DIYWEEK.net

Totally shows organiser Brintex has confirmed another successful show, with 6,116 visitors flocking to Birmingham's NEC from February 6-8.
The (unaudited) number shows a decline on last year's 9,372 visitors. However, this year there was no direct cross-over point with Spring Fair, unlike last year when visitors could walk between the two shows, creating a lot of 'passing through' traffic.

The number was a still a big boost on the 2,511 visitors who attended the 2009 show at Earl's Court, which show director James Murray said demonstrates that "the shows' location continues to prove its worth to visitors and suppliers".

Next year the Totally Shows will move to Hall 16, putting them opposite the Volume Halls, which are being relocated to Halls 10, 11 and 12 as part of Spring Fair's expansion plans.

Mr Murray added: "The Volume Hall buyer profile is closely aligned to our target visitors, so being next to, rather than at opposite ends of the NEC site, will add more value and save time for visitors."

Exhibitors at this year's show reported a positive improvement on last year, with busy stands, new leads and an extremely encouraging reaction from customers.

"We have been busier at this show so far than at the last two put together," said Liberon marketing manager Elaine Edmondson. "We have picked up quite a few new leads that we'll follow up, and we have had lots of good meetings with existing customers so that will lead to increased business in the coming months."

Regular Totally visitor Toby Roberts, owner of D&G Hardware, commented: "The show's excellent, it's good to see all the suppliers and place some orders. It's heaving, it's very busy... People are saying it's going to be tough this year, but let's wait and see. There's certainly positive vibes."

DIY Week's full Totally Review, including a roundup of visitor and exhibitor comments and all the news from the show, will be published in Totally Covered with the March 11 issue.