The news comes after considerable investment into the event to improve networking opportunities and the overall visitor experience. As well as site infrastructure changes, specific advancements include the introduction of a themed conference programme and a ‘Meet-the-Buyer' event that places the emphasis on suppliers being able to target, meet and network directly with major OEMs.
“First and foremost, the aim of the show is to ensure that exhibitors enjoy a good working environment,” begins Farnborough International Ltd's (FIL) events & exhibitions director, Amanda Stainer. “Our unique selling point is that people do business at Farnborough; it's all about networking, forming bonds and meeting new friends as well as old ones.
“Around the exhibition halls, you will witness an increase of networking hubs, such as our Meet-the-Buyer B2B event and themed conference programme which will aim to provide visitors and exhibitors more opportunities to network and ensure better value for their time spent at the show. It's also why we've maintained a strong delegation presence, as well as building inroads with the UK MoD so that SMEs can meet them and do business.”
According to Stainer, in readiness for this year's event, the FIL team has listened closely to its customers' demands from the business, commercial and defence sectors to develop a number of initiatives that improve the show's offerings to the industry.
“From the feedback we've received after the 2008 event, our customers want more networking opportunities, but don't want to spend too much time out of the exhibition halls. The themed conference programme days that will take place throughout our special conference programme are designed to focus on bringing certain business people together. It allows us to invite those Government ministers responsible for technology areas, such as aerospace, space, security, and offers people the opportunity to network and meet them, and yet not be away from the halls for too long.”
Stand out from the crowd
Many small to medium enterprises (SMEs) exhibiting at larger airshows can sometimes be overlooked by visitors because they are hidden by the larger OEMs. Stainer reckons FIL has taken the right steps to ensure that this time around they receive higher prominence.
“In terms of improving SME visibility, we've much more on offer this year than previously,” she continued. “For example, the Meet-the-Buyer campaign invites them to participate in our networking events. We will work closely with the SMEs throughout the halls to understand exactly who they want to see. We will also involve them in our delegation programme; we are doing everything possible to maximise their business opportunities and involve them in the show.”
It's also worth noting that the recent SBAC merger with the DMA has created a much stronger link to the UK's SME community. A|D|S now has 850 SME membership companies. In addition, the UK's regional trade associations are clustered closer together in the same hall this year, creating more networking opportunities for everyone concerned.
“Business means business at Farnborough - we have always stuck by this philosophy and we are a truly dedicated trade day business show,” Stainer concluded. “We are very fortunate that when people do have to make choices regarding what airshows to attend, Farnborough is still their number one choice.”
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