On 14th October, The Indulgence Show opened its doors for the first time to an audience eager to see the latest in hi-fi, portable audio and lifestyle indulgences. Attracting over 2500 people, the 135 exhibitors, who were showing everything from in-ear ‘phones to electric cars, across 170 brands, provided three days of entertainment and education to the very enthusiastic visitors.
Held at Novotel London West, one of London’s premier conference centres, over five floors of exhibition space, The Indulgence Show was the brainchild of the team behind the successful headroom™ show, which has run for the past two years at Metropolis Studios, Chiswick. Indulgence builds on headroom by adding to the plethora of headphone and portable audio brands many of the major hi-fi manufacturers, including: Naim Audio, KEF, Devialet, PMC, Bowers & Wilkins, Cyrus, Dynaudio and Quad.
The ground floor of the conference centre was filled with lifestyle brands, broadening the appeal of the show to a non-hi-fi audience. Tesla showed off the new Model X SUV, Pieroth Wines promoted its home tasting evenings, fitness fans could exercise courtesy of Maxburn Fitness and lovers of the open road were able to enjoy the three-wheeled Can-Am Spyder recreational vehicle.
Live music was an important feature of the show, with the world famous and truly iconic London music venue, The Marquee Club choosing The Indulgence Show as the venue to relaunch itself as a live music venue. On the Friday night show visitors were treated to an all-star band comprising musicians who previously played at the Wardour Street venue, playing music from the many major artists that cut their teeth at the club, including The Who, Pink Floyd and David Bowie.
On Saturday night, the Vince Dunn Orchestra big band entertained the exhibitors with over two hours of high quality music at a private party. Drummer Vince also supplied five other top UK session drummers for the London Drum Summit, a showcase of rhythmic talent, which saw each drummer demonstrating their individual skills for 20 minutes before a six drummer ‘Drumathon’ in which all played together in a very loud but extremely popular finale.
Other musical treats included a comprehensive presentation by Yamaha Music and Yamaha Music London of the company’s guitars, keyboards, drums and synths, all available to visitors to try. Individual guitar lessons were provided using a selection of Gibson Guitars, where everyone from novices to experienced guitarists got the chance to hone their skills.
Fans of the most recognisable bands and musicians were treated to an exclusive exhibition of seminal rock portraits by the leading rock photographer, Ross Halfin. The display of limited edition portraits was augmented by a rolling slideshow featuring hundreds of Ross’ images, accompanied by a soundtrack of the many artists he has photographed played on a studio quality PMC speaker system.
Exhibitors reported that the quality of visitor was of a very high standard, with people genuine in their desire to learn more and educate themselves about the products available that can enhance their lives. Around 98% of exhibitors have already signed up for the 2017 show, which will take place at the same venue.
Commenting on the success of the show, Vernon Hamblin, organiser said, “We couldn’t be happier with the first Indulgence Show. It’s been around ten years since the capital has seen an audio show on the scale of this event and with the addition of the lifestyle elements we have created something which appeals to a new audience – something the hi-fi industry has needed for quite some time.” He continues, “The reaction from the exhibitors has been stunning, with many positive comments coming in and confirmation of attendance at the next show. We are heartened by this and look forward to presenting and even bigger, better and more successful Indulgence Show in 2017.”
Amit Pate, co-organiser, adds, “We are particularly pleased with the efforts by many of the exhibitors to make their stands and rooms look very attractive, adding to the real sense of professionalism that the show portrayed. To name but a few, KEF, Dynaudio, Devialet and The Marquee Club were among those who went the extra mile and we really appreciate the hard work they put in.”
Exhibitors have also been passing positive comment about the event, with praise from Devialet, “I wanted to thank you again for the show. Honestly for a first time it was very well organised”; Pioneer, “I just wanted to put pen to paper, well fingers to keys and thank each and everyone of you for a fantastic, fabulous and fun filled show”; The Chord Company, “Just a quick one to say Well Done and thank you for a great show. We were all chuffed to be part of it and as a team you really made it a great show.” and BRP, ““It was a great event to showcase how riding has evolved to an audience that was keen to immerse itself in a variety of lifestyle and audio technology for the home and the road with the 2017 Can-Am Spyder F3 Limited, a luxury three wheeled vehicle. It was also exciting seeing so many people being drawn to the product as soon as they walked through the doors of the exhibition.”
Bookings are being taken now for The Indulgence Show 2017, with potential exhibitors encouraged to contact the organisers email.
The Indulgence Show will return in 2017
Novotel London West.
