EMCON
Manufacturing
show back with a bang
RETURNS
One of the region ’ s biggest business shows – held on Aycliffe Business Park – made a triumphant return this year .
EMCON – an engineering and manufacturing conference , previously known as Oktoberfest – has been running for 14 years .
The annual event regularly topped 1,000 visitors prior to the pandemic .
As people and businesses gradually get back to a normal way of life , EMCON made its post- Covid return at the Xcel Centre in September .
Several Aycliffe businesses were among the 90-strong exhibitors , including Cobots Online , with around 300 visitors expected to attend .
Other Aycliffe firms exhibiting included Stiller Warehousing and Distribution , Excelpoint , C & A Embroidery , Newton Press , Mold Systems , Edwards ’ Analytical and CPI .
In addition to the full and busy exhibition space , attendees had the added benefit of a range of breakout sessions around maintenance best practice , environmental issues , HR , funding and professional support .
Show organiser Engineering & Manufacturing Network ( EMN ) said it had taken great lengths to ensure all the exhibitors and delegates are able to enjoy the event in a safe but relaxed setting .
EMN chairman David Land said : “ We had a lot of discussion about how and when we could do it , but we decided five or six months ago that we ’ d give it a go , and the response has just been unbelievable .
“ People were really keen to get back out into the real world and start talking to one another .
“ We sold out of exhibition stands six weeks ahead of the show , which is the first time that ’ s ever happened in the 14 years we ’ ve been doing it . “ Seeing all the people arrive and file through the doors was fantastic . It ’ s a great feeling .”
Aycliffe Business Park Community are hosting a free news and networking event at the Xcel Centre on November 19 . Go to aycliffebusinesspark . co . uk for more details
32 | Aycliffe Business