BFA SALES GROUP DISCUSSES UK INDUSTRY SHOWS
Consensus Points To Changes and Offers Suggestions

The British Federation of Audio
PO Box 365
Farnham
GU10 2BD
Phone: + 44 (0) 1428 714616
Fax: + 44 (0) 1428 717599

e-mail:
chrisc@british-audio.org.uk

At a very well attended meeting of the British Federation of Audio (Sales Group) held recently in central London, the subject of Industry Exhibitions and Shows was the main topic on the agenda. Attendance was, in fact, the highest at a BFA Sales Group Meeting for some time, totalling 26 delegates, comprising members and special invited guests. The attendance was such that an extremely good and representative section of the UK the specialist audio and AV industry were able to offer suggestions and voice opinion.

In a lively and open debate, the attendees ‘brainstormed’ possible reasons – for and against - participating or not participating at designated hotel exhibitions or shows. Elements that would be welcome at such events were also widely discussed. Attendees took the opportunity to voice their own opinions and give fresh ideas regarding exhibitions and shows and concluded that the following would be ideal:

• A major exhibition in London every two years in the alternate year to IFA Berlin.
• Any exhibition should include brands from the smallest to the largest in the consumer electronics industry.
• An exhibition to include live music and live broadcasts.
• Alternative entertainment for the partners of enthusiasts.
• The exhibition should also include four very large demonstration rooms. Two would be for permanent demonstrations of high-end hi-fi and AV. The other two rooms would be used by exhibitors on a by the clock basis to demonstrate to the public.

It is to be hoped that these broad guidelines would allow specialist manufacturers and distributors to take stands without the cost and difficulties of a small and often inadequate demonstration room and, at the same time, allow them to display their products to both the trade and public in a tasteful and appealing manner - and to be able to communicate effectively with all visitors.

The BFA members and guests had no preferences regarding the organisers of the exhibition and suggested that a brief be circulated to possible organisers and other manufacturers and distributors for comment and suggestions. Meetings could also be set up with potential organisers.

It was hoped that this suggested format – held every two years - would allow exhibitors to more easily accrue a budget sufficient to participate in a manner commensurate with the largest CE market in Europe.

Finally, the wish is that the exhibition is large enough and well promoted enough to generate visitor numbers in line with the attendance of the early ‘Live’ Exhibitions and would be exciting and fun enough to justify the description of being called a true Show, of benefit to both industry and public.