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WEAF Annual Expo and Conference 2024 – ‘More with Less’
WEAF kicked of it’s annual expo and conference with an unforgettable networking meal at the lovely Eastwood Park Country House. The delegates took advantage of the opportunity to extend their stay, enjoying a pre-expo dinner and overnight accommodation.
This time allowed for networking opportunities and a special address by Aerospace Bristol’s Head of Collections, Amy Seadon. Her insightful presentation offered guests a captivating journey through the history of the Filton site, spanning from its pre-war era to the enduring legacy of the Pegasus engines and Concorde.
The following day, WEAF proudly presented the annual expo and conference using the ‘more with less’ theme, on March 6th at Renishaw in Wooten Under Edge, Gloucestershire. With a turnout of over 150 delegates and exhibitors, the event was designed to develop meaningful engagement among the attendees, to help increase their business potential, through interactive workshop sessions.
Throughout the day, participants delved into various topics, including SME funding streams, continuous development, and sustainable development strategies, to secure approval as suppliers within the supply chain, and cost-effective use of digital infrastructure for SMEs. The event concluded in a series of presentations by speakers, shedding light on market opportunities and advice to effectively take advantage of them.
Generous hosts, Renishaw offered tours of their incredible innovation centre, ensuring the delegates ended their day with an unforgettable experience.
In appreciation of the event, Colin Turner, CEO of WEAF, stated, “It was immensely satisfying to facilitate meaningful interactions between businesses, enabling them to gain knowledge from proven successful strategies and learn from each other’s experiences. As the leading network for the West of England Aerospace industry, we are committed to providing our members with the necessary support to thrive in their respective fields. Events like the expo and our cluster events, serve as invaluable platforms for listening to our members and adapting our programme of events, to support their changing needs. The positive feedback received on this year’s conference format is truly encouraging, and we are dedicated to building upon it in the coming year, offering content that helps our members to ‘do more with less.’
WEAF extends its sincere gratitude to Beagle Aircraft, Expromet Technology Group, and UK Export and Finance, for generously sponsoring this year’s expo and conference, and for Renishaw for allowing us to hold our event in such a top-notch venue.
Trade stands at the WEAF Expo
Conference at the WEAF Expo
Workshops at the WEAF Expo
Thank you for your wonderful feedback…
“This years’ WEAF Expo was excellent all round from the Pre-Expo Dinner to the engaging interactive workshops and the knowledgeable Panel experts. It was good to see some of the Primes in attendance too, making it a must-attend event for future. Well Done WEAF!”
“I’ve been attending WEAF conferences for a number of years, and have to say that this was the best to date. A brilliant venue, interesting exhibitors and an excellent line-up of speakers. “
“The WEAF conference provided insight into supply chain opportunities and challenges with a clarity not previously available”
“Well organised, informative and presented great networking opportunities. The venue was also very good. Thank you. “
“2nd WEAF Expo event we’ve attended as a company and the event just keeps improving. Great opportunity to network with regional partner companies and engage in productive dialogue around the opportunities we have but also look to resolve the challenges we all share.”
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