19-23 March 2011

After a hugely successful event in November 2010, a large number of IMHX exhibitors have rebooked for the next show in March 2013.

Joint organisers of the International Materials Handling Exhibition – Quartz Publishing and Exhibitions Ltd and the British Industrial Truck Association (BITA) – are delighted that over 70 exhibitors have already signed up for the next show, now two years away. “It’s a great way to kick off the 2013 show,” commented Paul Michael, Managing Director of Quartz, “and is testament to how successful IMHX is in delivering large volumes of high-quality leads to ensure return on investment.” James Clark, Secretary-General of BITA, added, “Our members and other exhibitors seemed very pleased with the 2010 show and the Design 4 Safety competition was a real highlight, with many of the winners now capitalizing on their success. The number of bookings already confirmed for IMHX 2013 demonstrates both the high level of confidence in the exhibition and current market sentiment.”

Over 8,000m2 of space already sold

Taking place at Birmingham’s NEC from 19-22 March, IMHX 2013 is once again expected to attract all the major players in the supply chain and logistics industry. Over 8,000m2 of space has already been allocated within the event, with a number of companies taking larger stands than at the last show. One such company is Crown Lift Trucks UK Ltd; said Simon Emery, Managing Director, “The enquiries we received at IMHX 2010 far exceeded our expectations and we currently have live quotations with new customers as a direct result of our attendance. We are delighted to announce that we have not only booked space at IMHX 2013, but have doubled the size of our stand. The UK is a great place to do business,” added Mr Emery, “and the larger stand space reflects both our commitment to the show and our growing product line. IMHX 2013 will play an important role in our marketing strategy.”

Many first-time exhibitors at the show in November were so impressed with the high calibre of visitors that they have rebooked already. Said Richard Short, Sales Director for goods lift manufacturer, Penny Hydraulics Ltd, “IMHX proved to be an excellent showcase event and we were extremely pleased with the number and quality of enquiries that we received. Although leads can often take 6-12 months to come to fruition, we have already received orders for close on £100,000 as a result of the show.” Martin Smith, Area Manager (UK) for first-time exhibitor, Packsize Limited, agreed: “IMHX 2010 was used as a launchpad for Packsize Limited, the new UK arm of Packsize, to demonstrate our technology to help businesses reduce their packaging consumption. The quality of the visitors and the contacts made meant that the event was highly successful for us and we had no hesitation in rebooking for IMHX 2013.” Spaciotempo UK Ltd, another first-time exhibitor, was also very pleased with the response to its stand. “As the leading show in the industry,” commented Katie Soutar of Spaciotempo, “IMHX enabled us to showcase our products to the right audience in a professional environment. We were pleasantly surprised at both the volume and quality of visitors and took some great enquiries, which the sales team is now working hard to convert. We hope to have contracts signed off the back of IMHX over the coming months.”

Equally, many long-standing IMHX exhibitors have reserved stands for 2013. “We believe that it is the only show that reflects and supports the entire breadth of the warehousing and logistics market,” commented Alan Jenkins, Commercial Director of industrial door specialist, Hörmann UK Ltd. “The show allowed us to finalise details for a new loading bay order with a major high street retailer worth £1.2 million for their new distribution centre,” he added. Advanced Handling, supplier of bespoke materials handling solutions, also had a great show. “The level of enquiries received far exceeded our expectations,” said Louisa Wallace, Marketing Executive, “and the large volume of interest in our products – particularly our Mezzanine Lift which we had on display – has resulted in several sales.”

The industry’s premier event

Showcasing thousands of innovative products and services, IMHX is the undisputed leader in UK logistics exhibitions. It is also an event deserving of the ‘International’ in its title, with almost 50 foreign exhibitors in 2010 – from as far afield as India, Australia, the USA and China – and an impressive 10% of visitors coming from overseas. BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions, one of the UK’s leading providers of finance for forklift trucks, will act as the show’s main sponsor. Rob Fisher, Publishing and Exhibitions Director for Quartz, commented, “We’re delighted that BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions has decided to sponsor IMHX once again. The BNP Paribas group has a keen interest in the logistics sector and there is real synergy in this relationship.”

Visitor-friendly show

IMHX 2013 will retain all the innovative features that have helped to make the exhibition so successful. As in 2007, IMHX 2013 will be co-located with The Cleaning Show, another established industrial event with excellent attendance figures, which will ensure a high flow of visitors between the two shows. IMHX is one of only two events in the UK to offer a VIP valet parking scheme, which will once again allow top executives a totally hassle-free visitor experience. This exclusive service allows invited VIPs to drive straight up to the IMHX entrance, have their vehicle parked securely by a professional driver and enjoy access to the Premier Club Lounge with complimentary refreshments and Internet facilities. At the 2010 show, the valet parking scheme attracted senior executives from blue-chip companies including Tesco, Sainsbury, Ocado, DHL, 3663, Rolls-Royce and Wincanton.

The popular Design 4 Safety competition will take place again, allowing exhibitors to showcase their innovative products and services that improve health & safety and operational efficiency. In addition, the show will feature an area for automation specialists – the AMHSA Zone, hosted by the Automated Material Handling Systems Association – which will be even larger than at the 2010 event. Plus, IMHX will once again present a series of free, informative seminars for visitors on a range of hot industry topics.

The show’s organisers will again be teaming up with leading independent supply chain consultants, OPS Logistics Consultancy, to offer an advice surgery at the show. Visitors will be able to take advantage of a free, 30-minute consultation with one of the industry experts from OPS to explore ways of increasing revenue, reducing costs, optimizing operational performance and improving customer experience. Commented Dan Derry, Managing Director of OPS Logistics Consultancy, “Last year’s show was a huge success with some 90 hours of sessions provided. Visitors came prepared with genuine issues to discuss, so we were able to really engage with them, providing meaningful advice and the feedback we received about the surgeries was excellent. People were able to take the information we gave and utilise it within their business. We look forward to the buzz, excitement and engagement of IMHX 2013.”

Reserve your stand now

With IMHX taking place only once every three years, the show is a must-attend event in the logistics and supply chain sector for exhibitors and visitors alike. With incentives for ‘early bird’ exhibitors and phased increases in stand rates as the show approaches, it pays to sign up early. Explained Rob Fisher, Publishing and Exhibitions Director for Quartz, “We’re offering time-limited entry to our Premier Exhibitor Club, whose members enjoy a range of benefits including access for their VIP clients to the valet parking scheme, designated inner zone parking, access to the Premier Club Lounge and preferential marketing opportunities. The deadline for joining is August 31. By reserving their stand now,” added Rob Fisher, “exhibitors can also enjoy a 15% discount on the final-phase show rates – prices now are actually lower than the final show rates the 2010 show!” To find out more visit www.imhx.biz and book your stand by calling the IMHX sales team on 01895 454