Since its humble beginnings at Rockingham Raceway in 2004, Vendex®, formerly known as Nivex, has become established as a firm favourite of the vending industry. Its format, which focuses on providing an inexpensive platform from which exhibitors can promote their goods and services, together with a strong emphasis on networking, has proven to be very successful and has definitely ‘hit a spot’ in the vending industry, filling a niche for just such an event.
The decision to change the name, earlier this year, was a unanimous one, taken because Vendex was felt to be a more generic and easily identifiable title for a vending show. However, importantly, in these cost-conscious times, the format will remain the same. Exhibitors will still be able to demonstrate their goods and services to the industry at very low cost and meet industry buyers who are there to spend money and write a lot of business all in one, highly-charged day. As anyone knows who has visited in recent years, the atmosphere is buzzing and at the same time, oozes camaraderie and a close-knit feeling that epitomises the spirit of the vending industry. All visitors will also be offered a free hot lunch – another popular feature of the event.
Organiser, Phil Reynolds, publisher of Auto Vending magazine which owns Vendex, said, “It’s great to see everyone doing business, with smiles on their faces in a fantastic atmosphere, meeting people they may not see elsewhere during the course of the business year, all in a one-day show.”
Other events planned to take place during Vendex include a Vendex NIVO Forum. It will be held in the afternoon before the show opens, and before the Gala Dinner, and is expected to last between 60 and 90 minutes. All NIVO members are invited to attend this open forum. The latest news from the organisation will be presented and members will be able to share their views on topical industry issues. More information will be released on this brand new initiative in due course.
Another first for 2009 is the Café Business Showcase. Café Business is Auto Vending’s sister publication, focusing on the out-of-home beverage market, including high street outlets, leisure and the workplace. This area is supported by the Beverage Service Association, BSA. It will occupy its own section of the Manchester Suite and is expected to attract exhibitors showing the best table-top and traditional systems, demonstrating the synergy between the two markets and helping to break down the barriers that exist by creating a better mutual understanding. The BSA will also host its annual conference there, during the preceding afternoon.
Vendex 2009 will be held in the Manchester Suite, Old Trafford on Tuesday, November 17, with the Gala Dinner on the evening before. Visitor pre-registration is open – go to www.vend-ex.co.uk. Tickets for the gala dinner can be order through Auto Vending – please call 01342 844444.
