The Health & Safety Event that took place in April this year at the NEC, Birmingham, with the co-located fire, facilities and security shows, saw more than 11,733 visitors pour through the doors over three key business days, making it the most successful event to date. Those who visited had the opportunity to network, attend seminars and sessions from industry leaders and gain access to the latest products and innovations.
With 149 exhibitors showcasing their latest health and safety-related products and services, and more than 30 hours of expert presentations and educational context on offer across the three days, this year’s Health & Safety Event – the fifth at the UK’s premier exhibitions venue – was the biggest and best yet.
In partnership with the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) and the British Safety Council (BSC), and supported by key sectoral, regulatory and media organisations, the Health & Safety Event 2019 – which took place from 9 to 11 April – provided an unrivalled opportunity for industry professionals to network and learn about the latest developments, technologies and theories to help reduce occupational risks and protect people at work.
Education was at the heart of the event and, with four seminar theatres playing host to more than 35 presentations, seven expert-panel discussions and a VIP breakfast briefing on each of the three mornings, there was truly something for everyone. There was standing-room only at most of the sessions, with visitors keen to hear what the cream of the health and safety profession and industry had to say.
According to event visitor Alison Thomson: “The speakers at the Health & Safety Event were great – delivering thought-provoking sessions, including on lone-worker safety and using forklift trucks.” Visitor Melanie Tennela added: “I have been coming to this event for four years and this was the best yet. The atmosphere was buzzing, and the conversations were flowing. I really appreciated the seminar sessions and will be making some changes to our own training material as a result, especially regarding mental health at work.”
Exhibitors, too, were unanimous on the success of the event, commenting on the number of leads generated, fruitful conversations held, and enquiries made. Driver-training provider Road Safety Prospects Ltd said: “Another fantastic Health & Safety Event. We were literally rushed off our feet with people queueing to talk to us!” Access-equipment specialist TB Davies Ltd was similarly delighted: “It has been a really busy event. We’ve come away with strong leads from blue-chip companies and lots of interest in our products. We’ll be back in 2020!”
Rebooking’s overall were very high, with a whopping 75 per cent of stands for the 2020 event snapped up during this year’s show.
Western Business Exhibitions Portfolio Director, David Bishop commented: “The Health & Safety Event is getting bigger and better every year, as the number of visitors pouring through the doors and range of exhibitors using it as their main promotional platform testify. The feedback from both parties this year has been hugely positive, with visitors raving about the variety of educational content and innovative products and services on offer, and exhibitors delighted with the quality and quantity of leads they received. We’re already looking forward to next year’s event, which promises to be even more successful!”
The Health & Safety Event also encompassed the Safety & Health Excellence Awards, which took place on the evening of 10 April at the VOX Conference Centre on the NEC site. The awards celebrate innovation and achievement in 14 categories, and 525 guests gathered to cheer on their colleagues and peers over the course of a highly entertaining evening, hosted by top comedian Sean Lock.
