Helitech to move away from Duxford???
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 1,187
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From: Waltham Abbey, Essex, UK
Well.....
It was not Helitech Duxford.
Most people I spoke to were reserving their opinion for later in the week, potentially because they could not get their heads around what they were feeling.
I too am unsure.
A mini Heli-Expo? Yes well perhaps but it is short on static exhibits - no Spitfires anywhere....
It seems quieter but I do not think it is.... seem to be going round and round waiting for the people I want to speak to to be free.... so that is quite busy.
That £15 is not really an issue. Plenty of parking, lots of choice and space and public transport in London is quite pricey anyway so be the time you have paid to park away from ExCel and paid for a train ticket its nearly the same and probably slower overall. Travel from the M25 in is quick and pretty easy even in rush hour. Leaving at 5pm I was back to the M25 within 20 minutes.
It was not Helitech Duxford.
Most people I spoke to were reserving their opinion for later in the week, potentially because they could not get their heads around what they were feeling.
I too am unsure.
A mini Heli-Expo? Yes well perhaps but it is short on static exhibits - no Spitfires anywhere....
It seems quieter but I do not think it is.... seem to be going round and round waiting for the people I want to speak to to be free.... so that is quite busy.
That £15 is not really an issue. Plenty of parking, lots of choice and space and public transport in London is quite pricey anyway so be the time you have paid to park away from ExCel and paid for a train ticket its nearly the same and probably slower overall. Travel from the M25 in is quick and pretty easy even in rush hour. Leaving at 5pm I was back to the M25 within 20 minutes.
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,060
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From: Auckland, New Zealand
Interesting feedback I just got from one attendee. Seems that when they went out to go to the bathrooms they were rescanned when they came back in again. Now does that increase the attendance count each time they are scanned ??
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 921
Likes: 30
From: Europe
Excel is extremely well designed - good facilities (although shared with other exhibitions) and hassle-free parking. Arrival from either the North or the South is relatively easy down the A13 or the A2.
I thought the show was the same size as Duxford with a similar attendance. The manufacturer's stands were populated with aircraft (more like heli-expro than helitech) and the staff therefore more available. Booths did not appear to be busy.
Populating the internal static display might have added something to the show. It was possible to carry out discussions in the hall without the noise levels experienced at Duxford.
As the badges are individually coded, it is unlikely that attendance numbers are fudged. I couldn't see the point because there is no scanning on leaving. It might be part of the Excel culture to avoid forged passes (where security is an issue). As the badges are issued at the door, there is an accurate record of attendance.
I thought the show was the same size as Duxford with a similar attendance. The manufacturer's stands were populated with aircraft (more like heli-expro than helitech) and the staff therefore more available. Booths did not appear to be busy.
Populating the internal static display might have added something to the show. It was possible to carry out discussions in the hall without the noise levels experienced at Duxford.
As the badges are individually coded, it is unlikely that attendance numbers are fudged. I couldn't see the point because there is no scanning on leaving. It might be part of the Excel culture to avoid forged passes (where security is an issue). As the badges are issued at the door, there is an accurate record of attendance.
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,131
Likes: 57
From: Anglia
"Interesting feedback I just got from one attendee. Seems that when they went out to go to the bathrooms they were rescanned when they came back in again. Now does that increase the attendance count each time they are scanned ?? "
re-Scanning just confirms you're a registered attendee/guest - and it's probably an Excel security system anyway.
re-Scanning just confirms you're a registered attendee/guest - and it's probably an Excel security system anyway.
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 1,187
Likes: 16
From: Waltham Abbey, Essex, UK
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.....
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.....
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,046
Likes: 28
From: Zummerset
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.....
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.....
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,735
Likes: 21
From: Used to be God's own County
Enjoyed the 3-days
Excellent location
Good network event on first evening but beer ran out after an hour............:-)
V impressed with 429 flight but nowt to do with show ;-)
Next time - more aircon required in exhibit halls - perhaps they could get Bell to do the aircon as 429's was excellent!
Excellent location
Good network event on first evening but beer ran out after an hour............:-)
V impressed with 429 flight but nowt to do with show ;-)
Next time - more aircon required in exhibit halls - perhaps they could get Bell to do the aircon as 429's was excellent!
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 912
Likes: 1
From: UK
I doubt it Ian. As one major manufacturer put it to me ,the UK is where all the real helicopter action is and they don't want to lash out another 200,000 dollars for a booth at Amsterdam as they did for the Excel Centre....where in fact they did so well that they went home early!
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,060
Likes: 563
From: Auckland, New Zealand
Brillant Stuff - The problem with Farnborough and Paris is a helo company is one tiny small exhibitor amongst thousands and it costs at least $10K for the stand alone at Paris.
In my opinion helo only shows are much more use to the industry than being part of a massive show like FB or Paris.
In addition Europe has a lot of helo work going on, not sure how it compares to the UK but dont think the comment is right that all the real helo action is in the UK.
Cheers
In my opinion helo only shows are much more use to the industry than being part of a massive show like FB or Paris.
In addition Europe has a lot of helo work going on, not sure how it compares to the UK but dont think the comment is right that all the real helo action is in the UK.
Cheers
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,536
Likes: 295
From: The Alps
I had mixed feelings and have to say, it was not bad by half. TBH, the number of a/c on display were just the same as when it was held at IWM.
Though when entering and greeted by the Eurocopter stand, it felt like I was back in the states at the convention centers back in the States,. As the EC130T2 was unveiled in Dallas and the second prototype of the EC145T2 (which also did the tour of the western states) was shown this year in Vegas.
It was nice to see the National Grid 429 make its debut and the VIP AW101 outside on the temp helipad. I guess the old saying 'Less is More' can apply.
Plus side there's more amenities, inside Excel to cater to all tastes, rather than the food facilities at IWM, and restaurant / cafe run inside the chalets. Also access to the City so much more attractions.
Negative side, takes a few hours to drive / train it into Excel and have not got the benefit of a grassy airfield for owners / operators to fly in and nostalgic aviation plus free entry into the museum. (Normally entry into the IWM is around 12 to 15 quid)
Slightly disappointed that it is in Amsterdam next year as opposed to Berlin, am sure the city of canals and cafes and window shopping
will appease to all tastes. Does anyone know anything about the proposed venue there? Is it similar to Excel or bigger?
Cheers
Though when entering and greeted by the Eurocopter stand, it felt like I was back in the states at the convention centers back in the States,. As the EC130T2 was unveiled in Dallas and the second prototype of the EC145T2 (which also did the tour of the western states) was shown this year in Vegas.
It was nice to see the National Grid 429 make its debut and the VIP AW101 outside on the temp helipad. I guess the old saying 'Less is More' can apply.
Plus side there's more amenities, inside Excel to cater to all tastes, rather than the food facilities at IWM, and restaurant / cafe run inside the chalets. Also access to the City so much more attractions.
Negative side, takes a few hours to drive / train it into Excel and have not got the benefit of a grassy airfield for owners / operators to fly in and nostalgic aviation plus free entry into the museum. (Normally entry into the IWM is around 12 to 15 quid)
Slightly disappointed that it is in Amsterdam next year as opposed to Berlin, am sure the city of canals and cafes and window shopping
will appease to all tastes. Does anyone know anything about the proposed venue there? Is it similar to Excel or bigger?Cheers
Last edited by chopper2004; 30th September 2013 at 20:35.
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 1,187
Likes: 16
From: Waltham Abbey, Essex, UK
Berlin was always a bit 'iffy' as it clashed with the Berlin Air Show but the question that must be asked is whether Amsterdam is a centre of helicopter excellence?
The organisers did a good job this year but it was they and others who destroyed a certain other upstart Helicopter Show in the UK Midlands with a [hollow?] claim that industry neither wanted nor could afford an annual helicopter show in Europe.
If that claim holds any shred of truth they may be hoisted on their own Petard....
The organisers did a good job this year but it was they and others who destroyed a certain other upstart Helicopter Show in the UK Midlands with a [hollow?] claim that industry neither wanted nor could afford an annual helicopter show in Europe.
If that claim holds any shred of truth they may be hoisted on their own Petard....
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 912
Likes: 1
From: UK
Seriously Chopper204 should we measure show success by the fast food outlets and access to downtown shopping,or by the footfall of serious buyers and sales.
Will the buyers turn out in numbers at Amsterdam?
And by the way I was being sarcastic when I said a major manufacturer went home early from Excel because they did so well. Truth was they left because they spent most of the show talking to each other !
Will the buyers turn out in numbers at Amsterdam?
And by the way I was being sarcastic when I said a major manufacturer went home early from Excel because they did so well. Truth was they left because they spent most of the show talking to each other !
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,536
Likes: 295
From: The Alps
Forgot to mention about the nice taverns around, one prime example being the Fox Bar then ? Tbh Heli, you have a point there.
The first Helitech I attended was at Redhill '99, which was also the last one to be held there before moving up to my neck of the woods.
I wonder how everyone in the industry felt back in 2000, when the organizers announced the move to IWM....were there any issues raised at the time?
If it was not for Le Bourget, I would have attended the EHS in the Czech Republic. But both events were pretty close by about a 4/5 weeks.
In Amsterdam, the other year, the European Rotorcraft Forum was held I recall (didn't have time to attend that). Therefore, the main elements to the Dutch helicopter industry is roughly the same as here; offshore, HEMS, Politie, some charter, some manufacturing and of course the National Research Lab.
Cheers
? Tbh Heli, you have a point there.The first Helitech I attended was at Redhill '99, which was also the last one to be held there before moving up to my neck of the woods.
I wonder how everyone in the industry felt back in 2000, when the organizers announced the move to IWM....were there any issues raised at the time?
If it was not for Le Bourget, I would have attended the EHS in the Czech Republic. But both events were pretty close by about a 4/5 weeks.
In Amsterdam, the other year, the European Rotorcraft Forum was held I recall (didn't have time to attend that). Therefore, the main elements to the Dutch helicopter industry is roughly the same as here; offshore, HEMS, Politie, some charter, some manufacturing and of course the National Research Lab.
Cheers
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: UK
I visited Helitech at it's new home and I'm a bit undecided. In one way it seemed a lot more professional and cut out a lot of the GA that just used to go into Duxford for the jolly, but on the other hand Duxford had a nice buzz about it and sure as hell was easier to get to in the car or by helicopter!
SD
SD
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Switzerland
Helitech
We had a good Helitech as a first time exhibitor. There were always people on the booth or we could network around the hall. Would definitely sign up for another Excel event, probably not for Amsterdam as it obviously has no history of hosting this type of show.
When it comes down to the crunch, London has the facilities, hotels and transportation at the event location and this saves a ton of time and hassle. We too had people held up Tuesday due to fog at LCY, but that could happen anywhere. My only recommendation would be to make it a two day show, no one seemed to be thrilled about showing up on the last day and there wasn't much new foot traffic Thursday, mainly exhibitors talking to their neighbors.
When it comes down to the crunch, London has the facilities, hotels and transportation at the event location and this saves a ton of time and hassle. We too had people held up Tuesday due to fog at LCY, but that could happen anywhere. My only recommendation would be to make it a two day show, no one seemed to be thrilled about showing up on the last day and there wasn't much new foot traffic Thursday, mainly exhibitors talking to their neighbors.
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,422
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From: Milano, Italia
This article by Jeremy Parkin comes across as a sound summary of the event but, having not attended, I am unable to verify this. Are there those who attended who agree with Jeremy's synopsis?
HeliHub: Helitech 2013 Summary
HeliHub: Helitech 2013 Summary
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,796
Likes: 1
From: 1 Dunghill Mansions, Putney
Analysis of production data by HeliHub.com suggests that this contract was likely signed some months back and only released now for this show.
[Eurocopter ran] their own event for over 100 invited customers in the days just before at their Oxford base. A clear snub to Helitech organisers.
Pratt & Whitney - quite a small stand and no PR. Fail.
No mention of Sloane's presence (R66)?
I/C