Spring Fair 2013 - Birmingham

[moo-tique]

Hi all,

We have just registered to attend this years Spring Fair to be held in Birmingham and starts on 3rd Feb.

Has anyone been before? Is it any good?

I've heard that it's extremely popular but haven't really heard much about it.

 

[daveymck]

I went to Autumn fair which is apparently smaller went for a day and a half and it want enough to get round the bits we wanted. Was worth it for us we got a few new suppliers and got to see some stuff in the flesh compared to online. Going for three days this time.

 

[Lunazzurra]

It's the one trade show that we make sure we don't miss. We normally go for three days and make a mini-break out of it as well staying in the Ibis hotel at the airport.

If you do go though, make sure you do some research beforehand of the sort of stands you would like to visit.

For a first time visitor the magnitude of things to see and the sheer size and expanse of the exhibition can be absolutely overwhelming if you're not careful. Once you're there, take a deep breath, take your time and don't feel rushed.

To roam aimlessly round the halls in the hope of finding something interesting will exhaust you very, very quickly and you'll only end up seeing a quater of what you need to. Take plenty of water/coffee/refreshment breaks to keep you hydrated throughout the day.

Unless we know exactly what we want to order with a particular supplier we very rarely place orders at the exhibition itself, despite any show offers. We find it best to take all the info back and seriously think about things in the cold light of day once removed from the infectious excitement of the show. We've certainly fallen victim of the "it seemed like a good idea at the time" trap before now!

But most of all enjoy it. It really is worth going if you can, and the chance of meeting existing suppliers helps keep you/them in each others eyes and then the opportunity to meet interesting new potential suppliers too.

 

[Storage King]

Wear comfortable shoes and try to go for more than one day.

A lot of visitors pull around those small suitcases on wheels, which can be very hand as there is loads of literature to collect, include heavy catalogues.

It can be a very over whelming show, so as previously advised definitely do some research first on who you want to visit.

 

[sysops]

A lot of visitors pull around those small suitcases on wheels, which can be very hand as there is loads of literature to collect, include heavy catalogues.

This is a very good way of identifying yourself as a clueless newbie, and achieves very little.

Instead of going round collecting a hundredweight of catalogues, go through the exhibitor list beforehand (it'll take you a few hours), and make a list of the exhibitors you most want to see (and their locations).

Go visit them and talk to them. Give them your cars, and ask them to send you their catalogue and price list.

You don't need to lug a suitcase around, you will achieve a lot more, and you'll be taken more seriously.

Wear something comfortable but smart. Half the people there go round dressed like hobos. This is not businesslike.

Don't take your child/pram/dog/monkey/mother-in-law.

 

[LianneF]

I would also not dress for winter as it gets very warm in there walking around the 15 or so halls!

 

[smo]

Has anyone been before? Is it any good?

We've been every year for the last 20 or so, that and the autumn fair.

To be honest its not worth it for us anymore, we shant be attending as the last 5 years have been going down hill and I've got to the point now where the last 3 have turned up nothing new or useful so its just an expense, time and long trek I cant be bothered to make.

It certainly used to be THE SHOW to go to, but i dont think its the same anymore.

Certainly heed advice about comfy footwear, water and clothing - its hot and a lot of walking.

I'd suggest if you need brochures and literature that is particuarly heavy then you ask them to forward it to your office rather than carring it all day long.