The Ocean Media Group is a specialist events organiser with a track record of managing exhibitions and events for specialist markets, including housing, stationery, weddings and, now, flooring.
Earlier this year, the company acquired The Flooring Show, the UK flooring industry’s premier exhibition, which will take place for the 56thtime this year, in Harrogate. For the past five years, it has been organised by Wendy Adams, who has overseen a period of reinvestment and subsequent expansion.
Number one show
We started by asking Tim what was behind the decision to purchase The Flooring Show?
“It’s the kind of show we like to run,” says Tim. “It’s the number one show in a particular market, which is something we really like.
“It fits in well with our portfolio of other events and exhibitions too. There’s considerable overlap between the different markets we operate in. One of the characteristics of the flooring industry is that it incorporates many independent retailers. This is the same in the bridal and stationery markets. Like these industries, flooring has been resistant to disruption from online retailers; people want to see the products they are buying and receive expert advice. We’re accomplished at delivering exhibitions for audiences like this.
“We also operate housing and development shows, so whilst this is our first time operating a flooring industry show, we’re already familiar with the workings of the market from a contractor’s perspective.”
New developments
The previous team of organisers, including Wendy, have remained in place in order to ensure a seamless transition as Ocean Media Group take over, and will continue to work on future shows. So what changes can we expect to see?
“There’s no point trying to fix something that isn’t broken,” says Tim. “Harrogate has been run brilliantly for years. We are using our knowledge and expertise to make small improvements and change things in the background, things people won’t really notice, but which improve the overall experience. We’ll also be attracting a bigger audience – that’s what we’re good at.”
The show now has a dedicated event manager, Kane Thomas, who’s been working on this. He’s implemented a VIP programme aimed at attracting retailers from the furthest corners of the UK, who may be less likely to attend because of the distance required to travel. Then there are campaigns targeted at different groups of potential visitors.
“Kane has encouraged more people to attend from industries with close ties to flooring and who hold purchasing power, including interior designers and specifiers,” says Tim. “It’s all aimed at increasing networking opportunities and developing relationships that create business opportunities. For example, we’re giving floorcovering manufacturers the chance to present to a panel of interior designers, led by the president of the Society of British Interior Designers, at this year’s show.”
“We are also making use of our other shows to develop relationships between interdependent industries. So there will be a Contract Flooring Zone at this year’s Homes exhibition, the UK’s leading housing and development conference, which is run by us.”
Any plans to move the show from Harrogate?
“No, not at all. We also host our Bridal Show in Harrogate. The venue is great, and it’s perfect for The Flooring Show as it’s in the centre of the country.”
More for flooring contractors
What new attractions are there for the readers of F-Talk at this year’s show?
“As I say, many things will be the same as last year. The show will again be host to the carpet fitter of the year finals and the FITA/CFA/NICF demonstration zones, so contractors can see the latest innovations in subfloor preparation and adhesives being showcased. And there will be more exhibitors than ever before; 50 more than last year, and over 250 floorcovering brands will be represented.
“Our efforts to attract more retailers from related industries will mean that The Flooring Show continues to be the main event in the flooring industry’s calendar and is increasingly a place for networking and driving sales opportunities.”
What will your role be at the show?
“Throughout the show, I’ll be checking that everyone’s happy, including meeting with key stakeholders – retailers and exhibitors – to get their feedback to inform changes to next year’s event. I’m hosting advisory boards of key flooring industry figures over the three days.
“Oh, and I’ll probably be making a lot of tea.”
The Flooring Show takes place in Harrogate, at the Harrogate International Centre, from 16th – 18th September 2018. F. Ball’s stand will be located at Stand B1, Hall B.
For more information on The Flooring Show, visit the website here.