September 2021

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
The Showman’s Show
A must attend trade show for any event professional writes Michelle Tayton
A VISIT to Newbury Showground for The
Showman’s Show in October has always been
a must for any serious event professional.
In 2021, when the industry is desperate to
reconnect following the pandemic, it will be
essential, so make sure 20-21 October is in
your diary!
Over the last month or so we’ve seen
outdoor events back in earnest and there is
now a real sense that the industry is returning
to some sort of normality. Of course, it’s
not without its challenges; suppliers are at
capacity, as the usual season is condensed
into two hectic months, and event organisers
are navigating new guidance. That said,
there is a renewed air of optimism and
that is reflected in exhibitor bookings and
registrations for The Showman’s Show 2021
as plans gather pace.
Event director, Jeremy Lance, comments:
“Our industry has really been through the
mill, no organiser or supplier has come out of
it unscathed. We know how tough it has been
for everyone and we have been very sensitive
to that when organising the show. However,
we have to forge ahead and plan for the
future and everyone I talk to is really looking
forward to attending this year’s event. Not
only to catch up with industry friends but it’s
a milestone, a line in the sand as it were and
a real sign that as an industry we’re coming
out the other side.”
Also making a welcome return is The
Vision:2025 conference with the theme ‘A
Journey to Net Zero’. Open to all attendees it
will bring together trailblazers from the world
of outdoor event sustainability to share
knowledge and working practices whilst
taking a look at new products and services
to support organisers and suppliers tackling
carbon impact. It will also feature a Dragon’s
Den style competition between exhibitors
with the lucky recipient taking home the
accolade of the Green and Innovation
Supplier Award. Previous winners include the
highly successful Continest whose innovative
foldable container technology is now present
at events around the globe.
Co-event director, Johnny Lance, said: “We
are delighted to be hosting the Vision:2025
conference again. After the enforced
pandemic break for our industry, it is more
important than ever that sustainability is
central to the industry returning greener and
tackling the climate emergency facing the
planet.
“Along with the challenges that delivering
events in the Covid-era presents, it’s great
to see that sustainability continues to be an
important focus for many event organisers
and suppliers as we build back better.
Exhibitors showcasing products and services
with strong green credentials have been
integral to the success of the show in recent
years and 2021 looks set to be another great
year for innovation and sustainability.”
SEE YOU THERE!
The Showman’s Show takes place on 20-
21 October at the Newbury Showground.
Register free at
www.showmans-directory.co.uk
OAB’s Top Picks
CoverMarque Temporary Structure
Hirers Pavilion
Location: Intersection of Avenues G & C
www.covermarque.com
Hosted by specialist insurance advisor
to the events industry, CoverMarque,
the Temporary Structure Hirers Pavilion
is a one-stop-shop of suppliers to the
temporary structure industry. What’s more,
attendees can enjoy a free lunch, drink
from the bar and tea/coffee. There’s even a
clay shooting competition!
Previously known as the CoverMarque
Marquee Suppliers’ Pavilion, the name has
been changed to incorporate all temporary
structures including tipis, yurts, stretch,
bell, sailcloth and tension tents, igloos,
geodesic domes, pods and more.
2019 was a very successful year for the
CoverMarque pavilion, with 30 partner
exhibitors and 1,641 visitors representing
870 companies. 2021, is lining up to be just
as good - see you there!
12 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM