Following another big hit in 2012, the National Bed Federation’s (NBF’s) popular Bed Show will be back for a fourth year in 2013 – from 24-25th September at the International Centre, Telford.
“Our third Bed Show was another huge success,” says Jessica Alexander, executive director of the NBF. “We had over 70 NBF members exhibiting – among them some of the biggest names in the bed industry, many of which have already indicated to us they’ll be back next year!”
“Not only that, but we must be one of the few shows in the furniture industry to have maintained – indeed slightly increased – our visitor numbers this year! Visitors registered were 1322, compared with 1306 in 2011.
“One reason for our success is that we are organised by the bed industry, for the bed industry,” Jessica continues. “It’s all about our unique product focus and the fact that it’s primarily a membership benefit, based on an ethos of keeping costs low and participation easy – rather than a profit-making exercise for an exhibition company.”
Once again, only members of the NBF will be invited to exhibit at the 2013 Bed Show, and the event will continue to present its unique mix of bed manufacturers – all with British manufacturing bases – and component suppliers.
“We know that other companies, who do not qualify for NBF membership under its current criteria, would like to exhibit, but for now, we feel we have a successful formula, which is still working well,” says Jessica.
One change to the current established format will be extended opening hours on both the Tuesday (8.30am-6pm) and Wednesday (8.30am-4pm). Jessica explains: “We took on board the feedback from some exhibitors who felt that the show should be extended to three days, but in the end, the NBF board were not convinced that the number of visitors or extra business to be done would justify the 50% hike in costs adding an extra day would entail.”
The NBF Bed Show Gala Dinner and awards night will once again be held on the Tuesday evening of the show. For the third year running there will be best-in-class awards, with five categories on offer: Bed Manufacturer of the Year; Bed Components Supplier of the Year; Multiple Bed Retailer of the Year; Independent Bed Retailer of the Year; and Bed E-Tailer of the Year. More details on the 2013 awards, including how to enter, will be available soon.
