BIG Changes at ExCeL London…

There's been some major building work at the docks with ExCeL's new extension due for completion in time for May 2010. As well as being the premier London exhibition venue, 2010 sees the addition of a brand new international congress centre alongside. ExCeL London and the surrounding campus continues to grow and improve, offering the Fair an unparalleled business platform and a tenancy has recently been signed that secures our May slot all the way up to 2012. More regular DLR trains have already been arranged for 2010 and transport continues to benefit from the forthcoming Olympics. Read the full ExCeL update here.

   
… And Big Changes in the Show

There are plenty of exciting changes and new initiatives planned for 2010, all designed to freshen up the Fair and create even more of a buzz than before. With the ExCeL extension in place, Distil, our spirits event, can move across the boulevard to run alongside the Wine Fair and will be complimented by a whole new look and feel for the Fair. From carpet colour to signage and feature design, the LIWF is in the process of a complete re-design. Plans are also afoot to introduce a variety of new visitor attractions and the hugely popular Industry Briefings will be moving to a purpose built theatre on the show floor. Further updates on all of this will be available in the new year.

   
Wine Fair Filling for 2010

Not many will look back on 2009 as a particularly good year for the industry, but many believe that the business outlook is slowly brightening. And if the LIWF floorplan is any indicator, then there's certainly a positive mood among exhibitors as many look forward to a bumper event in May. Stand bookings are on track and the show team are working hard to attract even more international groups and regions. Remarking on their involvement, Gersende Pommery from Sopexa (UK) comments 'The French Zone continues to be the largest single area at the LIWF, and demonstrates the importance that France attaches to the UK market and this international show. In 2010 the French Zone will be as vibrant as ever, showcasing a range of exhibitors from regional generics to individual producers."

Wine Fair Hits the Big Three-O!

In May 1981 the Wine Fair was launched as a few dozen stands above a department store in Kensington… thirty years later and it's now one of the leading trade events in the world. In fact, it recently won 'Best Trade Event' at the international industry exhibition awards, so it's official! So for 2010, we're celebrating 30 years of LIWF - party planning is still underway, but if your business/brands happen to be 30 years old too in 2010, then get in touch, as we'd love to include you in the celebrations!

Alternatively, as part of the celebrations, we would love to offer visitors the opportunity to win some blockbuster prizes if they visit the Fair. If you can offer something special (maybe a wine trip or product donation) please do contact us. You'll be guaranteed some excellent coverage in the run up to the Fair.

The List Goes On

Now in its third year, LIWF is working to take 'The List' onto higher levels. Visitors are ever demanding more comprehensive listings of available wines and the List, powered by Tasting Buddy, aims to provide exactly that. A free resource to all exhibitors, the List 2009 had over 7,000 wines in its database; each one searchable right down to grape varieties and price points. Make sure that your wines are working as hard as possible and get them listed as early as possible next year.

LIWF responds in The Times

Always keen to get involved in the wider picture, LIWF wrote a letter to the editor of the Times newspaper to help lobby against the proposed ban on alcohol advertising. It was published as the lead letter in the Times on September 10th 2009. You can read it here.