With numbers full for the debut Event Logistics Live (ELL) conference in London, the international exhibition freight industry appears to have a popular new fixture for its annual events diary.
But with only three months to take the idea from concept to completions, and struggling against the usual first-event jitters, how has this debut conference managed to fill seats?
EW caught up with one of the event’s coordinators and sponsors, Neil Goatcher, MD of UK logistics firm Exhibition Freighting, who explains the true value in the event comes from the industry’s need for an ‘open’ event, unlimited by the need for association membership.
EW: Why do you think this first ELL has attracted such support in such a short space of time?
NG: “Simply because it is what the industry wants and needs and has done for years. Many companies, for whatever reason, have not wanted to - or been able to - become a member of various industry associations and are therefore unable to attend those association conferences.
“Essentially this has left an international core of very good quality event logistics specialists waiting for a meeting like ELL.”
EW: In your opinion what makes ELL different from other industry events?
NG: “Our democratic approach. When we looked to set up this meeting we wanted a policy of anyone and everyone can attend with no politics involved. If you have an interest or are interested in event logistics then you’re welcome.”
EW: What are your objectives for supporting and attending the conference?
NG: “My company’s objective is to talk with like-minded agents across the globe in order to improve our agent base, get more leads and generally increase our chances of securing more business.
"Our delegates appoint people in overseas markets, and they want to know that in doing so they're joining a network with the service levels they'd expect. This event will help them to achieve that.
“As a sponsor and part organiser of the event, I would like this to be seen as a major success, to grow in the future and if possible get organisers, project companies and large event organisers to attend - the scope for an event like this is enormous.”
EW: What are you personally looking forward to most about ELL?
NG: “I’m expecting this event to be a big hit with everyone involved. The concept for this meeting is an idea we have all had for many years so to see it succeed will be tremendous. The key now is to improve, develop and take it forward. Watch this space.”
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