MACH 2016: Positive post-show report

MACH 2016 clearly moved on from the 2014 edition and it is real testament to the confidence in the sector that every inch of exhibition space in Halls 4 and 5 at the NEC was sold out – for the first time since the economic downturn. We take this as a very positive sign that confidence within the advanced manufacturing sector is high. 

We also saw a 10% increase in visitor numbers on 2014. A lot of the post show reports I have read and feedback from exhibitors I have spoken to, have been overwhelmingly positive about the quality of visitors attending the show. We strive to create an environment conducive to doing business and I am confident that we delivered what we set out to do. It is now our challenge to improve on this in two years’ time. 

Highlight

The problem I’m having when looking back on Mach 2016 is trying to put my finger on one specific highlight from the exhibition. It might sound like a cliché but for me the whole week was fantastic, everyone had put so much effort in to creating the exhibition and ensuring that it ran smoothly. The stands, the technology and most importantly the people created a real buzz around the Halls.  

However, if I am forced to choose, I must say I was particularly pleased with the response to the Learning and Development Zone and the number of student visitors who travelled from all over the UK to attend MACH. The number of students who passed through the exhibition was close to 3500, which gives me confidence that we’re making progress in attracting the next generation of engineers in to the industry. One exhibitor commented to me that “the enthusiasm and the technical nature of the questions being asked by the students was really impressive.”  

We have now turned our attention to the next edition of the UK’s premier manufacturing technology showcase – which will take place from 9th to 13th April 2018. The exhibition will be the first to be held in the NEC’s newer ‘atrium’ Halls. This will see MACH move location for the first time since the NEC opened its doors in 1976.  

The move will enable the entire show to take place in a single uninterrupted space. The new layout has more entrances and more great spaces for stands than ever before. Initial interest in 2018 has been really positive, with space in the un-balloted areas of the exhibition being snapped up quickly by companies keen to reserve their place on the floor plans.

We will continue to work tirelessly for the UK manufacturing sector over the next two years and look to improve on our achievements at the 2016 edition of the show. I believe MACH brings the UK manufacturing community together like no other trade show in this country. We are entrusted by our members and exhibitors to administer an exhibition that invigorates the sector and showcases all the latest technology. Advanced engineering is a forward thinking industry and we will continue to deliver a forward thinking exhibition to reflect this.

We look forward to doing it all again in April 2018.