Following the enforced period of inactivity during the pandemic, the last twelve months have seen the gradual re-birth of e-com industry events that had always been staples in everyone’s marketing calendar. Great then, not just to be involved at eCommerce Expo – but to be right in the thick of the action at the busiest and best attended UK industry event in years…
In the face of mounting ‘doom & gloom’ driven by war, political instability, economic uncertainty & rising costs, the Direct Link UK team arrived at ExCel the night before opening to set up our stand, buoyed with excitement and anticipation – but only ‘moderate’ expectations. Two hectic days later, having exhibited alongside over 300 of the international industry’s leading suppliers, our mood was emphatic; it had been ‘all-go at E-Commerce Expo’!
Truth be told, ExCel has never been anyone’s ideal choice of venue, save for those city dwellers and local East London residents who had been a couple or few tube stops away. But the opening of the Elizabeth line (and thankfully no industrial action) meant that even the most reticent amongst us from the Home Counties and beyond were transported, Tardis like to the mythical surrounds of Silvertown & the iconic Royal Docks.
The exhibition programme attracted more than 10,000 attendees from the broad church that is the e-commerce industry. Retailers & brands mingled alongside movers & shakers from the digital space, payments, customer experience and cross-border delivery sectors. E-Com Expo is renowned for the quality and breadth of themes and topics covered by the visionary speakers at this event. That it was standing room only at most of the 11 theatres on the site is testament to that.
For the Direct Link UK team, this expo was a sure-fire winner. Great to be out in front of the industry again promoting our brand & service proposition, networking, catching up with old faces – and meeting prospective new customers. But also, to see and hear about the latest trends & developments in the world of e-com.
And then, suddenly and inevitably, it was all over. Stands were broken down, boxes were packed, vans were loaded, and we joined the great snaking diaspora from Customs House tube station in search of a comforting drink and a suitably comforting change of footwear.
Hope to see you all again in 2023!
The Direct Link UK Team
