LOFA's marketing manager Gina Hinde, who organised this week's SOLEX exhibition, revealed that visitor numbers had increased by 5.42% from last year. She also announced that SOLEX 2024 would revert back to Tuesday to Thursday opening days (9-11 July 2024).

Here's what she had to say about this year's show...

I can’t help but feel a little sad that SOLEX 2023 is nearly over for another year. It has been a fantastic show. The hall was buzzing, and it was great to see such engagement in the new ranges and products on display. 

As always, the exhibitors pulled out all the stops. The stands looked fresh and vibrant, and the furniture was plentiful, with many new designs and some exciting additions to their ranges. But it wasn't just the furniture that impressed everyone – the BBQ exhibitors were also on top form, and we couldn't get enough of the fantastic food they were cooking in the Loving Outdoor Living area. Two highlights of the show for me were the awards ceremony on Monday night and the Fire, Food & Outdoor Living Evening on Tuesday.

Visitor numbers exceeded expectations. The hall was packed with garden centre buyers and visitors eager to see the latest products from industry giants. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly, and everyone was buzzing with excitement over what was on display. Everyone was blown away by all the incredible outdoor leisure products from furniture to innovative barbecues.

I have to give a special shout out to the BBQ exhibitors who provided some fantastic food in the Loving Outdoor Living area. Dodging a few raindrops they produced everything from delicious pizzas to melt in the mouth steaks, they created a fantastic festival-style vibe and great visitor engagement. 

But SOLEX is not just about showcasing new products it’s also about awarding the industry's best. The awards on Monday evening were well-attended and resulted in prizes for the best products, and innovative designs. Exhibitors went home happy, knowing their hard work and dedication to creating good quality products was recognised and appreciated by their peers and customers.

The Fire, Food & Outdoor Living Event on Tuesday evening, hosted by the BBQ Magazine, was an incredible networking event that brought everyone together. We enjoyed great food, good music, and each other's company, not to mention the BBQ competition hosted by Andy Clarke and Ian Jones. The judges, Matt Tebbutt and Jules Hudson, had a tough job on their hands, choosing between Kamado Joe, Charbroil, and GrillStream but the winner was Cheeky Charlie Ovens who stole the show with their amazing steak sandwich.

Overall, SOLEX 2023 was a huge success. We saw incredible products, met some amazing people, and had a lot of fun! We're already looking forward to seeing what's in store for SOLEX 2024 and can't wait to see what the exhibitors bring to the show next year. If you're an exhibitor, an outdoor leisure buyer, or just a visitor who loves outdoor living, be sure to put the SOLEX dates in your diary for next year - you won't regret it!

SOLEX 

9-11 July 2024 

Hall 5, NEC Birmingham