More visitors than ever at The Emergency Services Show
Organisers announce move to bigger Hall 5 at NEC for 2016
The Emergency Services Show held at the NEC in Birmingham on 23 and 24 September attracted a record number of 6,151 visitors. This represents the ninth consecutive year-on-year increase in visitor numbers and a ten per cent increase on last year’s attendance record.
In addition to the record visitor attendance, over 400 delegates attended co-located meetings at the event, and the same number of first responders came to represent their organisations in the Emergency Response Zone.
The event organisers attribute the record number of visitors to a number of factors including the fast-changing landscape of the emergency services; more exhibitors (at over 450) with many launching new products and services; a comprehensive free-to-attend three-stream conference programme and the innovative use of new marketing techniques such as Glean In social registration, SMS marketing and strong engagement via social media including Twitter, Facebook and Linked In.
“This is a period of extraordinary transformation for the emergency services and their partner agencies,”
says Event Director David Brown.
“I believe this and The Emergency Services Show’s unique ability to bring together innovators from all parts of the public, private and volunteer sectors were drivers behind the record attendance at this year’s event. It proved to be a truly thought-provoking event and offered opportunities for all our visitors to network, share experiences and learn.”
Collaboration, community response and the expansion of blue light services into preventative and social care were among hot topics at this year’s event. Senior figures from the fire, police and ambulance services shared their experiences of co-responding to incidents.
The latest communications technology, drones, defibrillators and body worn cameras were among the many new products at the show that are helping to improve the effectiveness of the emergency services against a background of reducing budgets and increasing demand. One of the most noteworthy of many new product launches was Terberg Fire & Rescue’s Telstar (Terberg Emergency Life-saving Support Tactical Ancillary Rescue) multi-service vehicle or “Fire Ambulance”.
Visitor Superintendent Kerry Blakeman of West Midlands Police commented:
“I was really interested in vehicles and the equipment that we can carry in vehicles as well. Investing in some really good kit can save money in the long term, so I found the show really beneficial.”
“A brilliantly informative, fascinating two days,” said Rodge Byren of BIKERS Training on Facebook. “There was truly too much to get through in one day with numerous indoor stands, demonstrations and explanations and very extensive outdoor area.”
Nicola Stacey, British Red Cross Event Manager, said:
“What a brilliant opportunity to see equipment and experience new innovation first hand. The seminars offered me CPD opportunities with the discussion from a wide range of organisations. It was very well worth the visit.”
Andy Smith, Volunteer Officer and Head of Unit at Rushden Branch of the Maritime Volunteer Service, added:
“It’s a one-stop-shop for all your emergency services and resilience needs – from a sticking plaster to a rescue hovercraft!”
Exhibitor David Savage, CEO of Excelerate Technology, said:
“For anyone who is focused on the blue light services I think this is the premier show to attend.”
Chris Thain, Commercial Business Manager for Red One, added,
“We’ve had some very interesting conversations about collaborative relationships with partner organisations and had some direct leads from fire and rescue services in this country and around the world. The show brings together all the various different sectors within the emergency services arena from charities through to each of the primary emergency services. It’s a great place to come and meet people.”
John Ellis, Managing Director of Ferno UK, commented:
“The show brings all the emergency services together and we’ve had a lot of quality visitors on our stand and plenty from overseas too including US, Canada, Australia, Sweden, Slovakia and Holland.”
Simon Ash, UK Sales Manager for Haix Footwear, said:
“The quality of the people coming onto the stand was very relevant to the products we are selling and we’ve met the people who have the influence within their business to make purchasing decisions. We’ve also been talking to end users and getting valuable feedback direct from the people who are wearing our products.”
In 2016 The Emergency Services Show will move to the larger Hall 5 at the NEC, enabling the expanding event to be housed in a single hall. The event will take place on 21 and 22 September 2016. The organisers have confirmed they will continue to offer entry to the exhibition and seminars free of charge as well as provide free parking.
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