Early bookings surge bodes well for UK's premier wood machinery show

Organisers of the UK’s leading woodworking technology show say they are amazed at the pace of bookings, with 90% of space in two of the three exhibition halls already booked some 18 months before the next event.

John Smith-Bodden, exhibition director of W12 – Working with Wood, also said the October 7-10, 2012 show at Birmingham NEC would seek to develop the materials and components aspect of the event, with the possibility of a focus on lightweight panel products.

“We are already at about the halfway point, which is amazing because we only opened bookings eight weeks ago,” said Mr Smith-Bodden. “Compared to W10, I think we are looking conservatively at being 40% up in terms of square footage which, in these times, I think is quite a performance.”

SCM, Weinig, Homag, RW Machines, Felder, Daltons Wadkin and Leadermac are some of the larger companies to confirm their re-attendance. Many companies are increasing the size of their stands, while a significant number of new exhibitors is also signing up.

“W10 was held during not easy times but it was a really good show and the people that were there did good business,” added Mr Smith-Bodden.

He said W12 was extending into Hall 6, which would feature components, materials and static machinery or handling equipment.

Mr Smith-Bodden said a W12 team would travel to Ligna, along with NEC representatives, for inspiration as to how to develop this part of the event. W12 is also talking to NEC about putting a transport package together for Scottish and Irish companies wanting to attend, in light of the cancellation of Woodworking Scotland.

“There is still not a platform in this country for timber components. I don’t think what we’re doing competes with Timber Expo. We know our audience will not travel to Ligna or ZOW, so we think it’s very important to have a UK platform.”

W10 attracted 210 exhibitors and 9,332 visitors.