Simeon Goldstein: No business like show business

As a Brummie, it’s a journey I’ve made more often than I care to remember. Amazingly though, it will be my seventh visit to the NEC since joining Packaging News just over three years ago.

I’ve lost count of the number of total number of trade shows I’ve actually been to – both here and abroad – and I’m sure this is far from the last this year.

The other favoured destination for industrial fairs is, obviously, Germany and, indeed, Interpack will be held at the Messe Düsseldorf is next year!

But, for me at least, there’s an obvious difference between trade shows in the UK and across the Rhine. The presence of Joe Public.

Despite the fact that all the German shows there has been a charge, whereas in the UK they are often free, there have regularly been non-industry people – and a considerable number of children – walking the halls.

Indeed, it was particularly amazing at Interpack two years ago to find that, on the weekend, locals took time out to visit a show about packaging.

I can’t really see the same thing happening here – certainly not to the same extent, although I expect one or two people might wander in from the Boat and Caravan show that’s also at the NEC this week.

OK, I can appreciate that from a business perspective it must be frustrating to have to explain to people about what you product does, who are not ever likely to buy it – well, not directly, at least.

But, getting people interested in the manufacturing sector is surely a good thing and, maybe, will inspire young people to consider a career in manufacturing as opposed to finance.

The question is, of course, how do you pack the punters in – but maybe contacting local schools might be an idea? After all, they’ve probably all got careers advice centres.

From a packaging perspective it might help dispel some of the environmental myths too.

Still, it’s not all doom and gloom and I’m sure Packaging Innovations, Pack Tech, Ecopack and Contract Pack will prove to be good events for both visitors and exhibitors alike.

On that note, the entire Packaging News team will be roving the halls trying our best to keep up to date with the latest goings-on in the industry.

If you do see one of us, we’d love to find out what’s happening with your business.

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