Findings
from the SALTEX 2019 post-show survey have revealed that attendees are
continuing to embrace SALTEX.
From 30 to
31 October a record-breaking 9,104 visitors streamed into the NEC, Birmingham
to explore the latest trends and products in groundscare.
The growth
in visitor numbers at SALTEX 2019 was supported by a large proportion of
first-time attendees. An encouraging 34 per cent visited SALTEX for the first
time this year compared to 28 per cent in 2018, 27 per cent in 2017, 26 per
cent in 2016 and 23 per cent in 2015.
The busy
atmosphere in the exhibition halls was fantastic and a massive 93 per cent of
survey respondents rated their overall show experience as being either very
good or excellent.
SALTEX
visitors came from far and wide as the show continues to attract a growing
international audience. This year’s show saw attendees from 49 overseas
markets, topping the previous record of 45 countries which was set at SALTEX
2016.
The
post-show survey also confirmed the high calibre of visitors, most of whom came
from groundscare contracting companies, local authorities, dealerships, schools
and universities, and sports clubs.
The buying
power of SALTEX attendees was also high, with 36 per cent of survey respondents
confirming that the purchasing responsibility was solely theirs, while 43 per
cent contribute to the buying process and 32 per cent have the authority to
sign-off on purchases up to £50,000.
Many
exhibitors agree that SALTEX 2019 was the most financially beneficial yet and
the 40 per cent of survey respondents that said they made purchases on the show
floor is perhaps testament to this.
The
post-show survey findings also revealed top priorities for attending with 68
per cent saying they visited SALTEX to source new products/services/suppliers;
66 per cent attended out of general interest; 44 per cent wanted to see the
latest industry innovations; 39 per cent attended to network with other
like-minded individuals and 35 per cent to witness machinery demonstrations.
Product
innovations were a big pull this year, and 87 per cent of attendees rated the
mix of products on display as excellent. The show also offered visitors the
opportunity to see a number of these products in action through Eco Village
demonstrations and this new feature did not disappoint with 78 per cent of
survey respondents also rating the Eco Village as excellent.
Products
and innovations aside, SALTEX attendees also made use of the training, advice
and educational opportunities. The 57 free-to-attend, CPD-accredited seminars
in the Learning LIVE programme proved popular with 84 per cent of survey
respondents claiming the education offering was either very good or excellent;
83 per cent made the most of the Ask the Expert feature and 77 per cent said
the Pathology and Soil Science LIVE was also an excellent feature.
SALTEX will be celebrating its 75th anniversary in
2020 and will take place at the NEC, Birmingham on 4 and 5 November and 95 per
cent of SALTEX 2019 visitors concluded the survey by indicating that they will
be returning.
For more information please visit www.iogsaltex.com
