The Show was also an amazing opportunity for retailing exhibitors whose products were of interest to the demographic attracted to the U.K. Drone Show, either directly or indirectly. Mark Divito, Managing Director of Horizon Hobby U.K., noted, “From a retail aspect the interest was just awesome to see. It’s been the best drone environment – we do [a number of large exhibitions] – but this has been the most focused consumer group we’ve seen and it’s been great. More of it!”
Other unique aspects to the Show included the huge 3,500 square metres netted Flight Zone, used for live FPV drone racing and for product demonstrations, and the innovative inflatable Speaker Zone dome, which hosted a range of well-attended presentations from industry experts. Other exhibitors without a specific drone focus also saw excellent results from the visitor demographic. Carol Hartfree, Digital Imaging Specialist from Panasonic UK. (co-leading Show Sponsor and exhibitor) remarked: “It’s been an amazing experience for Panasonic UK. The interest we’ve had from amateurs, from professionals but also from non-flyers – from the photographers – has been remarkable, and we’ve learnt a great deal about drone flying.”
“I thought the U.K. Drone Show was an excellent event. It married perfectly drone enthusiasts with potential suppliers and service providers. Resource Group met their pre-show marketing expectations and will most certainly be attending the event in 2016,” said Neil Williams – Resource Group – UAV training company of the year (2015).
Richard Taylor, Corporate Communications for Civil Aviation Authority said, “Thank you for giving us the opportunity to be there, I very much enjoyed the experience. I thought the show was extremely well organized and achieved significant foot-fall on both days. It was certainly good to have all the main players under one roof.”
For 2016, the U.K. Drone Show has announced a partnership with Farnborough International Airshow. During the public weekend on July 16-17, a U.K. Drone Show summer event will take place. Highlights of the drone show at Farnborough, which expects to attract over 80,000 visitors over the weekend, will be a flying demonstration area, manufacturers product presentations, speakers, the future of drones in the industry and beyond, 3D (Drone) printing, pilot training information, UAV gadgets, first person view tech, wearables, specialist drone software, apps, special attractions, video presentations, competitions & prizes on the day.
The main U.K .Drone Show 2016 will be back at the National Exhibition Centre in December 2016, bigger and even better. More floor space will incorporate two separate Flight Zone areas, additional stand space for more exhibitors and additional promotional opportunities, and even more exciting product innovation from the whole spectrum of consumer drones to make the U.K. Drone Show 2016 the hot ticket for anyone interested in these amazing flying machines.
U.K. Drone Show organizer Oliver O’Brien said: “We’d like to thank all the exhibitors and the thousands of visitors who made the first ever UK Drone Show such an amazing success. The feedback received has been incredibly positive but we’re not complacent and we’ve listened to visitors who want even more to see and do at the next Show. Thanks to those who supported the Show the U.K. Drone Show this year, the 2016 winter show is going to be bigger and even better.”
