TVision was the only technology company at the London International Wine Fair held at London Excel in May. Although many visitors were slightly bemused by the presence of a Microsoft partner at an event focused on wine, the company found it a very successful event.
For TVision, being at LIWF was all about establishing presence in the industry to the industry. A Microsoft Gold Partner, TVision focuses exclusively on Dynamics NAV, Microsoft’s ERP solution for mid sized organisations, and has developed its own NAV solution specifically for the wine distribution industry. Called The Wine System, it is already used my many of the largest players in the market.
As first time exhibitors at the show, it was initially disappointing to hear comments on how much smaller it was this year and to see the feature in trade publication, Harpers, criticising the event as out dated and out of touch. However, the show opened with a buzz and there was a steady stream of visitors throughout the three days.
It is not always numbers that matter but the quality and relevance of visitors to a show that matter. TVision’s message focused on the value of finding the right IT solution with the best fit for a business model. It was a message that was very well received.
“When we booked our stand we were confident of nestling comfortably between our clients, helping to give context for TVision’s place at the fair,” Nicki Stewart, Sales Director TVision Technology Ltd. “As it turned out, our clients were among those that pulled out of the event, feeling that it had lost touch with the needs of exhibitors and visitors. It was reassuring to see that the organisers have acknowledged the criticism; 2013 may have been the last at ExCel but already it showed the beginnings of the change that will make 2014 even more successful.
“The positive response we enjoyed this year, especially in the light of the difficulties the Show has been experiencing, vindicated our decision to exhibit at the Show.”
May 20 – 22 2013 was the last London International Wine Fair (LIWF) at the ExCel exhibition centre. From 2014 the event will become the London Wine Fair and move to Olympia. Despite what may seem subtle changes to the outsider, this meant that 2013 was heralded as the “swansong”.
“There is no doubt that 2013 has been the most challenging show to date and it is no secret that there were setbacks earlier this year when a handful of key exhibitors pulled out,” Ross Carter, LIWF Event Director.
Looking back on 2013 and forward to 2014, Ross Carter commented, “We could feel the renewed energy and optimism over the last three days and a sense of excitement over the return to Olympia next year.
