After more than 30 years in the events industry, Murray Ellis knows a thing or two about staging a successful expo. This week, TNB caught up with the new CV Show Director, to learn more about his background, his first impressions of the commercial vehicle sector and his vision for the industry’s premier annual event.
Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I’ve been in the exhibition and event industry for 30 years or so and my last role was running the Southampton and London Boat Shows – two consumer boat shows with a global reputation.
I’m from the New Forest in Hampshire and I love all sport but have a particular passion for golf.
What’s been your first impression of the CV Show?
My first impression is that it’s a great show.
It’s visually appealing, has some very professional stands and the whole look and feel of the event is very impressive.
It’s also got a great legacy and the volume of major manufacturers exhibiting combined with the quality and quantity of visitors gives it something very special.
What does the CV Show have in common with the boat shows?
When you consider exhibitions, it doesn’t matter whether you’re running a B2B or B2C event, fundamentally it’s about putting buyers and sellers together in the right environment. I can see the CV Show is very good at doing that.
It provides the right platform for exhibitors to sell, promote and launch new products and services within a format that still appeals to visitors.
How can the CV Show remain relevant?
The CV Show has been fantastic at keeping pace with the industry and that’s been reflected in its success.
It’s done this, in part, by listening to exhibitors and visitors about what’s important to them and adapting to suit.
The industry is going through lots of change – notably with the drive to provide cleaner commercial vehicles and advances in autonomous features and telematics – and we need to continue to listen to ensure the show provides a relevant platform for the industry to come together and learn about the new available technology being developed.
How do you see the CV Show developing in years to come?
I see the show evolving gradually, building on the fantastic work that’s already been done by the team, under the leadership of my predecessor Rob Skelton.
That said, I’m driven by my passion and success so I would like to see it grow at the right pace and at the right time.
For the Show’s growth we have to look at how we can deliver new brands and products which will in turn introduce new exhibitors and visitors to the show. This however, should be within a policy of quality over quantity to ensure the show always stays relevant to the market
We also have to continue to maintain the show’s profile and cement its position as the UK’s leading commercial vehicle show.
Do you have any messages for TNB readers?
Yes. We’ll be very soon launching the 2020 CV Show with the Space Application Brochure being sent to companies in July. With a strong demand for space I would recommend companies wishing to exhibit at the 20202 show should get their applications in early
