The organisers of National Electronics Week (NEW) were busy canvassing exhibitors and visitors at this year’s show, and will surprise no one with their decision to cut the show down to two days in 2010, saving exhibitors’ time and money. Perhaps more controversial is the decision to move to the NEC – my informal conversations at the show suggested that exhibitors were split on whether it would be right to move the event, with the production equipment suppliers more enthusiastic about a move to the Midlands.
NEW will also be held earlier in the year, running from the 18th – 19th May 2010, instead of June. This date fits nicely between Bank Holidays and is before the schools’ half-term break, so should maximise the number of people who could attend.
Perhaps the most important thing is that NEW will happen in 2010 – with the tough economic climate, the recent introduction of NEW and the reluctance of UK engineers to attend shows, it’s great to see exhibitors commit to next year’s show. Let’s hope the change of date and location and the more compact schedule not only encourages more visitors, but also is the incentive exhibitors need to attend.