Sign of the times I am afraid.
Salon Son & Image/Montreal Audio Show 2016
It is with considerable sadness that we have to inform you that it has been decided to defer this year’s show.
The deciding factor has been a general market indifference to the continuation of this show as a regular event; with sales enquiries and completions now seriously below that of previous years, and a more than normal amount of Exhibitors who either have yet to pay, or would like to cancel their orders.
This is the 1ST time the Chester Group has had to take such a drastic course of action, and under no circumstances would we make that decision unless we felt that one of our shows would represent poor value for money, both for our Exhibitors and Visitors alike.
It is now very clear to us that this show has been in the same location and has been pursuing the same format for far too long, and requires a major re-think, as we continue to do with all our shows, including our brand new ‘STYL:US event which reaches into more vibrant and trendier markets.
“Last year overall Exhibitor revenues dropped by over 20% compared to 2014, which itself was also down 20% on its projected sales; in addition and more worryingly considerable discounts had to be offered to some Exhibitors to maintain their support. Not only was this in our opinion morally wrong and against all our basic principles, but further underlines the market attitude towards the future of this show in its current form and regularity. Overall sales for this year’s show are currently 50% down on 2015, with many potential Exhibitors still sitting on the fence and would only be tempted by substantial discounts!!” Roy Bird
All markets change and as Organisers we have to move with the times; and although we brought in some brand new ideas in 2015, cut out wasteful and ill performing Media, and even increased overall ‘gate’, these changes simply have come too late.
We would have very much liked to have advised you earlier, but prior to our takeover of this show we were aware that the bulk of sales always came in very late in the day, which whilst unusual we went along with.
But with two weeks to go we could not leave things any longer.
Our venue, dates, format and show regularity are already being put together, and we will make an announcement in the next month.
Once again we extend our considerable regrets to all those that have showed their willingness to maintain support, but a decision had to be made.
Chester GRP Exhibitions ( Canada ) Limited
Best Regards
Justin Bird
Director
Chester Group Exhibitions
