The organisers of the London Wine Fair have announced a remodelling of the visitor registration system, which will serve to benefit exhibitors and underline the value of attending the show. Following initial investment in the database last year, which resulted in a rise of 17% in attendees, the second phase will see visitors better categorised and an introduction of a charge – for some – for the first time. Members of the trade who will be charged to attend, will include importers (excluding buyers) who have elected not to exhibit and who are considered competition to those companies who do.
Commenting on the strategy, Head of London Wine Fair, Hannah Tovey, said: “the decision to charge a small section of visitors is something we have considered very carefully, and we feel it is the right thing to do. We have listened to our exhibitors – particularly the U.K. agents – who feel their significant investment in the show is being undermined when other non-exhibiting agents subsequently attend – often en masse – with the specific intention of doing business or benefitting from the valuable, high-level networking opportunities. I want to stress that all members of the trade are welcome, and we are not introducing this charge as a deterrent; rather, it is about protecting our exhibitors and their investment and underlining the inherent value of attending the show. In the context of rising venue and supplier costs it represents the most even-handed way to continue with a more sustainable and equitable LWF for the whole trade to benefit from. U.K. importers or agents not exhibiting but legitimately attending in a buying capacity, will be most welcome and offered a free pass as our guests.
“As a Corporate Partner of The Benevolent we are delighted to have agreed with them that 10% of all ticket revenue will be donated to the charity as part of our ongoing partnership with this vital industry life line.”
The following visitor ticket types will now be in place:
COMPLIMENTARY BADGES
“Buyer badge”: those with a buying responsibility in the on-trade and off-trade; buyers for importers (U.K. and international).
“LWF Guest badge”: on or off-trade staff; Masters of Wine; Master Sommeliers; Association of Wine Educators; marketeers; and publishers. These include members of the trade who are on a career path within the wine industry and would particularly benefit from features such as the Education Zone. It will also include non-exhibitors who are invited as speakers, or to collect awards.
“Exhibitor Guest badge”: these visitors will be invited by exhibitors and sponsors, for specific meetings and activities, and as such are the invitee of that exhibitor.
“Press badge”: active drinks writers.
PAID FOR TICKETS
“Paid ticket”: members of the trade who do not fall into the above categories and – importantly – those who do not register in advance. The charge will be £60 for one day or £120 for all three days.
The vast majority of visitors will be unaffected. Those members of the trade who no longer qualify for a free badge will be notified in early February. Visitor registration will open mid-February. Members of the trade can register here: www.londonwinefair.com
The London Wine Fair 2019 will take place between Monday, 20th and Wednesday, 22nd May.
Website: www.londonwinefair.com | Twitter: @londonwinefair