Strong result for 6th A Place In The Sun Live exhibition at Birmingham’s NEC ahead of new four-show calendar in 2008

- 15,601* visitors in search of their very own place in the sun
- Exhibitors report high levels of business and high-quality leads
- New, independent advice-led seminar programme an overwhelming success
- 57 countries represented, the broadest selection of any multi-country show
 
A Place in the Sun Live – in association with Moneycorp – held at the NEC Birmingham from 28th-30th September, has been hailed a major success by exhibitors, visitors and organiser Brooklands Group, retaining its status as the biggest and best-attended exhibition of its kind in the UK, if not the world.

15,601* house-hunters queued in search of a property investment or dream home abroad, and with virtually all exhibitors reporting high levels of satisfaction with business of a very good quality, it’s evident that demand among Brits for a home overseas remains strong, despite the current conservative property and financial climate.

Record numbers of visitors also flocked to the revamped seminar programme to hear genuinely independent advice from respected names including TV’s Amanda Lamb and Phil Spencer, and the Editor of The Sunday Times Home section, Peter Conradi, as well as members of the A Place in the Sun editorial team. In fact, almost 5,000 would-be overseas property buyers attended a seminar session in the course of the three-day event.

The large numbers of Britons looking to emigrate was also evident, with the Emigration seminar theatre (new to the NEC show) at maximum capacity. Over three days, 1,500 people attended an emigration seminar, with Australia, New Zealand and Europe proving to be the most popular destinations.

Says Ken Pritchard, Group Events Director of Brooklands Group:
 
“We went on-site with 300 exhibitors from 57 countries, the broadest selection yet, and as a result, were able to create a strong and colourful visitor experience with widespread appeal. Our investment in feature areas, seminar programmes, guest speakers and main-stage entertainment remains beyond comparison within our industry and, consequently, we believe we delivered not only an exciting and dynamic show for the collective benefit of all of our visitors, but we created the best possible environment for our exhibitors to achieve their goals.

“Visitor numbers represent a strong result in the current economic and property climate, and although they are down a little on the previous show, they are independently audited and verified (unlike those of any rival). We don’t hide them away or make them up, and we remain the biggest and best-attended shows in the UK by a mile. There’s always a hot debate in the industry about numbers but, for us, if our exhibitors say it was a good show (and they do) and they re-book for next year in the numbers they have, we clearly must have put on a pretty good show.”

With stand bookings and reservations that already account for more than 70% of the floor space available across a new, four-show 2008 calendar, floor space capped to guarantee exhibitors more visitors per square metre and early commitment to all shows from industry leaders the like of Superior, Harlequin, Sambala, Kayden, Ready2Invest, Barrasford & Bird, Choice Properties and hundreds more, the future looks bright for A Place in the Sun Live.

Hear what the exhibitors had to say about the Birmingham show:

“A Place in the Sun Live is by far the best overseas property exhibition in the UK. It continues to provide the best choice and opportunity for comparison in the complicated world of overseas property, whatever the reason for purchase.”  Heath Golding, Asset Property Brokers Ltd

“Best show ever! We have reserved multiple units on our stand and arranged numerous inspection trips. Very pleased indeed with the volume of business.” Kevin Parson, Parson International

“No other show has the ability to pull in as many visitors as A Place in the Sun Live. It was the first time we’d launched a development in Argentina and we were pleasantly surprised with the level of interest.” Ben Mason, Someplace Else

 “A Place in the Sun Live always attracts a good quality of consumer through the doors, which is why we keep coming back.” Suzanna Morrill, World of Florida

“This show is an absolute must for anyone considering a move abroad.” Maria McLean, AngloInfo

“We get more leads at A Place in the Sun Live than anywhere else.” Ellie Higgingson, Pure Murcia
  2008 A Place in the Sun Live show calendar:

  - Manchester Central (NEW!)  29th February-2nd March 2008

  - ExCeL London    25th–27th April 2008

  - NEC Birmingham   26th-28th September 2008

  - Earls Court (NEW!)   3rd-5th October 2008

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