So, what do you think would start a new 'golden age'?
People are complaining about value for money. In all fairness, how about comparing the cost of an exhibition ticket to a couple of hours at the cinema, a concert or a day at a theme park or a castle/stately home?
I think people are expecting to pay 1980s prices and don't realise just how much it costs to stage one of these events – they certainly aren't cash cows.
Internet shopping has made them less and less relevant to traders, especially the big machinery companies (who have enormous transport and staff costs) who would take up a large amount of space (and pay for it). That leaves gate admission to make up the shortfall in costs, but if you have to keep ticket prices down to attract visitors…
Every show needs to make money – even those put on by clubs are with the intent of helping to top up the club's coffers against the effects of leaky roofs or wayward Council policies.
Businesses obviously need to show a return, and so do all the traders, and as that gets harder so does running a show.
The changes inevitably mean shows today are unlikely to match up to those of the past. the result? Every show is followed by posts bemoaning how it wasn't as good as it used to be and in it's turn this feeds a vicious cycle of reduced attendances and reduced spending leading to fewer traders.
With vicious competition from various online outlets, the trade have had to cut all costs to the bone. It's now very hard for them to justify four or even five-figure costs to attend a show.
It's made even worse as now people go to a show to look at machines – while furtively looking for a better deal on their phone…
So what can be done to usher in a new 'golden age' of model engineering shows?
Lots of people are thinking on this issue.
One idea is shorter shows, just two days, so exhibitors only have to commit to a single overnight stay.
Another could be widening the range of activities and interest or even combining shows – perhaps. This has been unpopular in the past, but it may be the only way to get the numbers of visitors needed.
Could exhibitors operate differently – bring fewer machines and less stock, focusing on demonstrations and taking orders to be fulfilled by rapid delivery the following week?
Charging more for visitors but giving more in return, such as a free programme, or a voucher for food or even to be spent at the show?
What ideas do you have?