Door Industry Journal - Summer 2013

UK’S BIGGEST LOCKSMITHING EXHIBITION MLA EXPO RETURNS FOR 2013 The UK’s leading locksmith exhibition, MLA Expo, is taking place on 13-15 September 2013 at the International Centre in Telford. The biennial event is organised by the leading trade association for the locksmithing profession, The Master Locksmiths Association (MLA), and sees locksmiths and suppliers from across the globe meet to exhibit products and services, discuss industry trends and take part in training courses. Excellent level of support With a considerable number already signed up and a full 2 months remaining before the event itself (at the time of writing), MLA Expo is shaping up to once again be the locksmithing event of the year. Global businesses Abloy, Mul-T-Lock and Yale, together with ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions snapped up sponsorship of the event, along with significant floor space to showcase their very latest security products. The MLA website has more details on the exhibitors along with their contact details + info on what they’ll be showing at the exhibition. See http://www.locksmiths.co.uk/expo-2013/2013-exhibitors/ for more details. This is the 17th time that the association has run MLA Expo, and it’s very pleasing for all those involved to see the show continue to grow, with more locksmiths and associated companies from around the world attending (the association have already had to provide invite letters to Chinese and Nigerian visitors). It’s particularly pleasing to see the number of exhibitors and the sizes of stands they are having - it just goes to show the importance they place on being at the premier locksmith event. This year we have evening events planned, giving industry leaders the opportunity to network, share knowledge and make new contacts. There will also be a significant amount of training - both technical and business related. Prizes available for Expo visitors In an industry first, as well as raffles and prizes being run by exhibitors, the MLA are offering significant prizes to visitors attending the UK’s largest locksmithing exhibition. All visitors are entered for the star prize which is a holiday for two to Las Vegas. On top of this MLA members, or those signing up to become members at the show, will be eligible for a daily prize draw for the duration of the event, with the prize being a tablet computer. As if there weren’t already enough reasons to attend the locksmith’s event of the year! Exhibitors confirmed so far Despite Expo still being over a month away we’re delighted with the number of exhibitors who have already signed up, keen to exhibit at the UK’s largest locksmith’s exhibition. Those who’ve signed up to date are too numerous to list here but a full list can be viewed on the MLA website at this link: www.locksmiths.co.uk/expo-2013/2013-exhibitors Using the link above, any exhibitors wanting to promote their attendance at Expo, will find a brief guide on how to link to the expo page, the Expo social media outlets as well as use the Expo logo. MLA Party Night Back by popular demand - Saturday night at MLA Expo is party night. Taking place in the Reynolds Suite at the Holiday Inn the event will consist of a hot buffet and light entertainment. It will provide the opportunity for locksmiths to network and swap stories of jobs they’ve done at the private bar area in the suite, whilst partners can dance the night away as the DJ spins the tunes. At just £20 per head we’re sure you’ll agree this offers fantastic value, so if you’re interested, if you fancy a bite to eat and a bit of a party, if you’re bringing staff to Expo and are looking for the social side of things, want to network or perhaps indulge in a bit of corporate entertainment in a relaxed atmosphere, then contact MLA Head office to book your tickets now. (01327 262255 or e- mail enquiries@locksmiths.co.uk) 10 THE door industry journal summer 2013 industry news feature Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk