Hush hush Sustainability Show?

flecc

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Oct 25, 2006
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Organised by Wisper Bikes this year and at the O2 (The Dome) this weekend, 26th, 27th, 28th October, I noticed David Miall of Wisper hadn't mentioned it in here on the run up. He hasn't been in here since someone upset him about the status of Wisper (not me for a change :rolleyes: ), so that may be partly the reason.

However, there hasn't been anything mentioned on either TV or Radio news, national or local, that I've seen or heard, concerning this quarter million pound event which they hoped 50,000 would attend.

The fact that it's unfortunately clashed with the Diwali festival in Trafalgar Square hasn't helped of course, that seemingly grabbing the media's attention. And the rotten weather hasn't helped either.

Has anyone been to the show or heard anything of it?
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frank9755

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May 19, 2007
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Not heard anything. I thought about going this morning, but my wife wasn't up for it so didn't. The Times are sponsoring it and I had a look at their site to see if there were any reports, but no.
 

flecc

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Oct 25, 2006
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I'd likewise considered today, but the weather scuppered that as I would only have cycled there using two batteries, not used the car.

Bad news when a media industry sponsor doesn't report an event though!

Wisper also suffered the effects of an events clash in July at the New Milton show through very light attendance, since there was a big event in the town centre that attracted the local crowds, I think it was a pedal car racing event.

They'll need to do a lot more diary studying next year I think, these things aren't cheap to run.
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flecc

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Oct 25, 2006
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Thanks for the information Scott, with the lack of media mention I'd begun to fear it was an anti climax, and it certainly seems that way from your experience.

You cannot have been too pleased at the loss of the day.

I too had expected to see publicity of some sort on the run up to the show, but there's been no mention on TV or radio or in any local newspaper I've seen, nor was it publicised by the Mayor.

Most of the population of London and the Home Counties won't have known of it's existence.
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frank9755

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May 19, 2007
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I'm sure it would be much busier on the Saturday and Sunday, but if not it begs the question 'is the Sustainability Show sustainable?'
 

flecc

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Probably a bit busier Frank, but day one should at least have had the usual media squad, plus trade armies looking around the stands, negotiating etc.

Even some of the engineering fringe and highly specialised exhibitions I've staffed at have had fair numbers at the opening press and trade weekdays.

Since there's nothing really new, it seems to me that the sustainability show elements were already covered this year by the Regents Park event only a stones throw away and in better July weather. Had I gone to that as so many did, I wouldn't even have been thinking about going to the O2.
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Tim

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Nov 1, 2006
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Since there's nothing really new, it seems to me that the sustainability show elements were already covered this year by the Regents Park event only a stones throw away and in better July weather. Had I gone to that as so many did, I wouldn't even have been thinking about going to the O2.
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The Regent's Park event was one of the best shows we've been to (and exhibited at) - great weather, well-attended, good location, lots of interesting exhibitors, interesting members of the public. We'd certainly do that one again if possible. However, I only heard about it by chance thanks to a friend's eagle eyes - she lives in the area and saw a poster outside the park and thought of us, luckily this was a day before the stand booking deadline.

It's very hard to win 'mindshare' for events like this in the capital, I hope Saturday and Sunday were busier.

Tim
 

DBCohen

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May 2, 2007
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It's very hard to win 'mindshare' for events like this in the capital, I hope Saturday and Sunday were busier.

Tim
Which is slightly bizarre - with its more integrated transport system and better local infrastructure than many UK locations, you would think there would be more interest...

David.
 

frank9755

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May 19, 2007
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I came across a (brief) report on the show which says they got 50,000 visitors over the three days, which sounds like a good turnout.

Frank
 

flecc

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Oct 25, 2006
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Mmmmmm.

Strange how they got 50,000, exactly the target number aimed for months ago. :rolleyes:
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