The world of vending hit the NEC lastweek for AVEX 2017 as a host of exhibitors both large and small unveiled over 50 new products and innovations.
Visitors came from countries including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, India, Qatar, Russia and the US to join those from Europe to be a part of the largest vending exhibition in the UK. Those visitors were from a variety of specifier backgrounds including universities, car manufacturers, fast food chains and government organisations.
Jonathan Hart, the chief executive of the Automatic Vending Association, said: “The quality of visitors was extremely high and a huge number were first time visitors which meant exhibitors were able to connect with new contacts. These were exactly the sort of people that exhibitors wanted to meet, making AVEX a unique event within the industry.”
As well as the main exhibition, the Speaker Programme, hosted by Andrew Scott, was a welcome addition to the range of activities on offer. Topics included a broad array of subjects from allergens, cashless payments and Brexit to employment law, digital marketing and hydration.
The day before AVEX proper, the AVA hosted an Operator Summit which proved to be very popular with 12 speakers discussing issues directly related to operators in the industry. In addition, the AVA also hosted a Charity Gala Dinner at the Birmingham Metropole for over 175 attendees which raised over £4,000 for three chosen charities: EdUKaid; The Gallagher Trust; and The Point Foundation. The 20’s theme added an extra element of fun while the balloon raffle and the silent auction were further highlights of the night.
Mr Hart added: “The AVA put together an ambitious programme of events and activities in addition to the main show floor exhibition. All these events proved popular and I would like to thank all the people involved including our partners and all those who took part in the Speaker Programme and Operator Summit. Together, they helped make a high-quality, diverse, informative and rewarding show for AVA members, exhibitors and visitors alike.”
Check out our full review in the October issue.
