The International Composites Summit (ICS), co-organised by Composites UK and The Fluency Business Group (Fluency), hosted its second successful exhibition in London on 21st and 22nd September. The event, which focussed on reinventing the global supply chain for composites, welcomed insightful discussion from companies concentrating on worldwide opportunities for sales and growth.
The second iteration of ICS had a great start before opening its doors; compared to ICS 2021, 2022 attracted 60% more exhibitors wishing to showcase their companies. This was reflected in visitor numbers which were also up across the two days by 47% compared to last year.
The summit welcomed back supporting partners from across the globe, including representatives from the JEC Group and the European Composites Industry Association (EuCIA). The organisers extend their appreciation and gratitude to all of the supporting partners:
- ADS Group
- Assocompositi
- Composites Germany
- Composites in Manufacturing Magazine
- EuCIA
- Finnish Plastics Industries Federation
- Institution of Mechanical Engineers
- JEC Group
- M&MT Magazine
- Make UK
- Manufacturing Outlook
- Manufacturing Technologies Association
- Midlands Aerospace Alliance
- Motorsport Industry Association
- Northwest Aerospace Alliance
- Norwegian Circular Materials Technology – Polymer and Composites Cluster
- SAMPE
- Turkish Composites Summit
The free-to-attend forum sessions showed increased popularity with full seating and standing over the two-day period. Prominent speakers included McLaren Composites Technology Centre, Ford Motor Company, Network Rail, Atkins, Jacobs, Spirit AeroSystems, Vertical Aerospace, and FlyZero.
Claire Whysall, Marketing and Communications Manager at Composites UK said: “We are overwhelmed by the positive feedback we have received from exhibitors and attendees alike from ICS 2022. ICS was born from the request of our member companies and to be able to deliver this with Fluency gives us a huge sense of accomplishment. We’re strategising and looking at how we incorporate suggestions from participants so that we can make ICS bigger and better in 2023 – this is the industry’s show and we want to deliver those wants and needs.”
ICS 2023 is doubling in floorspace and moving from London to Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes which will allow companies to take larger stands to demonstrate their capabilities. The pod stands will remain as an accessible way for smaller companies to take part. The new venue brings with it easier access for both domestic and international visitors and space to expand on offerings away from the exhibition hall. There will be room to grow for years to come.
Gemma Smith, Managing Director at Fluency, added: “The enormous success we have been a part of at ICS 2022 just tells of the continuous need and desires for an exclusive UK based composites industry convention. As we plan ahead for an even bigger ICS in Milton Keynes next year, rebooking slots for exhibitors have already started going quickly. We cannot thank everyone enough for the efforts that have been made with making ICS a dream come true for the UK composites sector. We look forward to seeing everyone in 2023!”
The next ICS will take place on 6 – 7 September 2023 in Milton Keynes.
Visit the event website to contact the organisers for more details: