Official figures show that the event, which took place on 6 & 7 November, was 74% bigger with 110 exhibiting companies and an increased attendance by 33%. These attendees - lab managers, researchers and lab professionals - said the show really plugged a gap in the market. Indeed according to independent research, 86% of visitors reported that they were looking for new suppliers and products, 96% said the show met their objectives and 90% reported they would recommend the show to a colleague.
This feedback, plus the uniqueness of the exhibition as a way to reach the UK lab market, attracted an array of new exhibitors to Lab Innovations 2013 and they too were extremely positive about the show's performance.
Ruth Thompson from Autoscribe comments “Lab Innovations 2013 has been very successful for us; we have met with a huge number of serious buyers and it’s been great to get our product right in front of them.”
Steve Young, Nickel-Electro Ltd agrees “This year’s Lab Innovations was a huge success; you can visibly see how much the show has grown in just one year! A great opportunity to meet existing customers, old friends and discover new opportunities.”
The 2013 show featured not only a full range of exhibitors but also a new UKAS Pavilion, a full two-day conference hosted by show supporter, The Royal Society of Chemistry, keynote presentations from Professor Andrea Sella and Lord Professor Robert Winston and Campden BRI technical workshops.
Renowned science showman, Professor Andrea Sella, who discussed the stories behind classic lab equipment during his address, said of the show: "I'm convinced that there are products debuting at this show which will be the classic equipment of the future."
His comments not only underscore the innovation that was on display at Lab Innovations 2013 but, with over 45% of exhibiting companies launching new products for the first time in the UK, they highlight the importance of the show as a place where lab professionals can find the very latest emerging technologies, products and services, catch up with latest thinking and network with their peers.
Despite its already packed programme and the show's rapid growth, the organisers are already putting plans in place for the 2014 event. These include developing an area of the show focused on the automation and process for the laboratory industries with continued support from the media and association partners including Gambica and Campden BRI.
“The massive extension of the show floor, the 33% rise in visitor numbers and the fact those visitors loved the show and will recommend it to a colleague for next year, tell us we are delivering a show that the market wants and needs. There's nothing like it in the UK, it has already become a key fixture in the lab professional's calendar," says Katie Morhen, event manager, easyFairs UK.
Lab Innovations 2014 will take place on 5 & 6 November 2014 at Birmingham’s NEC.
For more information please visit www.easyFairs.com/LABINNOVATIONS or to find out about exhibiting contact Chris Jones on +44 (0)20 8843 8829 or Chris.Jones@easyFairs.com