Following the sell-out show in 2002, Woodmex this year moves to new halls at the NEC – providing not only more space but also improved facilities for visitors and exhibitors.

Woodmex will be held from October 10-13 (Sunday-Tuesday: 09:00-17.30; Wednesday: 09:00-17:00) in Halls 17-20 at the NEC, Birmingham. The halls have large dividing doors between them which will be fully opened during the exhibition – effectively creating a single large internal space, but with several separate entrances which will reduce queues coming into the halls.

And there will be plenty to see at Woodmex 2004. In addition to the traditional exhibits of machinery, tooling, plant and equipment, the organisers are expanding the exhibition to include other areas as part of the strategy to make Woodmex the single, comprehensive trade event for everyone who works with wood.

Mechanical handling equipment

At Woodmex 2002, for example, there was increased participation by suppliers of mechanical handling equipment – fork lifts and sideloaders – and this trend has been maintained for 2004. Also, for the first time, there are exhibitors of timber itself… and since all visitors to Woodmex by definition use wood, this is an interesting development.

“It has always been the case that Woodmex is an essential event for everyone in the woodworking industry,” said exhibition manager John Southam. “And by expanding the exhibition we are adding even more value for visitors.

“In addition to seeing demonstrations and comparing the products and services of different suppliers, visitors are also able to meet industry colleagues and catch up on trends and developments so they can ensure their businesses are tuned to meet current and future challenges.”

Another first at Woodmex 2004 is the use of touch-screen terminals to help guide visitors around the show. It will be possible to select a particular exhibitor and find where they are located, or to choose a category of equipment and find all the companies that supply it.

This year’s exhibition also introduces a new demonstration area, where exhibitors of fork lifts and sideloaders will be showing the capabilities of their equipment.

Catering facilities

The halls are fronted by an attractive glass-walled atrium, where there is seating as well as catering facilities (in addition to the bars and restaurants inside the halls). That means visitors will easily be able to find somewhere to take a break and refresh themselves as they tour the exhibition.

Woodmex is owned and sponsored by the Woodworking Machinery Suppliers’ Association (WMSA), which will be running seminars for visitors on health and safety and other key issues.

Or as Mr Southam put it “Woodmex 2004 is ready for business; make sure you’re there!”