Editor’s comment: May 2016

The MTA deserves a pat on the back for putting on a great event; likewise the exhibitors for pitching up with all their finery and innovation. Last but by no means least, the visitors should take a bow; 25,627 breezed through the turnstiles – many with shopping lists and a real intention to buy. Collectively, I think all of the above made MACH 2016 the best show I’ve ever attended in my reign as Editor of PES.

The show created the kind of buzz that I’ve only ever previously experienced at shows like EMO in Hannover. Monday was a little quiet but then it was all systems go as the aisles became as congested as the M25 on a bad day. Well, perhaps not THAT congested!

Perhaps most important however was the fact that MACH made a statement this year. Although we’re not in the depressing mires of recession experienced back in 2010 by any stretch of the imagination, trading conditions are still somewhat challenging. There are still uncertainties about Europe and the market of late has been quite flat for many businesses – but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes we all have to take stock, regroup and re-plan. The meteoric sales figures many companies enjoyed for a good three years from about 2011 were never going to be sustainable – yet revenues, in general, remain largely healthy.

That’s why MACH 2016 was so important: it could have so easily been an average show with everyone battening down the hatches and nervous about spending money – but it wasn’t; far from it. We even shot some editorial videos this year and the response was fantastic. Go to our website www.pesmedia.com, select videos and then MACH 2016 from the ‘Tags’ field. Many thanks to all the companies that participated.

So onwards to MACH 2018. Should be interesting as the show moves away from halls 4 and 5 into pastures new – halls 17, 18, 19, 20 and 6 to be precise with all stands on a single level.

Dave Tudor Editorial Director