The Locksmith Journal Nov/Dec 2019 - Issue 65 | Page 18

MLA EXPO REVIEW GETTING READY FOR THE NEXT ONE MLA Expo 2019 hailed ‘great success’ » RECORD NUMBERS OF ATTENDEES visited MLA Expo 2019, the largest locksmith event in Europe, hosted by the Master Locksmith Association and sponsored by DOM-UK. Historically, the MLA Expo started life as a small event hosted in hotels, it has grown significantly over the past 20 years and is now the largest Locksmith and Security event of its kind in Europe, requiring a purpose-built exhibition venue of 6000+ square meters to accommodate the number of exhibitors and visitors who attend. The 20th event was hailed as the most successful to date with a 32% rise in numbers in the halls over the three days, with initial figures showing that the three-day exhibition attracted over 3,500 attendees from across Europe, with an unprecedented sell-out of many of the 80 training courses held during the event. Over 100 lock manufacturers, locksmith tool and security product suppliers exhibited across the two halls. Demonstrations, training courses, seminars and new product launches were all held during the event with special MLA Expo deals available for visitors. Feedback showed that visitors and exhibitors appreciated the professionalism of the event and understood the importance and value in attending to see and hear about the latest industry trends and product 18 innovations as well as attending discussions and presentations on the issues affecting the industry. Another item on the expo’s agenda that is always hotly anticipated is the event’s awards. Each exhibition, awards are given to exhibitors, of which there are three categories, the winners of the awards at MLA Expo 2019 went to the following: BEST PRODUCT AWARD One of the most prestigious awards in the industry is the best product award at MLA Expo. The 2019 winner for the best product award went to Fin Lock for The Fin Lock. The FinLock is a unique, fail-safe, high security, automatic mortised deadbolt which raises the security threshold to a new level and is suitable for residential or commercial use. Previous winners of this award have been Sashstop for their sash jammer and MasterLock for their bluetooth padlock. MLA Expo returns in 2021, for simple, great info on new products, a chance to get your hands on the latest locksmith tools and security products, great show deals and the usual Excellent Locksmith Training, all at the premier locksmiths exhibition. » MLA EXPO 2021 WILL ALSO include the Auto locksmith exhibition ‘The Garage’; run in collaboration with the Auto Locksmiths Association (ALA) and featuring exhibitors offering products and services specific to the auto locksmithing industry. There will be a dedicated in-hall auto locksmith seminar area and on-vehicle training area. Visitors and exhibitors can find out more and register your interest at: https://www. locksmiths.co.uk/mla-expo/ MOST CREATIVE STAND The most creative stand award at MLA Expo 2019 was ISEO / M-Marcus. Previous winners of this award have included Burg Wachter, ERA & Aldridge. BEST STAND AWARD The winner of the best stand for 2019 went to Aldridge Security. Previous winners of this award have included APECS & DOM (Ronis Dom). NOV/DEC 2019 locksmithjournal.co.uk Issue Takeover Magazine Sponsor