NCC Events has announced that it will not stage The Motorhome, Caravan & Camping Show at ExCeL London in 2013, MMM can exclusively reveal.
The decision to cancel the 2013 Show was taken after in-depth consultation with the venue and the Industry identified insurmountable logistical issues regarding the movement and storage of a vast amount of valuable exhibitor product during the build-up and breakdown of the event.

The lack of suitable onsite camping and the venue’s location within the costly LEZ (Low Emission Zone) was also considered to limit the venue’s suitability to host a consumer Show of this kind in the long term.

NCC Events Chairman, Anthony Trevelyan said: “ExCeL is a magnificent venue and, as we have witnessed during the Olympics, provides a world class visitor experience. As a result, it is subject to ongoing expansion and, in recent years, in excess of 40,000 square metres of the campus has been converted to hall space and there are plans for even further development.

“Space that was allocated in 2012 for the movement and safe storage of around 650 valuable exhibitor caravans, motorhomes and holiday homes cannot now be guaranteed moving forwards. Without this space, the build-up and breakdown of the Show is not feasible. We have no option but to cancel the 2013 Show and seek another venue.”

The inaugural Motorhome, Caravan & Camping Show was held at ExCeL in February 2012 and was the first regional show of its kind in the South for six years. More than 300 companies exhibited at the Show and attendance levels exceeded 43,000 over six days.

Also influencing the decision was feedback from exhibitors that revealed apprehension regarding the impact the rising cost of accommodation, food and transport around the venue could have on future return-on-investment, particularly in light of current economic challenges.

Consumers also felt the pinch, and despite a reduced ticket price compared to other consumer motorhome and caravan shows, feedback highlighted that the lack of onsite camping facilities plus the venue’s location within the costly LEZ would limit the Show’s potential for long term growth.

Trevelyan said: “The decision to cancel the 2013 event has not been taken lightly and it is not a criticism of ExCeL’s visitor facilities. We have demonstrated that there is a desire and a requirement for a well run, Industry supported Southern show and we are committed to delivering it. The caravan (and motorhome) Industry and its consumer base have unique requirements; we are actively seeking an alternative venue in the South to stage the Show and this will most likely have to be a collaborative approach with a venue than can be adapted to meet them.”

David Pegler, Managing Director at ExCeL London said: “We are obviously disappointed not to be welcoming the Show back for a second year but understand how important it is for show organisers to meet the requirements of their target audiences.”

NCC Events will now focus its efforts on delivering the Industry’s national showcase, The Motorhome & Caravan Show at the NEC in Birmingham from 16-21 October 2012.