GOOD VIBRATIONS

I haven’t seen the official figures yet (no criticism intended, it’s 9am on the day following the show) but my impression of this year’s National Incentive Show was that it was busy, buzzy and upbeat. You could breathe the enthusiasm and energy in the air from both the exhibitors and visitors. After all the talk of economic gloom, it was quite a tonic and a sign that this industry is optimistic, as well it should be.

There was a good mixture of products and services and it was good to see some of the voucher suppliers (who had been absent in the past few years) taking the plunge once again.

I’m glad to say some of my industry colleagues who visited the show shared my view, Anne Hancock, Industry Consultant, said, “I thought that NIS this year was a better show than last year, Touchstone have worked hard at it. The layout of the seminar theatres was a vast improvement, easy to find and the open format bringing the seminars into the show. It was good to see some new companies exhibiting, not just the usual suspects.

“Also, having the Print for Business exhibition positioned at the back of the NIS hall resulted in their visitors also being exposed to the NIS exhibitors on the way through.”

Paul Sung, Sales Director of Promotional.Merchandise.org.uk, commented, “I attended NIS visiting a number of our clients. The halls seemed busy and most exhibitors I spoke to were positive in their view of how the show had gone for them. There were some high quality seminars, the two Google seminars being particularly popular.”

Ian Allchild, who was once again voted onto the board of the British Promotional Merchandise Association (BPMA) following several years absence, said, “I felt an atmosphere of business. The exhibitors were keyed up and this infectious attitude got through to the visitors, who I'm sure appreciated it. There was plenty of buzz and camaraderie, which is good for the industry. After all, in these economic times we all need motivating, giving the Sales Promotion Industry suppliers a great lift ... if they work for it.”

I think, in his usual insightful way, Ian Allchild has hit the nail on the head. There is still plenty of business for the promotions industry, but they may have to work that little bit harder, and even promote themselves more, to get it.

Carole Bull
Editor

Footnote, official review now received click here

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