Companies from across the North East and beyond have already signed up for this year's Oktoberfest Engineering and Manufacturing festival.
Due to take place on October 17 at Newton Aycliffe’s Xcel Centre, the day long network and marketing even hasalready attracted a wave of new participants.
With figures for returning companies already high, nearly threequarters of the stands have already been booked for the event arranged by County Durham’s three North East engineering forums.
Event spokesman Oliver Vogt said the exhibition has continued to grow in popularity and establish itself as one of the region’s most worthwhile events.
“There is no doubt that over the past six years the exhibition is grown in size,” he said.
“But it has also grown in stature and significance and those in the industries now tell us it is the most worthwhile of this type of event in the region. And some come to Oktoberfest in preference to national events.”
Returning companies include Shildon-based The Bignall Group, whose founder John Bignall said: ‘Durham Oktoberfest is our main regional event – a day full of conversations with target customers. The friendliness and commitment of the North East business community differentiates Oktoberfest from other national and international exhibitions.’
Ernie Hedley, business development manager of Vanguard 2001, which has a Gateshead depot, said the company received dozens of enquiries from last year’s Oktoberfest, some through the online presence on the website before the event began.
“We consolidated these contacts at the event and made many more. Since then we have experienced a 40% increased business volume.”
Graeme Parkins, MD of Dyer Engineering of Stanley added: “At the 2012 event something happened to the footfall and quality of attendees and we were delighted. We came back with a lot of enquiries – firming up old links and establishing new ones.”
To sponsor, exhibit or attend call 01207 524 366, or go to www.durhamoktoberfest.org.uk.
