Lab Community gathers at NEC 

The return of Lab Innovations 2021 to the NEC in November, provided industry professionals and companies with welcomed opportunities for in-person meet-ups and discovery of the latest technology advances and innovations displayed on the exhibitors stands.

Organiser Easyfairs commented that high numbers of visitors had arranged to connect with exhibitors, prior event through the Lab Connect online networking platform, which recorded 466 confirmed meetings with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5, higher than the previous show in 2019.

 Karl Robertson, managing director at ECH Scientific, one of this year’s exhibitors, said, “This has been a great show. Turnout was really good and we managed to meet with some old customers and new ones too. We’ve already signed up for the next show.”

Any thought of a post-COVID dip compared to previous years were quickly dispelled with the buzz around this year’s show. Simon Osborne, president at Analytix, commented, “The show was busier than we thought it would be. The number of leads we’ve had come through is as good as previous years.”

Keynote speakers included Timandra Harkness, science writer, broadcaster and comedian and Professor Mark Miodownik, a materials scientist and engineer, and director of the Institute of Making at University College London, with special interest in materials research linking arts and humanities with science and engineering. Timandra Harkness commented: “Presenting at Lab Innovations was like playing at Glastonbury, but with more pipettes!”

The show also hosted Sustainable Laboratory, a showcase of equipment and processes used to reduce the laboratory industry’s environmental impact, presented by Andy Evans, director of laboratory sustainability consultancy Green Light Laboratories.

“Lab Innovations is a great opportunity for end users to see how our equipment works in a real laboratory environment and how the data that we have collected can help them be more sustainable in their own labs,” added Andy Evans.

A new feature was the Lab Awards, presented in recognition of the achievements of individuals, suppliers and projects, held in collaboration with Laboratory News, the Lab Awards and sponsored by Analytix.

Exhibitor bookings for Lab Innovations 2022, to be held this year on November 2 – 3 at the NEC, Birmingham, are open. Lab Innovations South, a one-day event for the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and life sciences sectors is also taking place on April 20, 2022 in London.

More information online