Cover Feature
What do the venues think?
1. The NEC - “We recognise that the potential of
lithium batteries to power machinery or equipment
on stands is currently a topic of some debate in the
exhibition industry, and as such, it is an area in which
the NEC takes close interest. As ever, the safety of
everyone involved in an exhibition must be the primary
concern when considering the potential usage of new
or alternative technology. There are currently no widely
accepted standards to guide how lithium batteries are
safely stored, used, recharged or disposed of and there
are significant potential safety concerns associated with
their use, from fire risk to hazardous materials leakage.
The provision of mains electricity is guided by tried
Battery
technology
What types of battery technology is
there?
The two common types of rechargeable
battery sources are lithium ion
(LI) and sealed lead acid (SLA). LI
has restrictions with respect to
transportation. It is rated to have more
recharging cycles than SLA and is lighter
weight than SLA. The battery technology
that we distribute can also be recharged
by portable solar panels at outdoor
events.
Can a stand run on batteries?
The short answer is yes, almost any
stand can operate on a battery. The
question you have to ask is when does
it make sense to only use battery and
when does it make sense to use a
mix of electrical power and battery?
Economically, a small to medium sized
exhibitor who regularly exhibits at events
could save between £500 - £2,000 a
year.
20 — November
Manchester Central
and tested safety guidelines, established over many
decades across a wide range of industries.
We recognise that the pace of technological
advancement is accelerating, and we will continue
to monitor developments that may enable the safe
provision of alternative solutions for exhibitors and
organisers in the future.”
2. Manchester Central CEO Shaun Hinds - “We are
working together with the Association of Event Venues
(AEV) and industry partners to seek an environmentally
responsible and sustainable solution for the subject
of alternative power sources. Safety will always be our
primary concern, along with a robust understanding
of the true environmental impact of the various power
solutions available in the market.”
3. Olympia London - “Olympia London recognises
that battery power source is an important emerging
technology. We understand it requires the industry
to work together in reaching the best outcome; from
health & safety to logistics and long-term business
sustainability.
Our ultimate goal as an industry is to provide visitors
and exhibitors with a world-class experience when
attending an event and, to achieve this, we work
collaboratively and listen to their feedback which
helps us to adapt to their current needs and future
expectations.”
4. ExCeL London executive director Simon Mills -
“We think there is an important conversation for the
industry to have regarding using batteries as a means
of powering stands. There are many areas to consider
ranging from fire and general safety risks; to effective
methods of disposal & environmental considerations;
to measuring the true cost when compared to current
supply methods. This is an important issue for the
industry and we would welcome the opportunity
to be part of the debate, alongside other industry
stakeholders.”