I thought it was a good half way house between Duxford and Heli-Expo. I like Excel as a venue with excellent transport links, multiple choices of food and several hotels - some at surprisingly good value (I had the London City Travelodge - a 10 minute walk - for £59). Yes, as a spotter, I missed the wander around the museum and the odd Merlin crackle in the circuit but I liked the sense of space. It was much more relaxing than DSEi a couple of weeks ago!
I did note that no-one scanned my pass on stalls; at DSEi I was scanned onto several stalls (for lunch, coffee or beer) so the vendors knew who'd been where.
Lots of good networking and some good business done....satis from my PoV! Oh, and a banging hangover to boot.....