The Showman's Show

In any industry, there’s that moment where the mirror sees itself; the “busman’s holiday”, the dentist who needs dental treatment, the chef who sits down to dine out etc. In the exhibitions industry – the equivalent is the “Showman’s Show”; an annual event showcasing all that is new and best about the business of showing off one’s wares at events. The 2014 Showman’s Show will be held on 22nd & 23rd October at the Newbury Showground, Chieveley, Berkshire. It will feature a comprehensive exhibition of all the products, services and entertainments you can possibly imagine which are necessary for the world of outdoor entertainments and special events. The show’s overall aim is to provide an opportunity to find anything you could possibly need, along with a few ideas you’d never have dreamed of, if you’re planning any kind of event. This year will mark the 30th anniversary of the Showman’s Show, and it’s always been held at an outdoor venue. This means the organisers can be flexible in their approach and there are no limits on exhibitors’ creativity in presenting their products in exactly the same way they may be used in an outdoor event environment. This realism has proved very successful for visitors and exhibitors. Of course, the show is a show like any other and requires the same facilities. But what makes it particularly interesting is the way in which these facilities are provided; the “mirror sees itself” again. So, for example, the tracking required to cover soft ground, the marquees for exhibition halls and restaurants, the PA systems, the toilet facilities, waste disposal facilities, first aid, radio communications, and all the other facilities you can possibly need for a show are all provided by the exhibitors of those products and services themselves. This gives all visitors the chance to see these products and services in a real working situation. And, of course, they’re needed anyway! If you have any kind of interest in the exhibitions industry, it’s the one event of the year you really can’t afford to miss.