Advanced Engineering Show: attendances and forward bookings on the rise

This year’s event, held in early November at Birmingham’s NEC, not only attracted a record number of visitors, but also marked an exhibitor booking frenzy for the 2018 edition, 35% higher than that the previous year. One of the UK’s largest meeting places for advanced engineers attracted some of the industry’s biggest names including Airbus, Boeing, Jaguar Land Rover, Hexcel, and Dassault Systèmes.

Visitors saw a variety of cutting edge technology and materials from exhibitors as well as show floor features: “It was the only place in the world where you could find, under one roof, a hydrogen powered car, the latest in aircraft landing gear, a battery made 100% from recycled materials, a ground based test rig for electric contra rotating propulsion, and a Libralato hybrid engine,” enthused Alison Willis, industrial divisional director at Easyfairs.

“In addition, the Enabling Innovation showcase, sponsored by Magna and supported by Innovate UK, significantly expanded and provided a unique opportunity for 50 start-ups and researchers to showcase the next generation of exciting new technologies.

“This year was outstanding,” she continued. “The visitors, the conference speakers, the companies who supplied the show floor features and the exhibitors have all contributed to making Advanced Engineering 2017 a resounding success.

“Our new zone – Connected Manufacturing – was hugely popular, with a particularly well-attended open forum, demonstrating the importance of Industry 4.0 to companies of all sizes. Plans are afoot to expand this area of the show even more for 2018. Other highlights for next year’s event include the introduction of a new Nuclear Engineering zone, addressing nuclear energy build, operation and the supply chain.”

The exhibitors were equally enthusiastic: “The show is a fantastic opportunity to support our industry partners in meeting new clients,” said John Darlington, exhibitor TenCate’s global director, product and market strategy. “This year was the best yet – delivering more leads, more contact with suppliers and, importantly, the ability to meet TenCate’s existing customers and partners.”

Robert Slade, automotive consultant, Mackenzie Jones Engineering, concurred: “An excellent show for networking and very important for my company. We visit every year. It was enjoyable and worthwhile.”

Advanced Engineering 2018 will take place from 31^st October to 1st November.

Advanced Engineering www.advancedengineeringuk.com