The current SBES show will be the last of its kind. Not only will the show move to a Friday and Saturday slot, but will no longer be exclusively about sound as organisers Point Promotions expand to include video, IPTV and the Internet.
The SBES has been the place to be to see new radio equipment, new gadgets and hold annual meets with former colleagues and friends for over thirty years. But the changes will open up the show to a wider audience: "Market forces made it necessary for SBES to move to larger premises. Market forces made it necessary for SBES to move into the NEC — and now market forces are demanding that we make other changes."
Meanwhile, Day 1 of SBES 2007 seemed busier than recent years, and once again provided many a stand displaying the latest radio tools and toys. The prize for biggest stand this year goes to Preco – well done guys on a very large rig – and the prize for most free food goes to PSquared who had a birthday cake the size of a small town to help celebrate their 10th anniversary.
The Future Zone continues to grow with an even bigger list of names talking about the future of technology and radio. If you are attending on day 2 you will hear from the Radio Academy's Trevor Dann, BBC Audio and Music's James Cridland and Tristan Ferne, Axia's Steve Church, Ofcom's Martin James and also Nick Sheridan from BBC World Service.
For photos from day 1 of SBES 2007, click [link=https://radiotoday.co.uk/e107_plugins/autogallery/autogallery.php?show=SBES%202007]here[/link].