VENDEX QUOTES

VENDEX NORTH 2011

“For Aimia Foods, this year’s Vendex North was one of the best shows for years. It had a refreshingly informal atmosphere and we were able to spend a lot of time with key customers discussing both their needs, and our new products, in detail. It meant we were able to get invaluable feedback about our new products directly from the people that matter; full marks Vendex – this show works,” Martin Armitt, Aimia Foods.

"We had a very positive exhibition, with over 40 enquiries across the range of brands we represent. It was interesting that the common theme of questions from many visitors stemmed around ‘Healthy, ethical, natural & vat free,’ so most on our stand ticked these boxes - Go Ape, Suso, Thirsty Planet, Country Products and Maryland Cookies. It would also be true to say that we had the greatest number of enquiries about Espresso beans from Coburg. The bean-to-cup market is clearly growing, as operators want to add value, quality and margin.

“Of the so called ‘Blue Chip companies’ I was surprised to only see Kraft/Cadbury take a stand. I think the likes of Nestlé, Pepsi & Coke, who are key suppliers to the vending sector, missed an opportunity.” Alistair Price, What Price Solutions.

“The mood was rather pessimistic before the show with talk of no one turning up. This was quickly put to bed as soon as the doors opened. The show was very busy especially in the morning with a good number of important visitors. The afternoon was a little slower but I would put that down to the good food on offer down stairs. Overall a good show for Crane Payment Solutions. We are looking forward to both shows next year.” Mark Simmons, Crane Payment Solutions.

“It’s so nice to have Vendex as a regular fixture on our calendar. We have, for several years now, booked the next show even before we have left the current one! It’s quality that counts, not quantity, and in our opinion the team at Rephoto have got it just right when it comes to timing, location and marketing of this event,” Mark Simpson, DarenthMJS.

"Vendex is an excellent venue to showcase the latest innovations in the vending industry.” Paul Freeman, Douwe Egberts Coffee Systems.

“Just a quick line to thank you for organising a great show at Vendex North 2011. It created a unique mix of relevant suppliers in an easy to manage venue - one of the few exhibitions where I could visit every stand in a day and see all the people who I need to.  Great show - already looking forward to the next one!” Steven Garner, Snacktime plc (visitor).

“This is the 4th Vendex Matrix has been involved in, and I have to say I think the best so far. We did, I must admit, have a smaller stand then we have had previously so that may have something to do with it being very busy, but the quality of visitors was excellent, and of course the six hours was quite enough for a not so young exhibitor.  I must also add, this is the first exhibition, (7 Avex, 4 Vendex) that we have sold all our working machines off the stand. Apart from the income, it saves taking them back to the factory, (a real bonus).  All in all an excellent day was had by all. Thank you Auto Vending, looking forward to your next show, hopefully down SOUTH next year.” David Pearce, Matrix Catering.

"We have been attending the Vendex North exhibition for a number of years and once again the event was a fantastic opportunity to meet existing customers and make new and useful contacts. The event is always a really enjoyable experience to attend due to the friendly, informal atmosphere and it was heartening to see how well the event was attended in the current economic climate. Following the show, I feel we can now further support the UK vending industry going into 2012 through finance due to the accelerated market knowledge we gained from the event." Jo Quantrill, BNP Paribas.

"Vendex provided an ideal platform on which to launch our new audit key system and Vendon management software, but also gauge interest in our newly-modified Slide & Glide, Café Chameleon and Defend-A-Vend.  It brought us in front of many of our valued customers, whose views and feedback are so important in the early stages of launching new products." Steven Bane, Safer Systems.

“This is a fabulous show and we’ve met several new companies. Thank you for putting on such a good show. We are definitely planning to make both the Northern and Southern shows part of our yearly routine.” Simon Black, SB Software.

“For us a first show of this nature - and a good one - a great one in fact. We met some existing customers and some new potential ones. Three of us struggled to have lunch as we had a lot of customers who wanted to talk business. For all the doom and gloom in the Fleet Street press the show was very positive for us!  So far anyway.” Steve Mooring, The Brew Group.

“Another successful Vendex show for Siemens,” Kevin Reed, Siemens Financial Services.

“As a showcase it’s been brilliant,” Roger Bunn, Crane Merchandising Systems.

“Overall a good show for Crane Payment Solutions. We are looking forward to both shows next year,” Mark Simmons, Crane Payment Solutions.

“As a first time exhibitor, Vendex surpassed my expectations. The show was absolutely fantastic for Excalibur and we had some really high quality enquiries,” Richard Gilbert, Excalibur Refurbishing Services.

VENDEX NORTH 2010

“A good & cost effective ‘business to business exhibition’. Keep going with them please.” Alistair Price, What Price Solutions.

“Once again we saw an excellent, well-attended show. Vendex gives us the opportunity to showcase any new products we have and also reminds customers of some of the benefits we offer as a one-stop shop. Overall we were very pleased with the show and benefit from the one-day format.” ??, Abbeychart.

“Once again an excellent show and venue which gave us the opportunity to meet existing and prospective customers,” Kevin Swann, Seabrook Crisps.

“Once again, Vendex delivered exactly what we were anticipating… a successful day of selling and networking opportunities that echoed the friendly spirit of the vending industry. People have often asked if all the preparation is really worth it for only a six hour show, and we believe the answer is a definite YES. Vendex North offered a great venue with helpful staff, plenty of parking for both exhibitors and visitors, and as always a welcoming atmosphere.  We had four employees on the Benders stand, which was gladly received, as at times we were all needed to help with interested enquirers. The Gala dinner was also well-attended and provided Benders with the opportunity to talk to customers and prospects in a more informal environment. Now the real work begins in converting the leads that were generated...  Well done to both Phil and the team, a great day had by all, and we look forward to Vendex 2011." Ian Keefe, Benders Paper Cup Company.

“A very worthwhile show. The quality of visitors to the stand this year was outstanding and we have a number of new business opportunities to explore. Given the current economic climate, this is hugely encouraging and we are certain it is not just ourselves who have benefited! The intimacy at Vendex lends itself to networking and chatting in a relaxed environment and as always we have come away with a number of new contacts who have been recommended to us.” Jo Quantrill, BNP Paribas.

“We just love the Vendex format. The team at Auto Vending have got it just right in our opinion and this year is proving to be the best yet!” Mark Simpson, DarenthMJS.

“Vendex has become the leading exhibition of the industry in our minds. The choices of venues are not only geographically, but also operationally superb in our opinion and the team at Auto Vending make these shows a real pleasure to participate in.” Mick Hardy, DarenthMJS.

“It was a really good event and I was delighted to receive a lot of positive feedback on our products.” David Ward, N&W Global Vending.

“We were really impressed with the numbers of people who attended. We saw a lot of familiar faces and made a lot of new contacts who were very positive about our new Barista range of vending cups.” Mike Gardner, International Paper Foodservice.

“For us, this is the best vending show.” Richard Brinsley, Westomatic Vending Services.

VENDEX SOUTH 2010

"It was a pleasure to exhibit again at Vendex and a great show to launch our Spots v Stripes plan to the Vending Industry." Kate Roberts, Cadbury.

"As a last minute exhibitor I am impressed with the results of the exhibition and look forward to the Northern show where we will not leave it until the last minute." Paul Howard, Nebrak.

“Exhibiting at Vendex always offers great value for money for Seaga; it is an ideal platform to catch up with old customers and attract new ones.” Vicki Armstrong-Smith, Seaga UK.

“We were delighted to see so many relevant and committed visitors at the show.” Vassilis Gotsis, Jofemar.

“I’m extremely pleased with the response and feedback we are receiving from exhibiting at Vendex to launch our new vending software product ‘Operator4’. Robert Mobsby, Paradise Computing.

“It was great to be able to speak to so many operators in such a small amount of time, with a very good mix all wanting to discuss potential opportunities.” Chris Bampton, Burton’s Foods.

“Vendex remains great value for money. The show creates a good environment to network, communicate, inform and do business and the venue was great.” Tony Greensill, Brita.

“As always, activity was brisk with a wide range of operators. We were very happy with the organisation, the number and the quality of visitors to the stand.” Mike Kane, N&W Global Vending.

“I was exceedingly impressed with the ‘buzz’ at Vendex and couldn’t believe how busy it was by 10.15.” Graham Kingaby, NIVO.

“Fantastic, fantastic, fantastic!” Mark Simpson, DarenthMJS.

VENDEX NORTH 2009

“I have been to a variety of these shows and I have got to say that Vendex rates as high in the list as any that I have attended in the past 40 years.” Ray Buckley, P&H Snacksdirect.

“We had a fantastic response and the number of decision makers in attendance suprassed our expectations, delivering new distribution points and gaining numerous new customers.” Lee Skipp, Burton’s Foods.

“From an exhibitor’s perspective, the venue gives plenty of scope for stand size, with plenty of opportunity to display our products, and to be honest, is very good commercial value against other large industry trade shows.” Daniel Sharp, F Benders.

“As always at the Vendex show the mix and quality of visitors was fantastic, from smaller operators to large nationals. For us, the best thing about Vendex is the ability to showcase our complete payment solutions to a wide and varied type of visitor.” Nick Norris, Crane National Rejectors.

“Vendex delivered numerous quality operators to the stand and the one-day format worked well.” Peter Best, Abbeychart.

“I couldn’t fault it. There was a good level and quality of visitors.” Tony Greensill, Brita Water Filter Systems UK.

“A well organised exhibition in an excellent location and venue.” Andy Crowson, Cummins Allison.

VENDEX NORTH 2008

“Every time I’ve been to this show it’s been good content and you always know you’re going to convert new business here.” Malcolm Redman, Eurogran.

“Without a doubt, this is the best show in the vending calendar for Sielaff.” Karen Nash, Sielaff.

“We’re over the moon with the show and the interest it has generated.” Simon Kershaw, Aimia Foods.

“We really enjoyed Vendex. With it being a one-day event, everyone visiting the stand was focused and direct about what they were looking for, which was ideal for us.” Katie Day, GWD Media.

“This was the first Vendex I had been to – it was brilliant – exactly what an exhibition should be. I saw all the companies I wanted to, plus I saw some new bits of kit that were totally new to me, so all-in-all, a really enjoyable, and more importantly, very productive tow days.” Charles Trace, Bunzl Coffee Point.

“What a great way to showcase products and network over a shared space.” Ray McNamara, Huhtamaki.

“It’s gone really well and been attended by lots of different business. It’s that kind of thing that’s made Vendex stand out – a really amazing, relaxed, sociable atmosphere.” Sandra Adams, Bunzl Catering Supplies.

“Obviously as a company we have to go all over the country to talk to potential buyers. The great thing about Vendex is that they are all here and come to us.” Michael O’Reilly, Abbey Well.

“Vendex is an excellent venue to meet and talk with customers in a relaxed atmosphere and definitely a good show to attend next year.” Karen Withers, Kenco.

“From SandenVendo’s point of view this was probably the best show for quite some time.” Eddie Marks, SandenVendo.

“Once again Vendex was a cracking day and a great opportunity to catch up with industry friends, colleagues and make new business introductions.” Kevin Reed, Siemens Financial Services.

VENDEX SOUTH 2008

“A steady flow of visitors kept us busy all day. It was certainly worthwhile our taking a stand, as we now have some quality leads to follow up.” Alistair Price, What Price Solutions.

“We had a couple of very good leads which, if they come to fruition, will support our expenses. It was also positive to meet existing customers.” David Llanwarne, Bravilor Bonamat.

“The show had a real buzz ahnd being a one-day event is ideal. We had a good number of visitors onto our stand and it was a good way to catch up with all connected in the vending industry.” Linda Salt, Huhtamaki.

“A very good show – even better than Vendex North. It has been great to see so many people from the industry here in just one day.” Richard Brinsley, Westomatic Vending Services.

“We received our first actual confirmed order at 10.15am. We also had a good amount of quality leads to follow up. We will exhibit again.” Paul Howard, Nebrak.

VENDEX NORTH 2007

“The show was a great experience for Vend Direct Insurance. It gave us the opportunity to meet face-to-face with many people in the industry to help us to fully understand their unique insurance needs and to explain how our service can fulfil those requirements in a genuine B2B environment. We’ll be back next year for sure.” Justin Gould, Bateman Group.

“We really enjoyed the show and thought the quality of visitors was high. It was great opportunity to meet customers and the surroundings and set-up were fantastic.” Rosie Purse, Cadbury.