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20/11/2006
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Organisers report on a successful W6
The organisers of the W6 Working with Wood exhibition, held at the NEC 8-11 October, report that they are delighted with the quality and scope of the event.
W6 represented the successful re-branding of the former “Woodmex” machinery show to signal its wider range of content across the supply chain. The exhibition broke new ground by bringing a comprehensive mix of raw material, components and service suppliers alongside UK machinery suppliers under the same roof.
Exhibitors have been pleased by the more expansive visitor marketing programme which heralded the new brand and format. Collaborations with other trade associations, RIBA and other influencers raised awareness of W6 in new areas and this was accompanied by a wider press campaign and a highly successful e-marketing strategy. This helped bring nearly 12,000 visitors to the event with many exhibitors commenting that they had seen far more new potential customers than previously. Crucially, a 7% increase in businesses represented by the audience over 2004, underlines the further improvement in visitor quality.
The exhibition also provided new features for visitors and these were very well received.
The Timber Frame House by Benfield ATT attracted especially strong interest with a chance to study the product behind this rapidly rising market. A visit from celebrity designer, Linda Barker, caused a buzz on the exhibition floor and gave some great photo opportunities to the six Furnicom Innovation Award finalists. Winners of the Award were Finesse Fittings with their new range of distinctive handles made from the finest lead free pewter. The new Learning Zone was another lively area with presence from leading colleges and training providers. The competition for machine apprentices was won by David Plumb, sponsored by Cornwall College, whose prizes included flying lessons and a trip to the SCM factory in Italy. The TRADA/FIRA seminar programme in the hall and presence of an HSE and FFINTO stand further provided valuable industry information for visitors. W6 can also claim environmental benefit. Some 4,000 trees will be planted at the Woodland Trust’s Dutton Park Farm in Cheshire as a result of a partnership between the national charity and W6. WMSA Chief Executive, John Smith-Bodden, said: “W6 has provided a strong platform for further development of our strategy which focuses on the full range of needs of the UK joinery and furniture manufacturing industries. Visitors were pleased to see many new exhibitors to this event including such brands as Fiat, DeWalt and Toyota Industrial. Dialogue with exhibitors and visitors will be on-going and we are certain that the W8 exhibition will bring further exciting developments of this concept.”
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(Fuente de información: NEC)
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