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Plant Exhibitors Deal Blow to Balmoral Show
Plant machinery dealers have pulled out of next May’s annual Balmoral Show as they tighten their promotional and marketing budgets in response to the current economic climate.
 It will be a big blow to the show, which last May featured several dozen high profile exhibitors from the plant and construction sectors, both of which have been hit hard by the credit crunch.
Leading plant dealers met recently to discuss the situation, and one told Plant & Civil Engineer: “It’s a sad day, but economic needs have led us to take this decision. It wasn’t a decision we took lightly.”
Indeed, some of the exhibitors have been showing at Balmoral for the past 50 years. It wasn’t the price of exhibition space at the show that swayed them, but the overall costs involved; a stand at Balmoral only accounts for a quarter of the total marketing budget for the occasion.
“It’s a cost that we just cannot justify in the current climate. We have high regard for the show and its organisers, they do a good job, and we regret having to take this position, but needs must.”
However, Show organisers remain upbeat, saying that despite the current economic climate they are looking forward to a hugely successful event on the 13th – 15th May, 2009, with plans already underway.
“While plant machinery exhibitors have decided not to attend the Balmoral show next year, they are looking forward to coming back, in particular if the show is moving to new ground that will showcase bigger and better opportunity for stands,” says the organisers in a statement to Plant & Civil Engineer.
“The exit of plant machinery exhibitors will enable the Society to showcase a significant number of quality exhibitors from a variety of industries. The Balmoral Show will do their best to facilitate companies that have been on the waiting list for trade stands with the chance to showcase their products this year. The majority of current exhibitors have already confirmed their attendance of 2009.”
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