A strong foundation for Interplas 2014
As the momentum towards Interplas 2014 gears up, with stands already re-booked and space selling fast I take a look back at how a successful 2011 show has built solid foundations for what is set to be the biggest and best UK plastics industry show in 2014, and one that BP&R Magazine is proud to be the official media partner of.
Rather like the overwhelming sensation of elation, pride and satisfaction after following your team all the way to a World Cup win, the team at Rapid News Communications enjoyed a constant fuzzy feeling inside post-Interplas 2011.
The jubilation felt by the team was tantamount to the hard work and dedication put in after three years of preparation, planning and gathering momentum.
Organised for the first time by Rapid News Communications Group, publishers of BP&R Magazine, the show was hailed as a fantastic return to form for the British manufacturing industry. With over 260 exhibitors and many thousands of visitors, numbers were strong, and the reviews stronger.
Duncan Wood, Chief Operating Officer at Rapid News Communications Group, told BP&R: “I am absolutely delighted with the feedback we have had since the event. It is unusual in my experience to get so many unsolicited comments but our email, forums and twitter have been alive with positive noises that really reinforces the buzz we experienced during the open days. The show-floor was busy throughout, the booths, many of them looking superb, were a hive of activity and several significant deals, some in excess of half a million pounds, were concluded onsite.
“Our exhibitors put their trust in Rapid News and in our plans to re-energise Interplas and given that many of them have remarked that they feel the show is back on track I am confident that we have repaid that trust. It is fair to say without the exhibitors we could not have delivered the successful event that we did. Their efforts are key to delivering a vibrant event and for this I wish to formally acknowledge their contribution.
“I must also pay tribute to the fantastic Events Team at Rapid News, they can be proud of their contribution and backed by the publishing arm which really got behind the event they have all contributed to the success, we are now looking forward to 2014 and upping the game even further,” he added.
Highlights from the 2011 debut included live machinery and equipment demonstrations from the likes of Hi-Tech Automation, Staubli, InTouch, Romi Sandretto and TH Plastics. Also popular were the seminars, which this year brought visitors up to date on the latest trends in advanced injection moulding, medical plastics, design innovations and emerging possibilities in environmentally responsible manufacturing.
Feedback from the show was overwhelmingly positive as exhibitors and visitors alike reported a successful week. Darren Wadsworth of Wilde Analysis described his experience as an “amazing three days, great turnout and well organised show that exceeded expectations.” Robin Enderby of BMC Controls said on LinkedIn: “What a great show. Far exceeded expectations.” And finally, John Goff of G&A Moulding was heard to describe Interplas 2011 as “The best show I’ve been to in five years.”
Interplas 2014 will take place from 30 September - 02 October 2014 at the NEC, Birmingham. For further information and stand details, contact Colin Robinson, Event Sales Manager on +44 (0) 1244 680 222 or email colin.r@rapidnews.com