Five weeks into 2019, the team at the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre (FIECC) has met 50 per cent of target sales for the year ahead.

Sales growth is matched by a growing team with new appointments including Oliver Newton appointed Exhibition Sales Manager, Alison Jenkins as Venue Account Manager, and Lucie Baldock as Venue Account Executive.

Michael Watton, Venue Director says: “The new Hall 1 experienced a very successful launch year which is a great endorsement of the quality of this facility and the value it delivers; it is an inspiring location for events that engage and motivate.

“This is a competitive industry and we need to continue working hard in order to build on what has been achieved. This means continuing to delight organisers and capitalising on our location in the heart of the sci:tech corridor with access to the UK’s most affluent population working in internationally competitive industries.”

The £30million Hall 1 which opened in March 2018 has attracted launches, geo clones and exhibition wins, alongside a raft of major conferences and live events. It has also enabled existing events to grow. Screwfix, for example, a long-term exhibitor at FIECC’s Hall 5 grew from a 8,000sqm show to a 12,500sqm, resulting in rise in exhibitor numbers from 14,000 to 23,000.

In September this year, Hall 1 will host the first Global Urban Air Summit, bringing international representatives from across the sector together with investors and regulators to determine how this monumental transport shift is to take place. And in November, the venue welcomes Vertical Flight Expo and Conference, which is relocating from London.    

Throughout 2018, FIECC’s Hall 1 was used as a location for a number of big-budget features films. Its

12,500sqm exhibition hall, considerable outdoor space and private location hit key criteria for location managers. Increasing links to the filming industry is a strategic objective for the team.  

Sodexo, catering supplier the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre has appointed a new Head Chef: Julian Frost Wilson. Julian joins from the Jockey Club where he spent nearly three years as Regional Executive Head Chef.

Speaking about his move to the FIECC, Julian says: “Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre’s Hall 1 has made a huge impact during its first year and I’m looking forward to creating bespoke menus for our customers that reflect the innovation and pioneering spirit of this venue.”