Ski and Snowboard Show reveals visitor growth and 2013 dates
Ski and Snowboard Show reveals visitor growth and 2013 dates
Published : 14-Nov-2012 11:19
VOS Media, organisers of the Ski and Snowboard Show, which closed last Sunday, today released initial attendance figures that reveal a growth in visitor numbers and participation across all areas of the show. The show was situated in a half term dateline for the first time since 2007 and this, combined with the onsite offering, resulted in a large increase in family visitors to the show and a provisional 12% growth in visitors overall. This means that the UK's biggest Ski and Snowboard Show has reversed a 2 year decline in attendance despite tough market conditions for niche consumer events. Provisional attendance figures show a total attendance across the 5 days of 34,672 visitors.VOS Media had changed the structure of the show for 2012 to encourage greater participation and interaction, given the projected increase in family attendance. The success of this strategy is borne out by the initial figures with a 400% increase in family attendance year on year. Over the 5 days of the show:
- More than 600 new participants were introduced to the sport through the free ski and snowboard lessons provided by the Warren Smith Ski Academy
- 263 received tips from top freestyle pros on the Salice Airbag
- The ice rink hosted over 4,000 skating sessions
- 650 thirsty visitors participated in the Virgin Wine and Beer Boutique tasting experience
VOS Media has confirmed that the 2013 show will also be held at Earls Court 2 in the same week as the 2012 show, 30th October to 3rd November 2013. This means that the show will take place during the school half term holidays with the plan to increase opportunities for interactivity further.
Tim Holmes, Head of VOS Media Snowsports, comments:
"The format of this year's show was a great success in bringing new participants to the sport with over 600 young visitors given their first taste of snowsports. We had the demand to fill this area three times over and after the success at this year's show we want to increase the size of our skills area to ensure we can host 1,000 new participants in 2013. The show has an important role to play within the industry in providing affordable ways to get new participants into skiing and snowboarding and that will be our aim again in 2013."
The confirmation of the 2013 dateline and the increased footfall has resulted in 46% of the 2013 show stands having already been booked up by the end of the 2012 show with both exhibitors and sponsors expressing significant satisfaction at the 2012 show.
Trevor De Villiers - Sales & Marketing Director – Norwegian Mountain Resorts, states:
"For us the Ski and Snowboard Show offered the perfect platform to re-launch our Norwegian destinations and new operators in a very visible manner – without fail, all the resorts and operators exhibiting on our stand, "Norway – Home of Skiing" thought that the show was simply fantastic! From the level and quality of participants with a genuine interest in our resorts, to the overall "feel" of the show and its well-planned layout, events and exhibitors. Being at half term was an extra bonus, as it's the perfect target market for our destinations. We can't wait to join again next year."
Emma Bebb, Partnerships and Events Manager at the Ski Club of Great Britain commented:
"It was brilliant to see a much busier show this year – there was a consistent buzz around the Ski Club stand and it was a great opportunity to chat to members. It was also really encouraging to see so many people taking advantage of the free lessons and trying out skiing for the first time. A great start to the winter!"
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