Cover Feature
Abigail Quesnel, senior
operations manager at Clarion
believes battery packs could be
a good solution for events that
rely heavily on smaller stands:
“Battery powered stands are
an interesting concept and for
shows which are heavy on shell
scheme could be a reasonably
priced option for small exhibitors
who find the increasing cost of
electrics prohibitive in exhibiting.”
AEO CEO Chris Skeith mirrors
Clarion’s concerns, explaining
that organisers and venues need
to come together to address a
sensible alternative solution to
power. He said: “wThe general
cost of exhibiting, and electrics
in particular, are major concerns
for some exhibitors and if we are
able to reduce costs and improve
service delivery it will help us not
only retain exhibitors, but also
help attract new exhibitors to
shows with a more cost effective
entry point.
“Applying battery technology
to wider electrical installations is
not only inevitable it is essential
as it promises a faster, yet more
economical set up. Whilst it
may be some time before this
can be applied cost effectively to
higher power installations such
as machinery and catering, for
lower power installations, such
as shell scheme stands with LED
lighting and screens, we have the
opportunity to lead by example,
define what is safe, and let our
exhibitors reap the rewards.”
Media 10 marketing director Rob
Nathan believes exhibitors should
be entitled to choose: “The issue
surrounding electrical charges
at venues has been around since
I was still at exhibition nursery.
It won’t go away until something
changes; the charges often get
taken for granted, but in isolation
What exhibitors think?
1.
1. Emily Kendall business development manager at
Searcys London
“Our electricity use is quite low, typically only hiring
one socket to re-charge phones / tablets etc.
Approximately £250+VAT per socket. It certainly is a
large sum, but in the grand scheme of things, not hugely
expensive. Should this be re-chargeable and a more
sustainable option, absolutely. My only concern would
only be the size, weight and wattage.”
2.
2. Lorna Syson, owner of Lorna Syson
“I don’t like the quality of the lights provided at the trade
shows so I have invested in a really good lighting track
for my shows, which I feels makes a huge difference
to the stand. This means I always need to buy a plug
socket at the show to run my lights. For Decorex this
was around £200! Its frustrating having pay £200 per
show for a plug socket, I understand it needs to be done
by trained professionals and the costs would reflect this
but £200 seem very high.”
3.
3. James Bogle marketing manager at QEII
“We understand that there is a need for power to be
carefully distributed because of the risks that electricity
poses – especially when dealing with large-scale
events and that this is more easily controlled through
a single supplier. However, at exhibitions where there
is a single electricity supplier, they have a monopoly
on the charges, and this is often above what we would
expect to pay. Ideally, we would be able to use our own
suppliers, who have all the relevant qualifications, know
our equipment and would charge a lower price. For the
LED wall, the costs have ranged from £1,000 - £2,000
depending on the show venue and the contractors they
use.”
it is often a significant burden for
exhibitors and one which impacts
on their overall experience of
an event. As we move more and
more towards sustainable events,
it seems crazy that exhibitors
can’t make their own (greener,
cheaper) arrangements and all
parties need to come together
to resolve the problem. Or it will
never go away.” AEV, ESSA, AEO
and key venues have all pledged
to keep alternative power at the
top of their agenda and work more
closely to ensure the technology
is thoroughly explored. EN will
revisit this story in the coming
months to see what action has
been taken to move it on. EN
4. Noelle Walsh, director at UK Grand Sales
“We’ve held the Christmas Grand Sale at the Lindley
Hall for 28 years and are always looking to give our
exhibitors the best value. Showlite is good, reasonable
and efficient and builds everything from the Lindley
Hall’s live feed. Around 60-70% use lighting on their
stands and many need a PDQ machine. However, if
the use of rechargeable lights and batteries increases
it diminishes the financial rewards for the electrical
contractor as there will be less money to be made.”
November — 19