Overall I think it worked very well.
From past experience of DSEi and other domestic exhibitions ExCel is, as noted above, a very attendee friendly venue. Clean airy and not [for the current events] not too overcrowded with good facilities all round that do not seek to fleece you. Remember the restaurant service at the Duxford? One option take it or leave it at a high price .... ExCel has a dozen or more options and various prices.
There has been much said about the lack of customer demonstrations at this years event..... but the feedback I get is that the manufacturers did what they needed to on site or did it before or after..... [ie almost nothing] and in any case Duxford had zapped demo flights anyway.
True to form it seems those that said they were not going because they could not fly in did not turn out [Damyns Farm was all but deserted] - or they came by car or public transport.
The proof of success will be in the next six months sales record.....