As the old saying goes, there’s no business like show business, and as the trade exhibition calendar hots up - reaching fever pitch at June’s Paris Airshow - it’s time to take stock of the value in attending these events.   

In these still uncertain economic times, are there justifiable reasons for a ‘no show’ by companies that should be seen at these events? The cost of exhibiting can be prohibitive to say the least, whilst many of us may baulk at the prospect of not only paying ever-increasing travelling and accommodation costs, but also spending valuable time away from our offices.

All things considered, these events serve to add value and tangible benefits for exhibitors and visitors alike. They highlight industry trends and developments that could otherwise remain undiscovered until a later date, or be overlooked altogether by those most likely to benefit from them.

Are they still ‘must attend’ shows? Getting hands-on contact with the latest innovations and the specialists behind them, the opportunity to network and form partnerships – even friendships – with the fellow aerospace professionals we rub shoulders with whilst treading the aisles, would suggest they are.

Aerospace Manufacturing covers a number of industry events with which we are either partnered into or write about. This issue previews the JEC World Paris composites show (which begins on page 36), and mentions the latest event on the industry calendar - Manufacturing & Engineering Week, held at the NEC Birmingham this June - an event that promises to showcase the rich diversity of technological achievement the UK industry continues to unveil before our very eyes.

The reason for focusing on such events is that they, along with this publication, are crucial in disseminating knowledge around the industry. After all, that’s show business!