With 16 new exhibitors at the show and a record number of visitors, Vendex Midlands delivered what it set out to achieve.
Billed as the premier event for the UK vending industry, Vendex regularly attracts serious buyers eager to see the latest innovations on offer from manufacturers, importers, distributors and wholesalers of machines, products, ingredients, equipment and services.
Vendex Midlands took place for the fourth time at the National Motorcycle Museum on Tuesday, April 4 and a total of 766 visitors – a new high for the event – enjoyed all that the many exhibitors had to offer.
Organiser Phil Reynolds said: “It was a monster turn-out. We knew it was going to be busy by the substantial 30% increase of pre-registrations. That’s over and above the previous best-attended show at Vendex North. We were busy handing out visitor badges from 9.15am, some 45 minutes before the show opened and the queues didn’t stop throughout the day.”
The show attracted several new exhibitors including 9 Brand, Vimto Out Of Home, Natural Balance Foods and Handmade Speciality. The new exhibitors made up approximately 25% of those at the show, which is something that Vendex aims to achieve at each event as this increases the interest for the visitors.
Phil added that the exhibitors were extremely happy with the footfall, so much so that stands were booked on the day for Vendex North which will take place later in the year.
Exhibitor feedback
Exhibitors VI spoke to talked highly of the event.
Dan Segal of first time exhibitor Red Star Beverages said: “For us, it was the first time at Vendex and we were very pleased by the interest in our brands. Being new to the industry we were hoping to meet decision makers from a wide range of operators and we were not disappointed. Hopefully we can bring some real value to the industry with our great tasting healthier products. We’re definitely looking to exhibit again in November and hope to have some big advocates by then too.”
“We find Vendex extremely useful as it allows us to showcase our range, as well as meet potential new customers. Over the day we made a number of very positive leads. Overall the show was a success for Pladis – it was very well organised and we will attend future events,” said Dave Cutler of Pladis Global.
Chris Leckie of Macchiavalley UK added: “Vendex Midlands was very busy, more importantly the visitors were decision makers and genuine enquiries were made. This is the fourth time we have exhibited at the show and it gets bigger and better. Having a one day show at a cost effective event works well and the venue was perfect. I will certainly exhibit again.”
And finally, Jim Redford of H2O Direct said: “Vendex Midlands was one of the busiest exhibitions for H2O Direct so far this year. The venue is ideal, easy to set up and access, and very easy for the customers to come and visit. We definitely will be coming to exhibit again next year.”
Consistent delivery
These comments come as welcome feedback to Phil who added: “Vendex has consistently delivered every time over the years and always strives to offer value for money. It is our priority as organisers to carry out a huge amount of work behind the scenes to ensure that the show has a wide range of products and services on show from the best of the vending industry while at the same time delivering a valuable audience of visitors to our exhibitors.”
Vendex North will take place on Tuesday, November 7 in the Manchester Suit at Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United FC.
