When AVEX was restarted in 1982, it would not have been possible without the financial support of Neil Hurd, at that time the owner and publisher of Vending International. He shared the risks of the AVEX exhibitions from 1982 to 1993. AVEX is now an important income stream for AVA, with the proceeds remaining within the industry rather than going into the pocket of an external exhibition organiser. The revenue streams generated have enabled AVA to undertake various projects that have been for the benefit of its members. The Quality Initiative is one example. This has been by any measure a great success and might not have seen the light of day but for AVEX.

The proceeds of AVEX also enabled AVA to purchase the freehold of its premises in Cheam. The money has not been wasted.

When AVEX was last at the NEC it attracted the biggest attendance ever for an AVEX show up to that point in time. This was despite the opposition to the move from Manchester. I am pleased to see it back. It is a much changed venue with a wider choice of accommodation either within the complex or very close by and covering all the pricing points.

For the day visitor it is 70 minutes by train from London with a high frequency service. All of the other major train operators come into Birmingham International Railway station from across the country. The airport is well served by low cost airlines, which was not the case last time. The NEC is directly linked to the airport and the train station. It goes without saying that there is no problem with car parking.

So there is no problem with the venue, but is AVEX still relevant is a question frequently asked. There is no doubt that the machine manufacturers are concerned at the proliferation of vending exhibitions that have sprung up across Europe, on the back of the AVEX success. Imitation is the greatest form of flattery and these exhibitions have become money spinners for their National Associations. The exhibitions cannot survive, though, without the support of all the major machine manufacturers and the ingredient suppliers. They would prefer to see fewer exhibitions but spread around Europe and some compensation scheme set up to share the proceeds of the exhibitions, but I cannot see that happening in the short term. National pride should not be underestimated.

AVEX is the bi-annual shop window of the vending industry and as such has an important part to play in keeping the industry at large informed about new developments etc. It is an opportunity for all these things to be shown under one roof and for people to meet and share experiences.

The attendances at Business to Business exhibitions have declined in recent years. It is interesting that public shows have increased theirs despite the fact that you have to pay to gain entrance. Is there a lesson here?

There is no doubt that AVEX is a widely admired exhibition and we should not forget it attracts visitors from all corners of the globe, some 900 people per show. This is not to say it does not have to adapt to the changing needs of exhibitors and visitors alike. As a nation we do seem to take delight in building things up and then want to knock them down. You could not imagine the Italians, French, Germans or the Spanish even thinking of abandoning their exhibitions.

Long may AVEX continue to be the ‘jewel in the crown' for the UK vending industry.

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