15 Apr 2004
Bold New Plan for Interplas 2005 endorsed by leading UK trade associations
Interplas organiser, Reed Exhibitions, has announced the framework of a bold new plan designed to raise significantly the benefits of participation in this major international plastics and rubber exhibition. Developed in consultation with a broad cross-section of industry members, the new plan has been endorsed for Interplas 2005 by leading trade bodies that include the Plastics Machinery Manufacturers and Distributors Association (PMMDA), British Plastics Federation (BPF), Gauge and Toolmakers Association (GTMA) and The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IoM3).
The importance of Interplas as an industry showcase is underlined by Peter Davis, Director General, British Plastics Federation: “The UK plastics industry needs a comprehensive, national trade fair with an international dimension for its sector. This is crucial for networking across sub-sectors and for encouraging the spirit of business co-operation and experience sharing which will be a strong element of future competitiveness.
“Above all,” he says, “it needs this fair for making a strong statement internationally that the UK plastics industry is a major player in the global markets. BPF sees Interplas 2005 as a 'one stop shop' providing this platform for the whole industry, it's customers, suppliers, service providers, commentators and governmental contacts.''
According to Reed Exhibitions, Group Exhibition Director, Justin Tadman: “Since the 2002 Interplas exhibition, we have been looking very closely at conditions within the European plastics and rubber market and been working with many exhibitors and trade bodies to ensure that Interplas offers the market exactly what it needs for today’s industry.”
“The market has been tough and although there are many signs of improvement, we are continuing to make every possible effort to improve the return on investment that exhibitors gain from Interplas. The initiatives we are taking demonstrate our complete commitment to making Interplas 2005 the best new business generator for our exhibitors, as well as the hub of all that is best about the plastic and rubber manufacturing industry in the UK for the more than 25,000 individuals that regularly visit and support the show,” says Tadman.
Key changes being implemented for Interplas 2005 are:
• Interplas will become a three-day event, running during the mid-week period of Tuesday 4 – Thursday 6 October 2005. Although the presentation period is shorter, Reed Exhibitions commits to providing the entire audience to the show, making the show busier and more exciting whilst reducing the period that exhibitors’ staff spend in hotels and off the road
• The stand pricing structure is being amended and will generate savings for all exhibitors
• Mains power rates held at 1996 levels
• Free removal of any plastic waste from stands during the show. This will be recycled by a local firm
• New lifting package that allows unlimited lifts for a flat rate based on stand size
• An explosive promotional campaign across the UK and Europe, covering a wide range of publications, within the plastics sector and many of its vertical industries. These include Automotive, Defence, Aerospace, Electronics, Packaging, Printing, Processing, Converting, Agriculture, Construction, Architecture and Product Design
• Enhanced Conference Programme supported by the PMMDA, BPF, GTMA and IoM3
Appreciation of the planned changes is expressed by long-standing Interplas exhibitor, Sandretto. “Whilst in today's demanding market conditions some would argue that a national exhibition is extravagant or even unnecessary,” says Sandretto Managing Director, Terry O’Reilly, “the attempt by Reed to reduce the cost of exhibiting to reflect the ‘cost down’ culture of the industry in general is a welcome development.
“Since the UK Plastics Industry has reduced in size it still remains an important market in European terms and one which deserves a national show piece every three years. The proposals by Reed working closely with the PMMDA will help secure the long term viability and
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Reed Exhibitions
Oriel House, 26 The Quadrant
Richmond, Surrey TW9 1DL
United Kingdom