Owing to a construction delay with the new bigger Royal Armouries Saviles Hall, the event took place in its original location - a move which proved conclusively that the show has now outgrown the venue and will need the extra capacity to cope with predicted attendance levels in 2008.
The event provided a showcase of over 70 leading brands for buyers in the Midlands, North of England and Scotland, and also served as a platform for many exhibitors to unveil their new products to a UK audience for the first time this year.
This year's seminar highlights included unique talks from leading lighting designers Bernie Davis and Andy Doig, PSA general manager Andy Lenthall, and Barco creative light imaging product manager Mats Karlsson.
Exhibitors represented a selection of entertainment technology brands from the product areas stocked by show organisers A.C. Lighting, who supply to over 80 countries worldwide from their offices in High Wycombe, Leeds and Toronto (North America).
Feedback from exhibitors has very positive, say the organisers. Robe's Ian Brown commented: "A very friendly show with a good quality of customers which has generated some interesting prospects for the year ahead." Martin Professional's Jessica Allan commented: "With so many people there, we received a phenomenal amount of interest in new products we were showing for only the 2nd time. It's nice to do an event aimed at local people you wouldn't normally get at some of the larger shows, plus you have more time with them."
A.C. Lighting's northern sales director, Jonathan Walters, commented: "I'm extremely pleased with the feedback we've received from everyone who attended this year's show. The record turnout level exceeded our expectations and this year we had the strongest ever line-up of brands to represent A.C.'s Lighting, Audio, and new Rigging division. With the show moving to a 40% bigger hall next year, we're looking forward to the challenge of providing of a bigger and better line-up. A big thank you to our sponsors and everyone who attended the event."
Planning for next year's show at the Royal Armouries Museum Saviles Hall, Leeds has already started, and dates will be announced shortly.
(Chris Henry)
