In spite of the alarming media weather warnings, issued on the eve of SPATEX, not to travel in the UK, the wet leisure Industry’s annual Show went off smoothly and was rewarded with an excellent attendance.
And what a show it was! A hundred and twenty-five companies participated in exhibiting at the UK’s only dedicated water leisure Show, held at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena at the tail end of January, including 31 companies making their Ricoh debut.
Every aspect of wet leisure, both domestic and commercial, was covered – from the obvious swimming pools, saunas, spas and steam rooms to the less obvious, chemicals, heating and ventilation equipment, enclosures and much more! It was a feast for the eyes with six display swimming pools, 57 spas and hot tubs, five swimspas, two enclosures, nine saunas plus gazebos and steam rooms – it was the highest number of displays in the Show’s 23-year history.
Such is its standing in the wet leisure and construction industry calendar, SPATEX was rewarded with a record first day, with visitor numbers 5 per cent up year on year. Delighted Exhibition Organiser, Michele Bridle reports: “Over the Show’s three days we recorded very respectable visitor numbers, which aligned very much with those of 2017. However, it’s not the quantity but the quality that is important and 2019 very much ticked the quality box.”
The Show was brimming with an air of optimism and positivity. Almost without exception, exhibitors reported a steady flow of high-quality visitors throughout the three-day event. The stands were busy and the aisles were thronged with delegates doing business.
Mark Osman of Heatstar says: “The setup was the smoothest we have had so far and the support from Michele and her team was efficient and professional as always. Planning now starts for 2020, which is Heatstar’s 40th anniversary.”
Neil Murray of Certikin says: “It’s been a really successful Show and we are really pleased with the flow of good quality enquiries. I am looking forward to SPATEX continuing to grow.”
Not just a unique showcase, the double seminar and Workshop programme once again proved a massive success with high attendance figures. A whole gamut of subjects was covered including a fascinating talk given by Rob Summerson of FaulknerBrown Architects on the development of The Wave – a high octane leisure destination, currently under construction in Coventry city centre. The compact site boundary has led the design team to redefine the water park typology, raising the feature pools 11m above street level to the first floor opening up views of the city’s rooftops.
The Show is well known for being the industry’s best annual networking event and this year was no exception with SPATEX hosting a very well-attended oriental themed event on the Wednesday evening with fancy-dress headgear, free drinks, canapes and music.
It’s all over for this year but make sure you don’t miss the 24th edition when SPATEX 2020, returns Tuesday 28th to Thursday 30th January at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry CV6 6GE.
If your company would like to exhibit, book your stand space NOW and catch the EARLY BUY RATE (available until May 17th). Please contact the: [email protected] or [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 1264 358558.