 had been translated into measurable results.

According to its organisers, by close of play, the air of vibrancy and confidence that was almost palatable at Southern Electronics 2004 had been translated into measurable results.

Over 40% of exhibitors had rebooked - and in exhibition circles 25% rebooking of stands by time the doors finally close is considered a very positive result.

Bearing in mind that many decision makers, particularly from the larger companies, are not available on the day, the 40% rebooking is an outstanding endorsement of the show and the fact that it delivers tangible results.

After all, who is better placed to make such a call than the exhibitors themselves.

According to the show organiser Marilyn Driscoll: "Not only were companies rebooking, many were looking at a larger stand for 2005".

There's only one thing that instils such an air of confidence.

That is the firm belief that the show, any show, has unearthed good business opportunities.

This confidence was very apparent to some visitors who were also there as prospective exhibitors.

One major international electronic component supplier, there to assess the show, was so impressed with what he saw, he immediately booked a stand for 2005.

This "feelgood" factor was mirrored by Tony Cornish, Field Sales Manager of The EuroTech Group, a company that specialises in printed circuit boards and allied products, when he observed: "This is the first show in a long time where visitors have turned up with drawings and live projects to discuss.

The show also convinced us that the regional concept really works.

That's why we're now looking at the North West show as a way of supporting our regional sales force and will definitely be back here in 2005".

But the sixty-four thousand dollar question is whether the show generates business.

Laura McBrown, sales representative of G and B Electronic Design, a company that designs and manufactures PCBs and other assemblies, best answers this question.

She was able to report: "Two major projects that started as leads at last year's Southern Electronics are about to go live.

That's a real result.

The level of interest so far at this year's show promises to deliver similar opportunities.

That's why we will be back for 2005".

The results for this year's show underpin two of the planks on which the show rests.

First, visitors in the South are more prepared to turn out for an exhibition on their doorstep than trek off to national events four or more hours drive away.

Secondly, an electronics show alongside a manufacturing show will develop a whole new audience.

Many exhibitors spotted potential customers, who don't normally visit a dedicated electronics event.

For example Peter Towler, Sales Manager of Briton Electronics, said: "Southern Electronics definitely does what it claims: delivers a new audience for electronic suppliers.

From last year's show we quoted for some significant business with companies new to us.

All the signs are that this will be repeated for this year.

I would estimate there are more than a dozen quotable opportunities in the bag, it is now up to us to convert".

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