After canvassing LOFA Members the dates of next years SOLEX will be 10th - 12th July 2023 in Hall 5 at the NEC.
Gina Hinde, LOFA Marketing manager told GTN Xtra: "Earlier in the year we canvassed our LOFA members. As an association we know there are always new ways of doing things. Sometimes, we have to find new ways to get the job done and sometimes, the old ways are the best!
"We were all set to hold the exhibition in May 2023 but after canvassing our exhibitors and visitors during SOLEX whilst they were all in one place at one time, it seems that although we made provision for SOLEX to be held in May next year it turns out that the far east market has now shifted yet again and so we have been in discussion with the NEC about leaving the exhibition exactly where it is.
"It suits our exhibitors, but more importantly it suits the industry, who would have difficulty knowing what products they need to purchase before July. Spring is the main season for our visitors with sales continuing right up until the end of June. July allows them more time to make better informed buying decisions.
"You learn by experience, and we have learnt that SOLEX is a great show, the industry like it in July, the exhibitors like it in July so it turns out this show was great after all exactly where it was.
"The exhibition industry is always in motion with markets constantly shifting and it is great that SOLEX is able to be so flexible and agile to consider the needs of its exhibitors and visitor requirements.
"Solex is committed to delivering an ever-growing and improving show year on year. We are constantly striving to innovate and improve our exhibition, and we believe that there is always room for improvement. We will continue to work hard to ensure that our exhibitors and visitors have the best possible experience, and we appreciate your ongoing support.
"LOFA and SOLEX would like to take this opportunity to say a big “THANK YOU” to everyone that attended and visited SOLEX 22, it was wonderful to be back together again after so long.
"SOLEX 2023 is just around the corner, and we can't wait to do it all over again!"
10-12 July 2023 | Hall 5 | NEC, Birmingham
It is undeniable that the SOLEX show had a slightly reduced presence this year. There were fewer visitors from independent garden centres than we would like, which meant our footfall was not as high compared to previous years; however, we do understand how important it is for these smaller centres to have access to this event, so no doubts next year they will come back!
There are many shows for the industry, Landscape Show, Futurescape, Garden Press Event, National Plant Show, and Glee (apologies if I have missed anyone out) each offering the industry something different depending on purchasing requirements. If all these shows were amalgamated it would take days to walk around and you wouldn’t be able to have the good one to one conversations or a chance to view all the products, so SOLEX will remain in July, the same place it has been in the calendar since 2008.