CMRA Exhibition Conference, Stevenage - Saturday 21st April 2018

[adrianmc]

 

 

CMRA Exhibition Conference

Saturday 21st April

Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre,
Lytton Way,

Stevenage

SG1 1LZ

 

Event runs from 10.00 till 16.00.

 

The Chiltern Model Railway Association is holding a Model Railway Exhibition Conference on the 21st April 2018. The idea behind the conference is to gain the views and experience of those who organise or help at exhibitions, exhibit with a layout or stand, attend model railway exhibitions as a trader or as a member of the paying public. This with the view to improve the experience of all involved in promoting the hobby through model railway exhibitions both small and large.

 

Exhibitions are organised for a number of reasons, amongst them are raising funds, to gain Club members, gain publicity, or as a focal event in the year. However, whilst it may not be the organiser’s primary aim, any exhibition open to the public is undoubtedly a shop window for the hobby. Today it is not simply a case of gathering together a few layouts and traders in a hall, there are now numerous other considerations which are ignored at our peril. There is also visitor expectation to consider – what do they expect to see having paid their money and come through the door – will they leave satisfied, having felt they have had value for money and be prepared to come again, or feel short-changed. Will they then tell others this is an event to be avoided.

 

The Exhibition Conference is designed to be highly participatory, with a view to spreading experiences. The CMRA recognises that shows differ widely, from primarily commercial events such as the Warner Exhibitions and Key Publishing shows to very local shows consisting of a few layouts and traders, however there are common themes. The day will address a number of topics, each will start with a short presentation from a panel, drawing on their own experiences. The audience will then be invited to participate in the debate, either through questions to the panel or expressing their own views. Even if you are only involved as an exhibition visitor, your input here regarding your experiences is absolutely invaluable.

 

Areas that the CMRA are looking to cover include:

 

• Show Planning - Venue, Finding layouts, Admission charges, Budgeting costs, overseas exhibitors

• Venue Planning - Floorplan, Security, Car parking, Disabled and emergency access, evacuation procedures

• Show Publicity - Advertising, traditional such as handbills & posters, magazines, internet and social media

• Insurance - When and what to insure. Impact of too little insurance. What may not be covered. Liabilities

• Electrical Safety - Cabling, trip hazards. Layout, trade and demonstrator's Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)

• Health & Safety - Risk assessments, Safeguarding of children & vunerable adults. First Aid provision

• Participant's Perspective - Stand Presentation. Exhibitors and visitors experience. Social meetings. Best in show awards.

 

The Conference is free for members of CMRA Associate Organisations.

 

As Associate Organisations now number some 150 clubs and societies as well as many of the national scale/gauge organisations http://www.cmra.org.uk/members.html this shouldn't be a difficult criteria to meet.

 

The CMRA will be providing a free buffet lunch for those member attendees - however so that the Association can put the necessary catering in place, it is essential that lunches are pre booked by email to the Association Secretary, Stuart Marshall, using the address secretary "at" cmra.org.uk

 

Non members of CMRA Associate Organisations are of course most welcome to attend, however the Association asks for a donation of £6.00 to cover the cost of their buffet lunch. Again pre booking via Stuart is essential.

Edited April 9, 2018 by adrianmc