Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
Spring Fair International was named Best Tradeshow Exhibition (above 2,000 m) at the annual Association of Exhibition Organisers (AEO) Excellence Awards 2012, held in London on July 6.
The ceremony for the live events and exhibition industry was attended by over 1,000 events industry professionals, all vying for the top slot in their respective categories. The AEO said that more entries were submitted this year than ever before.
The Spring Fair nomination focused on the fact that the 2012 show was redesigned to resemble a destination department store. The comprehensive re-edit involved moved 3,000 exhibitors across 17 halls. The move followed two years’ consultation with the market and was done to put buyers’ needs at the heart of the show.
Explaining their decision, the judges said: “Very positive change was delivered on a large scale event, coupled with resounding customer compliments.”
Commenting of the win, i2i Events Group divisional director for Spring Fair Louise Young said: “I’m absolutely thrilled that Spring Fair has won this prestigious award. This is a very important exhibition for i2i Events Group and everyone involved can be justifiably proud that all their hard work and dedication has been recognised by their industry peers in such a way.
“Thanks must really go to our exhibitors who have supported us over the years and allowed us to keep on growing. We are, of course, always looking for ways to improve and innovate, which is why we are not resting on our laurels and have implemented changes recommended by our customers as we plan for next February.”
Spring Fair International, which takes place each year during the first week of February at The NEC, Birmingham, is the UK’s largest retail trade exhibition. An average of 3,000 exhibitors from 12 different market sectors participate in the event. The next edition of the show will take place on February 3-7 2013.
