Keith Jepson talks Core

2018’s second trade event is fast approaching. Hayley E. Fergusontalks to Keith Jepson about kicking off the year with Core Bike.

How do you pick your exhibitors?
The leading brands are invited to exhibit. This means that, as a result, large numbers of trade visitors are determined to visit the show. While it’s true to say that the event does have limited space based on format and the use of individual conference rooms, Core is always looking at creative ways of expanding floor space. Our ethos has always been around the best products and brands in the UK market – this continues today. Quality of brand and service to the dealer are the event’s central messages. As Core also provides accommodation for both exhibitors and dealers – dealers by invite – we are also restricted by the number of rooms available at the hotel.

Both the conference and accommodation rooms have been at capacity over the last five years, which is a great indicator of the show’s popularity. A number of the exhibitors have exciting brands to show for 2018 and that’s what’s great about Core: the depth and breadth of exhibitor. What’s interesting is that, with the sheer quantity and quality of the brands on show, you can identify trends before they’ve even happened, and you can see the ways that dealers respond to both the product and atmosphere at the event. Notably, CSG is joining Core for the first time in 2018, so it’s going to be really exciting to see what they bring to the table.

How do you recommend people utilize their time at the show?
Don’t spend all your time in the bar! Jokes aside – take your time. We have a large number of rooms and exhibitors. The flow of the show can be tricky for new visitors, but we work hard on signage and communications with the dealers so all visitors know where exhibitors are. Many of the smaller syndicate rooms hold some amazing brands, so leave time to visit those rooms and the rooms that are deeper into the hotel complex.

Which exhibitors made their mark at last year’s show?
It’s hard for me to pick specific brands, as we really are a Core family, working together for the benefit of the dealer and market. Hope certainly stood out with their take over of the hotel lobby in a creative and informal way. ZyroFisher made a huge impact last year, joining the show for the first time and bringing a large number of prominent brands, while Buff wrapped their room with a creative wallpaper, thinking outside the box from a use-of-space perspective. All of the exhibitors bring their A-game to the event, and I think this is reflected in the number of new and repeat visitors we have.

What place will Core have in the future?
I think the event will always have a huge place in the UK event calendar, and now with Upper Street Events joining the Core team as principal event organiser, I am confident that the event will grow even further. A large event company partnering with Core gives the event more man power from an organisational perspective and more promotional clout! Core offers something different, it’s not just a trade show, it’s a conference with hospitality, amazing products and a friendly atmosphere, where the trade hang out, do business and have access to brand managers, sales guys and brand owners.