With the official release of its ABC audit, the RAC (Refrigeration & Air Conditioning) event has confirmed its enduring appeal from a wide cross-section of the industry. The figures also show a significant growth in attendance from commercial, retail, leisure and industrial end-users, where visitors accounted for nearly 400 out of the 7,217 registered total, up more than 75% on equivalent numbers from RAC05.

According to the event organizers press release, a total of 174 exhibitors used the event to showcase products and service innovations, occupying over 5700m2 of floor space in Hall 20 (NEC Birmingham, 27th February-1st March 2007). Compelling visitor attractions included a series of free technical seminars which addressed key issues, such as the F-Gas regulations and the technology concerns of the major supermarkets, plus a popular interactive skills centre and a display of breakthrough refrigeration innovations, entitled Fantastic Fridges. Total attendance for RAC07 reached 8,390 including 7,217 registered visitors, with the balance comprised chiefly of exhibitor personnel.

“It’s clear from ABC that the show continues to attract the key-decision makers and specifiers from within the sector”, said Event Director Rowan Crowley. “End-users also tuned in positively to RAC07, making up a much higher proportion of visitors than last time around. We fully expect and intend to see further growth in this area at RAC09.”  RAC09 will run from 24 February–26 February 2009 at the NEC, Birmingham, and will continue to be co-located with H&V, the industry event for the heating and ventilating sector.