Venue
We are delighted to announce our new venue for Midpex 2011 as the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre near Leamington Spa. The details are outlined below:
MidPex 2009 was our most successful show to date. However we were the victims of our success with space available and visitor numbers being incompatible. After the last show we received criticism but almost all of it was good natured and constructive. We thank you and we have listened to you. For 2011 we would like to advise you of our plans.
a) New location – The Warwickshire Exhibition Centre. (Web link)
b) A rural site, located centrally, just south of Leamington, close to the M40, alongside the Fosse Way, between Leamington and Banbury
c) Easy access from all points on the compass, no urban traffic to delay your arrival/departure.
d) Proven track record in hosting “Table Top” exhibitions, (Model Railways; Antique Fairs; Amateur Radio Show and the like).
2. More room. Single large Exhibition Hall, offering, at 2000 sq meters, more than double the floor area of the previous venue.
a) All on one level. No lifts or stairs to negotiate to visit participating dealers/Specialist Societies.
b) Excellent disabled access on one level.
c) Excellent Halogen lighting, no need for supplementary lighting on stands.
d) 8ft gangways throughout.
e) All dealers/Specialist Societies on same floor.
f) Excellent air circulation even on the hottest day.
g) Clean well appointed toilets on same level as Exhibition Hall.
3. Parking. Separate secure parking area for dealers only alongside the Exhibition Hall.
a) Free parking for 2,000 vehicles (also coaches) immediately across from the entrance to the Exhibition Hall.
4. Specialist Societies. Double the frame space to be allocated to each participating Specialist Society, plus adequate table and seating on each stand. Our objective is to encourage all Specialist Societies to attend.
5. Friends of Thematica. Their participation at Midpex 2009 was important to its success. Their participation at Midpex 2011, including their Competitions, will add to its appeal and they will be ‘in the thick of it’ in the same hall. We will site thematic dealers close by.
6. Restaurant facilities located on a mezzanine floor at one end of the Exhibition Hall, with large comfortable seating area overlooking the dealers/Specialist Societies stands.
a) Drinks area located at ground level for disabled access, for tea, coffee etc.
b) Breakfasts available; other meals throughout the day.
7. Other Facilities.
a) Cash Point (small charge per withdrawal) on site within Exhibition Hall.
b) First Aid facility onsite. Manned by a paramedic.
c) Maintenance facility for those frustrating problems which might arise during the day.
d) Four wheel trolleys available (38 in number) to assist in moving stock to/from stands.
e) Security Staff on duty and MidPex volunteers on hand (we will issue identity badges).
8. Free Shuttle Bus between Leamington Station (Chiltern Line) and Exhibition Centre throughout the day.
9. Cost of Dealers Stands. Although the site is more expensive than those used previously we believe that we can break even with only a minor increase in rates (less than 8% over those charged 4 years ago). Various dealer stand sizes available, a separate statement of rates and terms & conditions will be circulated shortly.
10. Midpex 2011. The Date. 2 July 2011.
a) Chosen to avoid conflict with other philatelic events, and to allow early booking to take place.
b) Preliminary details will be added to all relevant web sites immediately, and will be included in the philatelic calendar for 2011. Date will be announced in ABPS News, Midland Federation newsletters, and other philatelic magazines. Initial launch at Philatelic Congress of G.B. at Kenilworth this July.
c) Preliminary booking also made for Midpex 2013, (first Saturday of July).
Getting there By road...
From the South via M1: Leave the M1 at Exit 17 (M45). Follow the M45 to its end, then at the roundabout, follow the A45 (straight on). At the next junction (1 mile) turn left onto the B4453 signed Princethorpe. Follow this road for 3.3 miles until you come to the junction with the A423 Coventry-Banbury Road. At this junction go straight across on to the B4455 Fosse Way. Follow the B4455 for 5.1 miles passing through three crossroads to arrive at the exhibition centre.
From the North via M1: Leave the M1 at Exit 21 and take the M69/A46 right to its junction with the A45 and at this roundabout turn to the left taking the A45 signed London. After a few hundred yards take the slip road on the left marked A423 Banbury. Follow the A423 going straight across two roundabouts for approximately 3.7 miles to Princethorpe. At Princethorpe, turn right onto the B4455 Fosse Way for 5.1 miles passing through three crossroads to arrive at the exhibition centre.
From the North via M6: Leave the M6 at Exit 2 following Coventry signs, then at roundabout take the A46 signed Coventry (E&S) and Airport to its junction with the A45. At this roundabout turn to the left taking the A45 signed London. After a few hundred yards take the slip road on the left marked A423 Banbury. Follow the A423 going straight across two roundabouts for approximately 3.7 miles to Princethorpe. At Princethorpe, turn right onto the B4455 Fosse Way for 5.1 miles passing through three crossroads to arrive at the exhibition centre.
From M40 London/South: Leave M40 at Exit 12 turning left on the B4451 signed Gaydon/Kineton. After 0.5 miles turn right onto B4100 signed Lighthorne Heath. Follow B4100 for 3.8 miles and at the third roundabout turn right on to the B4455 signed Leicester (Fosse Way). Follow B4455 for 3.8 miles to arrive at the exhibition centre.
From M40 North/M42/M5: Leave M40 at Exit 14 signed Leamington following A452 approximately 0.75 miles to roundabout then take A452 (B4100) signed Stow/Gaydon (Note: not A452 LEAMINGTON). After 3.4 miles turn left at the roundabout onto the B4455 signed Leicester (Fosse Way). Follow B4455 for 3.8 miles to the next roundabout. Turn right onto the A425 and the main car park is on the left after approximately 200 yards.