On Tuesday, May 7, Canadian metalworking magazine held a one-day tabletop show at the Red Robinson Show Theatre in Coquitlam, British Columbia.
The metalworking Manufacturing & Production Expo (MMP Show) was co-hosted with Design Engineering Expo (DEX) and featured 63 displays showcasing products from both the metalworking and design engineering industries.
A number of major machine tool, cutting tool, and fabricating companies were on hand to network with local customers and discuss manufacturing solutions.
The event was well attended with 400 visitors dropping by throughout the course of the day.
The decision by both magazines to hold a show in the Vancouver area was based on the notion that it was underserved for this type of event.
“We chose Vancouver because B.C. is a perfect market for a tabletop show – not ready for a large trade show, but has a good manufacturing base,” said Canadian metalworking Publisher, Steve Devonport.
“This was a part of the country that a lot of our advertisers had a vested interest in exploring, and growing their market share in. We have over 2,000 readers in British Columbia yet there was no show or expo to speak of,” said Rob Swan, Senior Account Manager at Canadian metalworking.
The show also got an excellent response from both exhibitors and attendees.
“We didn’t think it’d be as busy we’ve got some good leads and a lot of test opportunities that we’re going to have. It’s been very worthwhile and we’ll definitely be back,” said Mark Crump, the General Manager of PFERD Canada.
Michelle Barry, who works in business development at the Vancouver-based Hansen Industries said, “We go to the EPTECH shows across Canada, but this one’s probably the second busiest show I’ve been to… whatever you guys are doing, you’re doing it well, and I’m so glad you’re out west!”
Nigel King, product manager with Elliott Matsuura Canada echoed that sentiment.
“We didn’t know, when we came here, what this was going to be… I thought this morning that it would be all students. We’ve had good quality customers here, a lot of interest. So in that respect I think it’s been very good.”
There were also multiple draws throughout the day with three attendees taking home an Xbox, an iPad mini, and a new Nikon camera.
The show will be returning to the Vancouver area again next year on May 6th.
The event was sponsored by Sandvik Coromant, Mazak Canada, Elliott Matsuura Canada, and TRUMPF.
