Verdict never again
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Measured in terms of cashpaying customers through the turnstiles, NEC 1978 was a resounding success, and the massive attendance record could prove to be the deciding factor against another NEC show or at least one of the same format.
We invited readers' reactions to NEC and without exception they were all against a repetition. We spoke to exhibitors; those in the accessories hall were enthusiastic, probably because men with loud-hailers "encouraged" everyone to "turn left and go to Hall 1 first" The commercial vehicle and bus people were less enthusiastic. Buses and coaches were being used as eating houses and rest rooms. The commercial vehicle stands have never seen so many women and children or so few real customers. A number of manufacturers confided in us "never again; at least like this."
The general opinion is that perhaps cars, sports cars, car accessories, forecourt equipment, caravans and motor cycles could make one show. This would leave the commercial vehicle sector to get on with its own show in a little more space and with genuinely interested visitors able to view the products and discuss the specifications in a more relaxing atmosphere.
Here is a cross-section of the opinions we received from customers at the Show.
E. G. Martin of Westbury, Wilts, complained about the signposting to the NEC — "Not one sign showed where to get off the M5 and get on the road for the Show," he said.
And the crowds did not please Mr Martin either. He said that it was very difficult to have conversations with sales representatives.
But this does not deter him. Mr Martin wants to see the Car and Commercial Motor Shows separated again, either by date or by different entrances — and the Commercial Show should not be in the school holidays.
Everyone agreed that the catering for the Show was bad: "diabolical," said Mr Martin.
W. H. Shoebridge complained that the visit to the Show was "a complete waste of time and money". He said that the crowds on trains and in the Show made it impossible to go where he wanted to — and he found hundreds queueing when he left.
J. C. Kendrick, of P.D.C. Fuels (Cymru), agreed that from the haulier's point of view the Show was a waste of a day — and his was a visit he will not repeat: "I have never seen so many people unconnected with the transport in dustry wandering about," said.
W. Edgebrooke Associated British Foods A an early irate caller to CA office. He reported that two his engineering staff h travelled from Edinbur queued for three-and-a-h hours and were told the doi were closing.
"These men made a 600-n; round trip on a fruitless IT sion," he said, "that will be I first and last NEC. for us."
Bus and coach exhibitt were frantic as the closi times approached and th exhibits took on the appi ranee of rubbish tips.
Mother knows best
The following conversat; was overheard on a stand the NEC: Small boy, looking snow-chain round the whe of a Bedford CF: "What's that for mum?"
"Don't ask such silly qu tions, it's to stop peo; pinching the tyres."