Leisure Industry Week 2010 can report a significant increase in the number of key decision makers and budget holders attending compared to previous years with over 20% of visitors having purchasing authority in excess of £250k, and over 35% with a budget of over £50k.
Confidence within the private sector is evident with a 35% increase in the number of independent, family or privately owned businesses attending across the three days to find the latest products, services and inspiration available to leisure operators. With over 40% of exhibitors confirming their participation for 2011, before the show had closed, LIW continues to deliver a qualified audience from sectors that have the confidence to invest.
Chris Brown, Event Manger of LIW, said: “Our numbers this year are extremely encouraging. With such a high number of key decision makers it is clear that there is confidence amongst operators as the leisure industry looks beyond the recession. The on-site and evening networking events as well as the seminar programme provided the perfect place for delegates to make new contacts and do business, whilst the show floor demonstrated some of the most innovative products on the market.”
LIW was jam-packed with buying potential with the latest and most innovative products from across the leisure industry. With a 10% increase in companies exhibiting there were 350 exhibitors hosting demonstrations, talks and practical workshops for visitors at the show.
Fiona Gale, Director Business Development at Unvisited World said: “As Unvisited World looks to develop visitor attractions around the globe we found several products and services on offer at LIW to be the perfect mix for our plans. Being able to discuss our ideas with leading industry suppliers has further consolidated our understanding of the possibilities. Meeting other leading attractions operators, getting their feedback and insight into which products consumers are demanding was invaluable – a great event for a great industry.”
The Play Innovation Zone, in association with the Play Providers Association (PPA), was a great success at LIW, with the most innovative products in the industry being demonstrated. Sound
Leisure won the Aspiration4Innovation Award at the PPA Aspire Awards for its ‘Sound Stage’ product with Mini Melts taking Silver and Smart Dragon the Bronze.
The Attractions Ideas Village was also a positive addition to the Play & Attractions sector. It allowed visitors to meet architects, consultants, marketers, designers, themeing and merchandising companies to discuss new projects and technology.
Regarding the recent developments at LIW, Tony Sefton Founder of Vision XS commented “over the past two years LIW has developed into a serious trade show for the UK visitor attraction industry. A place for business, not time wasters. We are pleased to continue our support of LIW as the UK event for the UK industry and urge all stakeholders to engage with the organisers to ensure it continues to grow, deliver results and offer a unique place to do business.”
The inaugural Coin-op showcase in the Play & Attractions sector displayed the latest products for leisure sites with coin operated amusements. Exhibitors included Harry Levy Amusements, Electrocoin, SAM Leisure, RLMS Sales Ltd, Simworx, LaserSniper and Laserforce International.
Following ITM Leisure’s first time at LIW David Cope, Sales Manager reported that “LIW has provided ITM Leisure with an eye-opening insight into new markets that had previously gone unexplored. Coupled with the planned investment and development of the Coin Op area we envisage LIW becoming the new meeting place for this sector every autumn.”
One of the main attractions at LIW was the Wavesurfer, Europe’s only portable wave. Exhibiting for the first time in the UK, Wavesurfer encouraged hundreds of visitors to don their wetsuits and have a go at surfing. Several professional demonstrations took place, showing visitors a number of techniques that can be used whilst on the wave. The 9m portable installation is perfect for body boarders, surfers, wake boarders, skate and snowboarders.
LIW hosted a new EnviroZone in the Leisure Facilities sector, which held a number of presentations by energy saving companies. Exhibitors included PowaSava, Therma Pool, Calorex, MHA Lighting, Pulse Commercial Utilities and Riva Global.
Mike Ford, Director of PowaSava, said: “Good leads were generated and we saw many visitors who had an interest in managing their energy emissions more effectively.”
Leisure Industry Week 2011 will be held at the NEC on the 20 – 22 September. For further details about LIW please visit www.liw.co.uk or call Chris Brown on +44 (0)207 955 3968.
