I was the first to criticise AVEX 2007; too big, too impersonal, too expensive. Sure a fantastic showcase for our industry, but what did it actually achieve in terms of value? Mixed reactions from the exhibitors whose support for this event is absolutely critical.

I question in the overall scheme of things whether the Trade Association, the AVA, should be in the exhibition business in the first place! It takes a sizeable amount of hard work, planning and operation by the team, and one could argue that it detracts from the core work of what the Trade Association actually does.

However, it is difficult to dispute that financially it has been an extraordinary success, and that is down to the skills of project leader and volunteer, David Hoskin, and of course Janette Gledhill and her hard working team at AVA who should be congratulated on the highly professional way this exhibition comes together and delivers.

In planning for 2009, the organising committee has listened intently to the comments of the exhibitors. AVEX 2009 will see an equally if not more representative trade exhibition than 2007, but at a much reduced cost to exhibitors. By moving it to Birmingham, the outcosts of travel and hotels are virtually halved. The NEC is the most accessible place in the UK, and the AVA has negotiated very reasonable stand rates and exhibitor charges compared to London.

AVEX 2009 will share the floor space with the European Point of Use Drinking Water Association and will feature a variety of new equipment, products and services in our fast changing market. There will be some interesting networking and socialising opportunities over the two days of the exhibition itself.

The challenge will be once again to deliver value to exhibitors which in turn will attract audience of buyers and specifiers. I have no doubt they will succeed and I encourage the industry to support the exhibition by either exhibiting or visiting it. See you there..."

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