But let's not be too negative; this was a busy show for the most part (although the organizers' claimed 70,000+ visitors seems to have more than a touch of 'bella figura' about it), and while the exhibitors that we spoke to didn't exactly buzz with excitement, there was still an overall positive feeling that the show would prove to be worth it.
SIB was complemented, in adjacent halls, by a musical instrument exhibition (called DISMA, although it wasn't as bad as all that) which brought an extra dimension to the core event. While SIB this year had a strong pro audio presence in terms of exhibitors, as well as the SoundPower line array shoot-out, the pro audio rank and file were keeping their powder dry for the ProLight&Sound show.
The main complaint would have to be about the road infrastructure serving the new venue. Even with the new railway station outside the hall, the weight of traffic at show closing time was immense: the short drive back to town took us over an hour - 80 minutes on one occasion. It's something when a brand new, state-of-the-art international exhibition venue leaves you longing for Earls Court.
