After an independent audit confirmed a record-breaking SALTEX attendance at the NEC, the show’s visitor survey revealed insight into the 8,909 attendees.
With over 300 exhibitors and more show features, 89 per cent of SALTEX 2017 visitors (with age range of 31-60) rated their overall SALTEX experience as being either very good or excellent; the wide variety of businesses and organisations included sports clubs, local authorities, schools, colleges and universities. More than 70 per cent of visitors held a senior position within their respective companies, and over 80 per cent were either solely responsible or contributed to the purchasing process.
Almost 60 per cent attended SALTEX with a view to buying and 40 per cent said that they placed orders on the show floor. In terms of product categories, interest was as follows:
- Machinery, power and hand tools – 84 per cent
- Seeds, turf, aggregates and treatments – 49 per cent
- Sports surfaces, facilities and equipment – 43 per cent
- Arboriculture and horticulture – 40 per cent
- Landscaping and materials – 38 per cent
Primarily, attendees came to search for innovations and new products, while 84 per cent said they attended due to the number and mix of exhibitors. 67 per cent said they attended SALTEX with the main objective of networking; 74 per cent said the location of the show was a determining factor and nearly 50 per cent of attendees made use of their visit for training and educational opportunities.
European visitors came from Ireland, Netherlands, Italy, Germany, France, Belgium, Czech Republic and Spain. Further afield, visitors from Sri Lanka, Japan, United Arab Emirates, Ivory Coast and Saudi Arabia also made the journey to the NEC.
SALTEX 2018 will be at the NEC, Birmingham on 31 October-1 November, 2018.
www.iogsaltex.com