IMHX 2013: stronger by association

Jan 07, 2012 Warehousing Ireland News 0

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With the International Materials Handling Exhibition (IMHX) now just over a year away, the show’s organisers are gearing up its promotional campaign.

IMHX’s co-owners – Informa Exhibitions and the British Industrial Truck Association (BITA) – are delighted with the show’s progress. Says Rob Fisher, Director of Informa’s Materials Handling Group, “Not only is IMHX 2013 over 70% sold more than a year from the opening date, the floor plan features all the big names in the industry, so it’s shaping up to be another fantastic show. The latest brands to sign up to the exhibition include Cesab Material Handling, Efaflex, Egemin, Flogas, GoPlastic Pallets, Industore, Interroll, K. Hartwall, Link 51, Luxonic Lighting, Soft Design and Yale Europe/Briggs Equipment.”

A show for the whole industry
Co-owned from the very beginning by BITA, IMHX is undoubtedly a show organised around the needs of the industry – and not only forklift suppliers but the diverse range of companies that exhibit at the show. Taking place at the NEC from 19-22 March 2013, IMHX is the leading event for the UK logistics sector, which is today worth more than £75 billion, so the show presents exhibitors with a unique opportunity to engage with – and sell to – key materials handling and supply chain professionals.

Encouraging economic outlook
Treasury forecasts suggest that Britain’s GDP may return to its pre-recession level in the second quarter of 2012. The average of independent forecasts is slightly less optimistic, suggesting the first quarter of 2013. On either prediction, IMHX will be perfectly timed for exhibitors to take advantage of renewed investment in materials handling products and services. Comments James Clark, Secretary General of BITA, “The market performance of our members in 2011 has demonstrated gradual growth and seems to indicate an encouraging – albeit still fragile – economic outlook for our industry. Bookings for IMHX 2013 already reflect this improved situation and we have every reason to believe that the show will be another resounding success. Over the last few months, BITA has been very encouraged by working with its new co-owner, Informa, and we feel reassured that the exhibition is being run by an extremely good team.”

Design 4 Safety makes a welcome return
A number of successful features from the last show will be in evidence at IMHX 2013. Among them will be the hugely popular Design 4 Safety competition. Open to all 350 anticipated exhibitors, the competition will allow companies to nominate innovative products and services that improve health & safety and operational efficiency, with judging being undertaken by an independent panel of experts. Also making a welcome return will be the exclusive VIP valet parking scheme allowing top executives to drive straight up to the show’s entrance, have their vehicle parked securely by a professional driver and enjoy access to the Premier Club Lounge with complimentary refreshments and Internet facilities. IMHX 2013 will once again feature an area for automation specialists – the AMHSA Zone, hosted by the Automated Material Handling Systems Association – that will be even larger than at the 2010 show. Another popular feature making a welcome return to the exhibition will be the free seminar programme, offering a series of informative sessions for visitors on a range of hot industry topics.

Stand discounts available until 1 March
Companies interested in exhibiting at IMHX 2013 should note that stand discounts of up to 7.5% are available only until 1 March 2012. For further information on exhibiting at the show, contact Rob Fisher on +44 (0)20 7017 6986, email rob.fisher@informa.com or visit www.imhx.biz.

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